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6 <br /> requirement for existing lots in the University Lake Watershed). Impervious <br /> surface limits would increase by .15% for each .20-acre decrease in lot size <br /> below 6.0 acres (see table below). It is proposed that the revised scale apply to <br /> all existing lots, (including those in ULW) and to new lots in all watersheds <br /> except ULW. (New lots in ULW would continue to meet a project-wide limit of <br /> 6%, with that allotment distributed equitably among the individual lots.) <br /> The revised scale would allow less impervious surface than the existing sliding <br /> scale. The greatest change would occur in 1.0-acre lots, which would decrease <br /> from 14% to 12% impervious surface. As the lot size approaches five acres, the <br /> differences diminish. For lots sizes between five and six acres, the impervious <br /> surface ratios of the revised scale range from .15% to .50% less than the current <br /> scale. <br /> Currently, gravel roads and driveways are not treated as impervious surface <br /> (except in the University Lake Watershed). The State mandate requires that <br /> gravel be considered an impervious surface. The inclusion of gravel roads and <br /> driveways in impervious surface calculations can have a significant effect on lot <br /> development, particularly for two-acre lots which have previously been subject <br /> to a six percent limit. Reasonable development can occur on a one-acre lot with <br /> a 12% impervious surface limit. For example: a one-acre lot, with 150 feet of <br /> road frontage, could be served by a 20' wide public or private road, with the <br /> house site roughly in the center of the property and, have about 2400 square feet <br /> of impervious surface to allot to structures. The same configuration on a two- <br /> acre lot would allow only about 1100 square feet of impervious surface to allot <br /> to structures. In addition to the smaller amount of impervious surface available <br /> after accounting for roads and driveways, there could be added hardships in that <br /> larger house sizes and more outbuildings may be desired on the larger lot. <br /> To determine the impact of lowering the sliding scale, the Planning Staff <br /> reviewed all building permits issued for single-family homes during the last <br /> quarter (July - September). Below is a summary of these construction trends. <br /> Total Permits Issued 42 <br /> One-Story Dwellings 16 (38%) <br /> Average Floor Area (square 2,504 <br /> feet) <br /> Average Lot Size (Acres) 6.1 <br /> Two-Story Dwellings 26 (62%) <br /> Average Floor Area (square 3,002 <br /> feet) <br /> Average Lot Size (Acres) 3.9 <br /> 3 <br />