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Public Hearing Comments and Proposed Revisions n <br />The proposal was presented for public hearing on May 29, 1990. There <br />were no oral comments, however, one letter was received by the <br />Planning Department, and entered into the public record. The letter <br />expressed overall support.of the amendment but suggested that a maximum <br />of 800 square feet be allowed for all efficiency apartments to <br />accommodate the handicapped. The Planning Board recommended approval <br />of the amendment with the suggested change. <br />A representative of the Department of Insurance indicated to Planning <br />Staff that an area of 750 to.800 square feet was necessary for a <br />handicapped person to live comfortably. However, there are no specific <br />area standards required for residential handicapped units. Planning <br />Staff supports the proposed change to allow a maximum size of 800 <br />square feet for all efficiency apartments, regardless of the size of <br />the principal structure. <br />Another issue identified by the Planning Department involves the <br />upgrading of private roads. The number of efficiency apartments may <br />increase due to the relaxation of restrictions. To account for the <br />traffic impacts of additional dwelling units, it is proposed that <br />efficiency apartments be considered in determining the appropriate <br />classification for a private road. This issue will be addressed in an <br />amendment to the Private Road Standards recommended for public hearing <br />in August, 1990. . <br />EXISTING ORDINANCE PROVISIONS: <br />Efficiency Apartment - An additional dwelling unit within a single <br />family residence that meets the following.criteria: <br />1. The efficiency unit contains no more than 25% of the <br />gross floor area of the total dwelling. <br />2. The lot meets the minimum lot size requirements of the <br />zoning district in which it is located. <br />PROPOSED AMENDMENT: <br />Efficiency A artment - An additional dwelling unit accessory to a <br />single family residence that meets the following criteria: <br />1. The efficiency unit contains no more than 800 square feet of <br />gross floor area. <br />2. The lot meets the minimum lot size requirements of the <br />zoning district in which it is located. <br />3. The efficiency unit complies with the N.C. Residential <br />Building Code including minimum light /ventilation and room sizes. <br />4. The efficiency unit is accessory to the principal <br />dwelling unit and may be attached or detached. <br />5. The efficiency unit is provided with an approved water <br />supply and sanitary facilities. <br />