Minimum Building Setbacks in Savannah
The path to urbanism begins with municipal land use design and zoning ordinances. Reduced front building setbacks play a critical role in creating a walkable community. Minimum building setbacks are also a common element that all vibrant urban districts enjoy, regardless of city size, landscape, culture or history. Our vibrant neighbor to the north is filled with examples of new construction which incorporates minimum building setbacks.
A Few Benefits of Minimum Building Setbacks:
1. Buildings define the public space.
2. Buildings are easily accessible by car or foot.
3. Reduces the amount of land used, which reduces public infrastructure costs.
4. Dense building connectivity makes public transportation an option.
5. A compact mix of buildings can combine to create a unique physical urban atmosphere.
Photo article by Ennis Davis
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Abhishek
August 22, 2008, 08:36:27 AMunless you live car free, such an environment dictates some sort of a parking garrage which will cost the residents money to use. I saw this in Washington DC and it was very walkable. Parking was minimal and there was some need to drive around if the one spot in front of the building was taken. But we didnt use the car much at all, so it didnt matter. The Malcom X park and the Metro station were within walkable distance, so was Target, Whole Foods and Safeway.
Joe
August 22, 2008, 09:14:45 AMI have a question about the terminology.
Aren't these kinds of zero-lot-line developments usually governed by "maximum" setback rules? In other words, the zoning prescribed the maximum setback they are allowed to have, rather than the minimum setback they have to have?
Or are the terms interchangeable?
tufsu1
August 22, 2008, 09:26:48 AMAren't these kinds of zero-lot-line developments usually governed by "maximum" setback rules? In other words, the zoning prescribed the maximum setback they are allowed to have, rather than the minimum setback they have to have?
Or are the terms interchangeable?
generally, you are correct....places like Savannah often limit the setbacks and use the term maximum setback...other places keep the term minimum setback and allow you to go to zero
thelakelander
August 22, 2008, 05:35:27 PMThis is true when density levels reach a certain point. However, in our case, it would be moving parking lots from the front to the back of the buildings. This is proving to be quite successful in sunbelt cities like Norfolk, Charlotte and Atlanta.
thelakelander
August 22, 2008, 05:38:09 PMAren't these kinds of zero-lot-line developments usually governed by "maximum" setback rules? In other words, the zoning prescribed the maximum setback they are allowed to have, rather than the minimum setback they have to have?
Or are the terms interchangeable?
Yes, the Springfield Overlay is a good example of this. If you build on land classified as CCG-S, there are maximum setbacks that your project will have to fall within. This way, its impossible to get a surface parking lot between the building and the sidewalk without having to apply for a PUD or variance.
nicktooch
August 23, 2008, 08:29:22 AMi love how the hotel are just part of the building, no extra facade, no outparcel suburban look like jax. i hate to admit it sometimes, but when we do these looks at other cities it gets me excited about moving... living anywhere but here lol.