Gainesville Neighborhood Voices to hold meeting on proposal to change setback and lot size requirements

Press release from Gainesville Neighborhood Voices

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Gainesville Neighborhood Voices is holding a meeting to discuss a proposed zoning change to reduce setbacks and minimum lot sizes for lots in certain residential zones.

Topic of Meeting:  Various topics but focusing initially on a proposal to be made Aug 17 to the City Commission to reduce setbacks and lot sizes for property in neighborhoods zoned RSF-4.

Background on Topic: Andrew Coffey, a local builder, is proposing a zoning change for lots in RSF-4 to reduce setbacks and minimum lot sizes. RSF-4 is the smallest of Gainesville’s residential zones but nonetheless includes 787 lots, many with existing residences. The zone includes Springhill, where Mr. Coffey has some lots, but also includes many small groups of lots across Gainesville. Many of the smaller areas are platted subdivisions where the proposed change will not have an impact. Mr. Coffey volunteered to attend a GNVoices-organized meeting to discuss his proposal and hear feedback from residents of RSF-4.

Results of Reach-Out: GNVoices quickly arranged to have 850 postcards mailed to the addresses of every lot owner in RSF-4 and to the resident/occupant at the lot address in cases where the property address and owner address were different. There have been few responses, so there may only be a few RSF-4 residents present. If so, as time allows, we will invite discussion on other topics around affordable housing, quality of neighborhood life, zoning, variances, and city outreach and communication.

Please Join Us: We invite you to join this community meeting to learn and share your input on this proposal.

Where: Downtown Main Alachua County Library, 4th Floor, Elevators provided
401 E University Avenue, Gainesville

When: Tuesday, August 8, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. meeting, with 4:30 – 5:00 for meeting & greeting

Host: Gainesville Neighborhood Voices

Refreshments: Pizza, fruit, veggies, cookies, beverages

Parking: Ample in and near the Library parking lot

Your Timely Reply: Please RSVP or request information by email to  gnv.voices@gmail.comWe hope to hear from you!

  • In this case, “setback” is the distance required between a house and the property line.

    Lot size is self-explanatory.

    So basically the ability to build more houses on the same amount of land, located closer together.

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