Cornell City Council; Zero setbacks approved, to help with housing

Jodi Rosseter, City of Cornell deputy clerk/treasurer, was all in favor of zero setbacks and shared fences for twin homes. The ordinance to allow that was passed July 6. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

Twin homes are now allowed in Cornell, as passed July 6, by the Cornell City Council. After approving Ordinance 233, which was drafted by the city attorney and tweaked by the Planning Commission, council members welcomed the new housing option to the city.

Twin homes are essentially a duplex dwelling, but with a big difference. The zero setback of wall space is waived.

“The unique thing about that…before, they were owned individuals…so, this way, they can have a shared wall,” said city administrator Dave DeJongh. “This would allow two individual owners to own each side of the duplex.”

“Usually, it’s got to be so far from the line,” said council member Floyd Hickethier.

Hickethier also asked if the setback of the shared wall applies to a possible fence and DeJongh said it could extend from the shared wall of the dwelling. DeJongh also mentioned that the owners can sell their individual side, if they wish.

“I think that’s a good idea,” said council member Bill Kvapil.

Steve Turany, council president, mentioned that it makes it easier for a first-time homeowner to make the purchase. DeJongh says an owner who is renting the twin homes out can sell it or, vice-versa, those who want to sell, can rent out instead, if they choose.

“This creates flexibility,” he said. Members also authorized DeJongh, mayor Mark Larson and the deputy clerk/treasurer, to go complete the sale of an offer to purchase Lots 4 and 5 of the Brunet Estates, for $11,600 and $10,952, respectively. The city has also received earnest money of $1,000 on each lot, from Poirer Construction LLC.

There was good news for the coffers, as, beginning July of next year, a penny of sales tax will go into a segregated local government fund, to help out local municipalities.

“They’re saying we’ll see a 20 percent increase ($100,000),” said DeJongh.

It was also reported that the Riverfront trail project along Mill Yard Park, is ready to begin and will be complete at the end of August.

“Looks like they’re coming in next week (July 10), to get started,” said DeJongh.