I am actively looking for a home in Northfield, so I am interested in this building area ratio topic. Even though I had to pass on a great house because it already exceeded the 30% ratio and wouldn't allow for the addition of another garage stall, I oppose changing the ratio from 30% to 50%. Although there may be unique situations with small lots, those should be handled with variances if appropriate. I fear that changing the ratio rule would lead to buyers and/or homeowners razing houses and building a home as large as the ratio allows. This would change the look and character of neighborhoods. Northfield has a unique small-town historical charm that should be preserved. I believe that, at one time, Minneapolis placed a moratorium on the razing of existing homes and the building of "McMansions" while they studied the effects. Also, I’m concerned about the additional trees that would have to be cut down to build houses that take up more of the lot. Jill Davenport
I am actively looking for a home in Northfield, so I am interested in this building area ratio topic. Even though I had to pass on a great house because it already exceeded the 30% ratio and wouldn't allow for the addition of another garage stall, I oppose changing the ratio from 30% to 50%. Although there may be unique situations with small lots, those should be handled with variances if appropriate. I fear that changing the ratio rule would lead to buyers and/or homeowners razing houses and building a home as large as the ratio allows. This would change the look and character of neighborhoods. Northfield has a unique small-town historical charm that should be preserved. I believe that, at one time, Minneapolis placed a moratorium on the razing of existing homes and the building of "McMansions" while they studied the effects. Also, I’m concerned about the additional trees that would have to be cut down to build houses that take up more of the lot. Jill Davenport