To ease what city Building Official Lance Carlson called a “roadblock for development,” the Lampasas City Council last week reduced retail property setback requirements and voted to allow the expansion of certain residential structures in nonresidential zoning districts.

The council voted 5-1 to reduce the minimum rear yard requirement from 25 feet to 15 feet. The council also reduced the requirement for side yards adjacent to streets or public rights of way from 25 feet to 15 feet.

In addition, the amended ordinance requires a 10-foot side yard on a retail property adjacent to existing residential uses or vacant property zoned for residential use.

Mayor Pro Tem Les Gerhardt and council members Jerry Grayson, T.J. Monroe, Brad Neely and Evan Stubbs voted for the zoning ordinance amendment. Mayor Judy Hetherly abstained, and Councilman John Cole voted ‘no,’ saying he wanted a 15-foot side yard requirement for retail properties adjacent to residences.

“I’m trying to put myself in the position of somebody who’s living in that house and having something built 10 feet from the property line,” Cole said. “I’m using personal experience, because I’ve had it done to me, and I don’t think it’s a good position to be in.”

Because many lots in retail zones are narrow, Carlson said, it was “extremely hard” to build anything on retail lots while meeting the old setback standards.

In addition, the City Council voted 5-1, with Ms. Hetherly abstaining and Cole voting in opposition, to allow legally nonconforming residential structures to be enlarged by no more than 50 percent, compared to the building area at the time the structure became a legally nonconforming use.

Legally nonconforming residential properties are those that already were being used for residential purposes before they were included in non-residential zoning districts.

A minimum side yard setback of 10 feet is required for legally nonconforming residential properties that are expanded.

In other business, the council:

• unanimously approved a noise ordinance variance for a Boys and Girls Club fund-raising concert to be held June 27 at Badger Stadium. From 1-7 p.m. on the day of the event, the noise level may not exceed 125 decibels at a point 200 feet from music speakers.

• awarded a bid of $29,110 to Lansford Construction for drainage improvements in an easement just east of Howe Street from Fourth Street to Sixth Street.

• approved the purchase of $5,655 in materials from American Fence and Supply in Georgetown. The supplies will be used at the Turner Complex and W.M. Brook Park playgrounds, and at the Turner Complex Tball field.

• approved a budget amendment that will allow for use of a $50,000 Department of Homeland Security grant. Grant funds will be used for emergency response communication equipment, a secure building for radio repeaters and other equipment, and for hazardous material suits.

• voted to close the Lampasas Public Library July 3 in observance of Independence Day weekend.

• approved the appointment of Dan Claussen as an ex-officio member of the Lampasas Economic Development Corp. board.

Also at the recent meeting, City Manager Michael Stoldt noted that city water is safe to consume despite recent discoloration in some parts of Lampasas. Chlorine samples have been taken three to four times a day, Stoldt said. The city’s water system consistently has met state standards for chlorine levels, the city manager added.

Customers who notice water color problems should call City Hall at 556-6831, Stoldt said.