Madeira homeowners could see new rules on storage pods, setbacks and parking screening if the Planning Commission advances a package of zoning code amendments at its Monday, Aug. 17 meeting.
The commission will hold two public hearings starting at 7 p.m. that night: one on a lot split/consolidation request at 6588 Kenwood Road, and another on eight proposed text amendments that touch residential and commercial properties citywide.
Both hearings are open to the public in person and virtually. The meeting link is posted on the city's website calendar at madeiracity.com.
What the proposed changes would do
The amendments were first introduced at the commission's June 15 meeting and cover several areas:
Storage pods: A new section would formally define and regulate PODS-style portable containers for the first time. Units would be limited to 60 consecutive days on a property, with one 30-day extension available from the City Manager for active construction, property damage restoration or relocation delays. Residential lots would be limited to one unit at a time. Containers must sit on a paved driveway or improved surface and cannot block fire hydrants, utility equipment or emergency access.
Setbacks: The proposed update to Table 150-3 would separate window wells from chimneys and bay windows, giving window wells their own category with a maximum projection of 3 feet into a setback, up from the current 2-foot limit.
Parking screening: The current code requires a six-foot fence or wall to screen off-street parking within 100 feet of a residential district "or across the street from" one. The amendment would drop the "across the street" trigger, narrowing the screening requirement to only those parking areas physically within 100 feet.
T District impervious surface: Fixed percentage caps (70% for T Districts 1 and 2, 60% for T District 3) would be replaced with a "no-net-increase" standard. Any redevelopment or site modification could not add more impervious surface than what lawfully existed at the time of application.
Lot regulations: A clarification that the existing rule limiting lot depth to no more than three times the lot width applies only to lots created after the ordinance takes effect. Existing lots that exceed the ratio would be deemed legal nonconforming.
Lot split at 6588 Kenwood Road
The first hearing covers Case #26-026, filed by applicant Josh Greenwood. The listed owners are Greenwood and Charter Hill HOA. The agenda describes the request as a "lot split/consolidation," but no staff report detailing the parcel configuration or the HOA's specific role was available as of the agenda's Aug. 5 publication date.
Who votes and what happens next
The commission is chaired by Chris Hilberg. It may vote on both items that night or table either request for more information. If the commission recommends approval of the text amendments, the changes would advance to Madeira City Council for adoption as an ordinance.
The amendments are part of a broader effort to update Madeira's zoning code. City Council approved a prior package covering corner lot setbacks and accessory structure replacement as Ordinance 25-09 in July 2025.
The Monday, Aug. 17 meeting begins at 7 p.m. Residents can attend in person or join virtually through the link posted on the city's website calendar.
