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Session 1902 December 1,2003 are allowed as long as they agree with the prevailing standard of the neighborhood. He questioned what "agree with the prevailing standards of the neighborhood" actually means, pointing out that in actuality the entire neighborhood is not considered. The ten nearest lots are observed, and the standard is the majority of those nearest ten lots, resulting in a "localized look" and not considering a whole block or neighborhood. It is not "a fatal flaw" but it is a restrictive definition. It cannot be expected that a property fits in the entire neighborhood; it is a matter of looking at the nearest neighbors. Ms. Welsch asked for confirmation from Mr. Ollendorff that if this measure is passed, that any new building plans will need to be brought before the Council for approval. Her understanding is that additions can be made to existing buildings by the Board of Adjustment, but new buildings and their plot lines are not necessarily seen by the Council, for example the one located at North and South and Gannon Avenue When, she asked, will the Council see plans for a new building? Mr. Ollendorff then explained that Council would see plans under certain circumstances only: 1) if re-zoning is required, and 2) if sub-dividing of property is required. This measure before Council is typically applied to one existing home or a new home on one existing lot; the lot is not being changed, sub-divided or re-zoned, so there is no reason Council should see the plans. Ms. Welsch then asked if neighbors had concerns about plans where they could voice their concerns. Mr. Ollendorff responded that they would not have an opportunity to do so under this provision; only if review was required by City Council or Board of Adjustment or Plan Commission would neighbors be notified. Henceforward, when a building permit is sought for an addition to a home or for a new home, and if the lot is too small, then if the plan "agreed with the prevailing standards of the neighborhood", the Zoning Administrator could approve it. Ms. Welsch then reported she has received comments from citizens in Ward Two about a proposed building at Center and Delmar Boulevard, and that concerned neighbors attended a Plan Commission meeting. She assumed the Council would see plans that moved through the Planning Commission, and was reassured by Mayor Adams that her assumption is true. Mr. Wagner affirmed the point made by Ms. Welsch, stating that the proposed change in the ordinance would do away with public disclosure or the opportunity for neighbors to become informed about proposed changes, which he sees as a drastic change. Mayor Adams then advised Mr. Wagner that if a building meets all required standards, the City Council does not view plans. He then alluded to the vast number of building permits City Council would be required to review if this were the case. Mr. Wagner countered that his point was not to require all plans to come before the City Council, but that he understood that previously when a change appeared before the Board of Adjustment, the neighbors would be notified and could attend a public meeting. Mayor Adams responded that the change would eliminate an extra step and that it was an added expense. Mr. Wagner then reiterated that the extra step was to give neighbors a change to respond to proposed changes and asked what the expense was. Mayor Page 3