Fulton City Council members this week voted down an ordinance that would have changed house sizes in relation to lot sizes.
The ordinance would have amended language in the city's density regulations rules. The idea of strengthening these rules was brought up last year after a so-called "tiny house" was built on the south side of Fulton.
Council member Jeff Stone said he voted against the language as it set footprint minimums on a lot, depending on square footage of the lot. He thought it should take into consideration the home's square footage, as in this proposed change it would have addressed only foundation size.
"It still says 'cover,'" Stone said of the proposed ordinance amendment. "I think that puts a burden on the homeowner to cover that square footage. I think that's the wrong way (to word it)."
The ordinance proposed a minimum 400-square-foot home footprint on a lot smaller than 7,000 square feet. For example, the proposed ordinance would have outlawed a 400-square-foot, two-story home that perhaps had 200 square feet of foundation with 200 square feet on the second level.
"A smaller footprint creates a smaller foundation," Stone said. "That's adding to the cost of the homeowner."
The vote to approve the amendment was tied 4-4 and therefore did not pass, city Clerk Courtney Crowson said.