Zoning Reform Update 2017-12-29

Submitted by whitemice on Fri, 12/29/2017 - 06:56

PRELIMINARY CHANGES IS AVAILABLE HERE. This pertains to the following of the affordable housing commissions recommendations, and below each is a summary of the proposed changes.

  • #3 : Incentives for small scale development.

    • Reduces minimum dwelling width from 18 to 14 ft.
    • Create a category of parcels in LDR zoned districts where two-family units may be constructed by-right. This category includes corner parcels and parcels adjacent (100ft) to higher-density zoning.
    • Create a category of parcels in LDR zoned districts where quadplex units may be constructed by-right. This category includes parcels adjacent (100ft) to higher-density zoning.
    • Removes the minimum lot area requirement for multi-family residential.

  • #6 : Density Bonus

    • An "Affordable Housing Bonus" will be made available, distinct from LIHTC, for qualifying properties; those qualifications being:
      • Location within 300ft of a transit route.
      • Provides at least 20 units.
      • At least 30% of units are at or below 60% AMI.
      • At least 30% of units are at or below 80% AMI.

  • #8 : Allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (aka: ADUs) by right.

    • Allow ADUs by-right in all zone districts.
    • Remove the lot area requirement.
    • Increase the allowed accessory building height for the structure containing the ADU.
    • Increase the floor area ratio from 25% to 40% of the primary structure.
    • Remove bedroom and occupancy restrictions; other regulations continue to limit the number of unrelated individuals living in a unit to four.

  • #9 : Non-Condo zero lot like units (aka: rowhouses)

    • Allow attached units in LDR if they have 4 or less units and are adjacent (100ft) to higher density zoning.
    • Reduce the minimum dwelling unit width from 18 to 14 feet.
    • Remove the minimum lot width requirement.
    • Minimum lot size reduced to 1,500sq/ft in LDR, and reduced to 1,250sq/ft in MDR.

A public hearing for the amendments is scheduled for the Planning Commission’s meeting on January 25, 2018 at 1:00 pm. The planning commission meets at 1120 Monroe Ave NW. There will also be three community discussions around the proposed amendments:

  • West Grand: January 8th, 2018. 415 Leonard St NW, 2:00pm - 4:00pm. This location is served by RAPID#7.
  • Da Blodgett: January 9th, 2018. 805 Leonard St NE, 9:00am - 11:00am. This location is served by RAPID#15.
  • Alger Heights: January 10th, 2018. 921 Alger St NE, 5:00pm - 7:00pm. This location is served by RAPID#4.

PLEASE SHOW UP! Make your voice heard. Invite your neighbors. If you are unable to attend a meeting - or even if you are - reach out to your city commissioner to express your support for these reforms. Contact the Planning Commision with any questions or concerns.