Housing NOW! Recommendations

On November 27, 2018, the City Commission had an extensive discussion about the proposed Housing NOW! Zoning Ordinance text amendments and indicated preferences for items that could be immediately adopted, that need work and discussion, or that should be part of the Master Plan process.

On December 18, 2019, the City Commission adopted an ordinance that put into effect certain elements of Recommendations #3 and #8, and all recommendations of #9.

Recommendations identified as needing more work are tentatively scheduled for City Commission discussion on February 12, 2019.

HAC Recommendation 3

Incentives for Small Scale Development

The HAC recommended the City develop incentives for small scale residential development. Small scale development is also referred to as “missing middle” housing consisting of multi-unit housing types such as duplexes, fourplexes, bungalow courts and mansion apartments that are not bigger than a large house.

Phase	I. Adopted 12/18/18	II. More Work	III. Master Plan
Recommendation #3 Small Scale Development
Eliminate lot area requirement of 20,000 sq ft	X
Reduce minimum dwelling unit width from 18’ to 14’	X
Two-family dwellings with administrative approval on corner lots – Increase bonus percentage reduction for lot area for affordable and accessible units, amend for doorways on each street, consider parking		X
Multiple-family with administrative approval within 100’ or 500’ of mixed-use commercial zone district			X

HAC Recommendation 6

Density Bonus for the Development of Affordable Housing

The HAC recommended the City consider a zoning text amendment that would modify or add to existing residential density bonuses so to incentivize residential developments with units priced at or below a determined Area Median Income (AMI).

Phase

Advance

II.

More Work

III.

Master Plan

Recommendation #6 Density Bonus for Affordable Housing

Affordable housing density bonus – Consider step-backs if building heights are allowed to increase, work with affordable housing developers and housing advocates; consider what is affordable for the people living in the neighborhood (not just AMI)

HAC Recommendation 8

Permit Accessory Dwelling Units By-Right

The HAC recommended the City consider a zoning text amendment that would allow for the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) with administrative approval within residential zone districts.

Phase	I. Adopted 12/18/18	II. More Work	III. Master Plan
Recommendation #8 Accessory Dwelling Units
Eliminate lot area requirement of 5,000 sq ft	X
Increase building height for accessory structures with an ADU and allow 2-story garages	X
Increase floor area ratio from 25% to 40% between primary structure and ADU	X
Permit with administrative approval – provide a plan that describes how neighbors would be noticed (including the design/proposal in the notification) and the administrative process that would allow objections to be advanced to the Planning Commission, provide examples of building templates and collect neighborhood input on them		X
Eliminate maximum occupancy (2 persons) and number of bedrooms (2 rooms)		X

HAC Recommendation 9

Modify Requirements for Non-Condo Zero Lot Line Units

The HAC recommended the City consider a zoning text amendment that would modify attached single-family residential dwelling unit requirements to encourage this type of development pattern within the City’s residential zone districts.

Phase	I. Adopted 12/18/18	II. More Work	III. Master Plan
Recommendation #9 Non-Condo Zero Lot Line
Reduce minimum dwelling unit width from 18’ to 14’	X
Eliminate lot width and lot area requirements – see below	X
Permit up to 4 or 8 attached dwellings with administrative approval within 100’ or 500’ of mixed-use commercial zone district – allow on vacant lots with alley access; this will serve as a pilot for a larger conversation in the Master Plan process; design guidelines and neighborhood input should continue to be a focus	X