Expanding Housing Options zoning text amendment

Every hearing and vote

1. February 17, 2026 · City Council work session

   Expanding Housing Options zoning text amendment update

   Discussed

   Staff presented a council-initiated proposal to create a Small Lot Dwelling land use in the R-1, R-2 and SR1-A districts and modify flag lot standards, citing affordability, walkability and water conservation. Members raised concerns about investors using it for profit without improving affordability, its timing alongside flag lot changes, the 50%-of-lot dwelling limit, and setbacks for nonconforming properties. Council Member Puy asked for deeper analysis of setbacks; Council Members Wharton and Puy asked for creative ways to reach residents.

2. September 8, 2026 · City Council work session

   Briefing: Expanding Housing Options zoning text amendment

   Discussed

   Planning staff updated the Council on a Council-initiated zoning text amendment that would set small-lot dwelling standards, change base zoning and flag lot rules in affected residential zones, with a 1,200-square-foot dwelling size and 2,000-square-foot lot size cited. Council Members discussed the square-footage limits, concerns that the proposal could undercut affordable housing incentives or accessory dwelling unit policy or contribute to displacement, setback, height and privacy impacts (especially in the Avenues), and possible changes on rear-yard setbacks, alley-access lots, internal conversions, lot coverage and porch encroachments. Members requested a resident mailer after the Planning Commission recommendation (Wharton), plain-language outreach with a QR code survey (Petro), visual materials correcting misunderstandings (Young), a cost estimate for the mailer (Puy) and a list of housing barriers outside city authority for state legislative priorities (Young). A straw poll to mail all addresses in affected zones and add targeted digital advertising had all Council Members present in favor.