Debate intensifies over minimum home sizes in R3 zones

In a recent government meeting, officials engaged in a detailed discussion regarding zoning regulations for residential properties, particularly focusing on the R3 zone, which allows for higher density housing such as apartments and condos. A key point of contention was whether to establish a minimum size requirement for single-family dwellings in this zone.

Currently, the R3 zoning does not specify a minimum building size, which has led to the approval of smaller homes in recent years. Some officials expressed concern about maintaining flexibility in housing options, suggesting that imposing a minimum size could limit development opportunities. Others argued for a standard minimum size of 1,000 square feet, consistent with regulations in the R1 zone, to ensure a certain quality and character of residential buildings.

The discussion also touched on the Planned Unit Development (PUD) code, which does set minimum sizes for units—750 square feet in R2 zones and 850 square feet in R3 zones. Officials debated whether to align the R3 regulations with the PUD standards or to allow for more variability in unit sizes to accommodate diverse housing needs.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the regulations surrounding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), specifically the 50% rule that limits the size of an ADU to half the footprint of the primary dwelling. This rule aims to prevent the construction of oversized ADUs that could overshadow the main residence.

As the meeting concluded, officials agreed to revisit the topic in future discussions, with plans to draft potential language for the zoning code that could clarify these regulations. The outcome of these deliberations could significantly impact housing development and density in the community.