During a recent government meeting, officials reviewed a cottage housing proposal submitted by Max Ivenkopf for his property located at the intersection of Houston and Walker Streets. This proposal marks a continuation of Ivenkopf's earlier application for cottage housing, which was deemed incomplete approximately a year and a half ago.

The current proposal includes a zoning text amendment and presents several concepts for the development of the property, which spans 0.7 acres and is situated in a general residential zoning district (R1). The initial concept discussed involves the construction of ten units, accompanied by 15 parking spaces, arranged around a common open area. Notably, this design features parking primarily off to the side, with some parallel parking along Walker Street, a configuration not previously seen in similar proposals.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of distinguishing between traditional tiny homes and the cottage housing concept being proposed. Officials clarified that the cottage homes must be permanently affixed to a foundation, contrasting with the mobile tiny homes often depicted in media.

Further discussions included the architectural footprint of the proposed units, which is projected to be 18 feet wide by 30 feet deep, incorporating loft areas for additional living space. The design aims to address storage challenges commonly faced in smaller living environments, emphasizing the need for efficient use of space.

As the proposal progresses, city officials will need to consider various factors, including the arrangement of common spaces and the overall vision for the cottage community. The meeting concluded with a call for further exploration of the proposal's details, including potential construction costs and site-specific challenges, such as the presence of bedrock.