In a recent government meeting, officials discussed proposed changes to zoning regulations in the urban core overlay district, which has sparked significant community concern regarding potential increases in residential density. The proposal aims to revert certain lot standards to align with previous regulations, specifically eliminating the minimum lot area of 3,500 square feet and the minimum lot width of 25 feet, returning to the 50-foot lot requirement typical of R1 and R2 zoning districts.

City staff noted that the motivation behind this change stems from resident feedback expressing worries about density and its impact on the neighborhood. They reported that most vacant lots in the overlay district are already compliant with the larger lot sizes, with few exceptions currently under development.

During the meeting, resident Joe Horn voiced his opposition to the urban core overlay itself, arguing that it promotes higher density housing in single-family neighborhoods, which he believes is inequitable. He emphasized that if the regulations are suitable for one neighborhood, they should apply uniformly across the city. Horn raised concerns about the potential for multi-family residences to disrupt the character of his neighborhood, highlighting a recent development of a fourplex adjacent to his home.

City officials clarified that while the urban core overlay allows for design guidelines on single-family homes, the R2 zoning category permits medium-density housing throughout the city, not just within the overlay. They acknowledged the challenges of maintaining neighborhood character amidst these zoning changes, particularly in areas experiencing rapid development.

The discussion reflects ongoing tensions between urban development and community preservation, as residents seek to balance growth with the integrity of their neighborhoods. The meeting concluded with officials inviting further public input on the proposed zoning adjustments.