The McMinnville City Council held a regular meeting on September 9, 2025, focusing on housing development and zoning regulations. The discussions centered around enhancing housing efficiency and increasing the variety of housing types available in the city.

The meeting began with an analysis of the city's current housing policies, highlighting that McMinnville has already implemented measures to promote diverse housing options, including middle housing, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and apartments. The council noted that while lower density zones are nearing their maximum permitted development, higher density zones, such as R4 and office residential areas, are not achieving similar levels of development. This discrepancy prompted discussions on potential code adjustments to encourage higher density housing.

Key points included the need to reassess parking minimums, particularly for multifamily developments, which currently require 1.5 to 2 spaces per unit. The council considered lowering this requirement to align with middle housing standards, which mandate only one space per unit. This change aims to provide developers with more flexibility in meeting parking needs based on specific site demands.

Another significant topic was the plan development process, which currently does not allow for density bonuses. The council discussed the possibility of introducing such bonuses to incentivize developers to create a mix of housing types and community amenities. This could involve reducing minimum lot sizes in exchange for additional community features, thereby fostering a more integrated neighborhood design.

The council also addressed the need for housekeeping amendments to the zoning code, particularly regarding the maximum density in the R4 zone and ensuring parity with the R5 zone, which is planned for future development. Adjustments to setbacks and height standards in higher density zones were also considered to facilitate more efficient use of space.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to improving housing availability and livability through thoughtful zoning adjustments and community engagement. The council plans to gather further input on proposed changes and explore additional strategies to enhance housing development in McMinnville.