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Council advances multifamily zoning updates, eases reviews for small apartment projects
Summary
On first reading, the council approved amendments to MR2 and MR3 zoning rules to encourage ‘missing middle’ housing, allow administrative approval for smaller multifamily projects, adjust EV-charging and exterior material rules, and retain a variance process for other items. The first reading passed 4–1.
The Richfield City Council approved on first reading Aug. 26 a package of zoning ordinance amendments aimed at facilitating small-scale multifamily development in MR2 and MR3 districts, an effort the city said is intended to support “missing middle” housing such as triplexes, quadplexes and small apartment buildings.
Council members said the updates—drafted after an eight-month process with city planning staff and consultant TC2—are designed to align zoning with the city’s 2040 comprehensive plan, streamline review and approval for smaller projects, and test real-world feasibility on standard parcel sizes. The package includes seven related ordinances; council members amended the draft to keep a proposed change to central air-conditioner side-yard placement from becoming easier to permit.
Under the amendments advanced on first reading,…
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