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Council hears update on development-code changes, including new Simple Living District for smaller-footprint housing
Summary
Staff summarized long-running revisions to zoning districts that were adopted in October 2024 and described a new Simple Living District intended to permit manufactured homes, RV parks, tiny homes and similar small-footprint housing types.
City staff reported to the City Council on the status and early effects of amended zoning districts in the updated development code and introduced the Simple Living District, a zoning tool aimed at expanding smaller-footprint housing options.
The item matters because code changes affect what uses are allowed across the city and create new options intended to lower land costs and support affordable housing through smaller-lot development standards.
Mr. Bile delivered the update on the zoning-district changes. "The updated zoning districts and updates to the development code was a long process... We were proposing 11 zoning districts and that was paired back to 8 zoning districts. And I'm happy to say... thank you, council, for adopting that back in October, of 2024," he said, adding the changes have been in place about four months and are "working very well." He said the narrower set of districts helps staff guide property buyers to appropriate areas and that some uses would no longer be allowed in certain districts.
On affordable housing, staff described a newly created Simple Living District intended to allow manufactured homes, manufactured-home parks, RV parks, tiny-home lots, tiny homes and cottage courts. The presentation framed the district as a tool to reduce land requirements and thereby lower development cost: "If you can reduce the land size, you can reduce the cost and... build towards that affordability," Mr. Bile said.
No ordinance number or formal vote details were presented in the meeting transcript; staff characterized the item as an informational update about implementation and next steps. Council members asked clarifying questions and expressed general support for having more planning tools.
The city will continue implementing the amended development code and monitor how the Simple Living District performs; staff signaled they will return with additional details as projects or requests arise.
