Developers urge zoning changes to speed housing: eliminate minimum lot area, reduce setbacks, allow taller small‑scale buildings

Nathan Biller, a small infill developer, told the commission the city needs zoning text changes to permit smaller, more affordable housing units and increase housing production. “Our housing assessment shows a need of 7.7 new units per day to meet the GR demand, but we average only 1.1,” Biller said, arguing zoning prevents builders from delivering the smaller units households need.

Biller outlined four specific changes he said would enable more housing: eliminate the minimum lot area requirement; reduce setbacks; remove green‑space requirements; and increase permitted story height from two‑and‑a‑half stories to three‑and‑a‑half stories. He said a density rule requiring 2,000 square feet of lot area per unit effectively limits many 5,000‑square‑foot lots to two units even where four‑ or six‑unit buildings would better meet demand.

Tyler Johnson, a developer who owns rental property in Grand Rapids, submitted similar concerns and cited a specific parcel at 708 Eleventh where setback and green‑space rules make feasible redevelopment impractical, despite adjoining underused parking lots. Both speakers asked the commission to request the planning commission consider specific zoning amendments and to add the item to a future agenda for formal consideration.

Commissioners and staff referenced ongoing work on zoning and implementation of the community master plan across committee meetings; several commissioners encouraged interested residents and developers to review committee materials and to participate in upcoming public engagement sessions.