The Moline City Council voted on Aug. 5 to advance to a city‑council public hearing an ordinance that would revise R‑2 (single‑family residence) zoning to allow development on lots smaller than 6,000 square feet. The motion to advance the measure to the next council agenda was made by Alderman Timmyan and seconded by Alderman Finch and passed by voice vote.

Supporters said the change is intended to unlock infill development on existing substandard lots. Alderman Timmyan said the proposal recognizes that “30% of the lots within the city of Moline are under 6,000 square feet” and that the ordinance “removes a lot of the barriers in the way for developing on these lots.” Alderman McNeil, a cosponsor, said the measure advances “equity and efficiency” by making it easier to build more housing choices.

The ordinance would change bulk standards for R‑2 lots under 6,000 square feet, including setbacks, lot coverage and parking; the bill text reduces required parking for such lots from two spaces to one. Craig Logan, vice chair of the Moline Planning and Zoning Commission, and Sam Moyer, chair of the Housing Production Committee of the Quad Cities Housing Council, submitted written support to the council, saying the amendment would expand attainable housing options and make more efficient use of available land.

City Attorney Atkins told the council that state law requires appropriate public notice for zoning changes, “at least a 15‑day notice and no more than a 30‑day notice,” and explained that the council can hold the required public hearing itself or refer the item back to the planning commission for a hearing. The council voted to place the ordinance on the city‑council agenda for a formal hearing rather than referring it to the planning commission.

Council members discussed timing and prior outreach. Alderman Timmyan said he had discussed the concept with staff and planning commissioners over the past year and sought a faster path to adoption so potential developers would not face extended delays.

Next steps: the ordinance will appear on the council calendar as a public hearing item for a future council meeting with the statutorily required public notice period. If the council adopts the ordinance after the hearing, the new standards would apply only in R‑2 districts for lots smaller than 6,000 square feet as described in the bill.