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Council advances first-step ordinance to set minimum apartment sizes, sends measure to committee
Summary
On first-step approval, Springfield council referred an ordinance to require minimum square footage for studios and small apartments to committee for further review; the measure drew a prolonged debate about housing supply, historic buildings and renter dignity.
Springfield City Council approved first-step consideration on July 14 of an ordinance that would add minimum square-footage standards for adaptive reuse and new construction of apartments and condominiums. The measure, as introduced, would set a 500-square-foot minimum for studio apartments and required developer notice and a waiver process if smaller units are proposed.
Councilors split in a lengthy debate about the tradeoffs. Supporters said the rule would create clear definitions to prevent substandard “efficiency” apartments and protect tenant dignity. They noted developers sometimes market “one‑bedroom”…
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