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Council limits townhomes to Village Core district in zoning change passed 4–3
Summary
City council passed an ordinance removing townhomes from all zoning districts except District 5 (Village Core), a move council supporters said reins in density outside the downtown, while opponents said it could limit housing diversity.
Hudson City Council passed an ordinance on May 20, 2025, removing townhomes as a permitted or conditional use in all zoning districts except District 5 (Village Core). The ordinance passed on its third reading by a 4–3 roll‑call vote.
Why it matters: The change concentrates townhome development in Hudson’s downtown core and restricts where higher‑density attached housing can be built elsewhere in the city. Supporters said the measure preserves neighborhood character and directs higher density to areas appropriate for it; opponents said the change could reduce housing‑type diversity and limit options for residents at different life stages.
Council debate focused on competing priorities. Councilor Kowalski said she could not support the ordinance, arguing Hudson needs more diverse housing: “I will not be supporting this tonight because I believe that Hudson needs more diverse housing and I believe that this would limit that.” Councilor Byrd urged caution and a deeper look at survey data and housing needs, noting some survey responses were mixed about the supply of townhomes and the community’s willingness to pay for other amenities.
Planning Commission liaison and Council President Foster said the Planning Commission and repeated public input had consistently opposed townhome development outside the downtown, and he argued the land development code still allows higher‑density housing within planned developments subject to Planning Commission and council review.
Council action: The ordinance was moved and seconded on third reading. The roll call recorded four votes in favor and three against; the ordinance passed. Supporters said the change does not ban all forms of multi‑family housing and that planned developments remain an avenue for larger projects that the commission and council agree should proceed.
Next steps: The ordinance takes effect according to standard timelines for codified changes. Councilors and staff said they will continue work on comprehensive plan implementation and zoning tools to address housing supply while balancing neighborhood concerns.
