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Commission backs new R1C residential zone to encourage smaller-lot single-family development
Summary
Area Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval of UZO Amendment 119 to create a new R1C zone intended for smaller-lot single-family detached homes; Builders Association expressed support citing potential affordability benefits.
The Tippecanoe County Area Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval on May 21 of Unified Zoning Ordinance Amendment 119, which would create a new R1C residential zoning classification aimed at smaller-lot single-family detached housing.
Staff described R1C as a suburban-oriented, smaller-lot zone blending elements of the recently adopted R1T townhouse zone and the existing R1B and R1U single-family zones. The proposal establishes a minimum lot width of about 40 feet and a minimum lot area near 4,400 square feet, with lot-coverage and vegetative coverage standards scaled for the smaller lots.
Steve Schreckengas, representing the Builders Association of Greater Lafayette, told the commission the association agrees with staff and views R1C as “one more opportunity to build single-family detached homes on a fee-simple lot,” which could help produce lots at a lower price point. During discussion a commissioner cited a rough entry-level single-family price point near $329,000 for Tippecanoe County and asked whether higher density could lower lot and house prices; builders said reducing lot size should help lower lot production costs but did not provide a firm price projection.
The commission cast a unanimous ballot recommending approval; staff said the amendment will next go to legislative bodies for final adoption. The record shows the ordinance committee and staff worked with builders on the draft; no formal fiscal analysis or timeline for final legislative votes was provided at the hearing.
