Monroe staff proposes interim R7 zoning change to allow townhomes and a density bonus for Monroe 30 annexation

Planning staff on March 11 presented an interim ordinance to permit townhomes in Monroe's R-7 residential zoning district and to offer a density bonus that, staff said, would facilitate the Monroe 30 annexation and accompanying development agreement.

Anita Marrero, the city planner presenting the item, told council the interim ordinance modifies Monroe Municipal Code Chapter 22.16 to make townhomes a permitted use in R-7, adds a bulk-regulations column for attached dwelling units, and establishes design standards in Chapter 22.42. "The purpose of this ordinance is to allow townhomes in the R7 Zoning district," Marrero said.

Marrero explained the interim approach would allow townhomes now while staff prepares a permanent code update to be processed through the planning commission, public hearings and a future council adoption. Under the draft, attached dwelling-unit density in R-7 would be 14 units per acre versus 7 units per acre for detached units. Marrero illustrated a hypothetical 10-acre site where a mix of 80% detached and 20% attached units, with the proposed density bonus for attached product, could yield 84 units compared with 70 units under a detached-only calculation.

Council members asked for examples and clarification. Council Member Tammy Beaumont asked about "cottage clusters" and courtyard apartments referenced in the agenda materials; Marrero said those are separate middle-housing chapters to be considered later and that the interim ordinance focuses on townhomes. Council Member Hanford requested the density example, which Marrero reviewed.

Policy context and next steps: Marrero said the interim ordinance is intended to support the Monroe 30 annexation project and enable middle-housing product that proponents said the market requires. She told council staff would return with the final interim ordinance with minor clarifications on density language and then pursue the permanent code via the planning commission process. "If the council doesn't have any concerns about this, then staff will move forward with it as presented today," Marrero said.

There was no formal vote at the meeting on the interim ordinance; staff signaled it would bring the interim ordinance forward for adoption and later a permanent code update through the regular hearing process.