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Council begins work on addressing standards to ease infill development; plan commission review expected
Summary
Council members and staff discussed draft code changes that would allow alphanumeric and fractional addresses to address shortages on infill lots; staff said addressing touches emergency services, postal systems and mapping and that the ordinance would proceed through Plan Commission for detailed review.
Council members and staff discussed a proposed ordinance to permit non‑standard addressing (alphanumeric or fractional house numbers) to ease infill development where traditional numeric addresses are not available.
Randy Palazzo and Eric Dordle gave public testimony earlier in the meeting describing practical difficulties with infill addressing. Palazzo said that when lots are subdivided "there's not enough addresses between two properties" and that builders often must ask neighbors to change their addresses — a process that can be refused and has in some cases led to offering payments to induce changes. Eric Dordle, a real estate agent, said a simple addressing option (letters or half numbers) would make infill development easier and support the city's housing goals.
Council member Cathcart explained he drafted code language to remove prohibitions on fractional or alphanumeric house numbers in the municipal code; staff noted the change would require Plan Commission review because the addressing rules sit in Title 17 (development code) and affect emergency services, postal delivery, GIS and third‑party mapping. Tammy (staff) and other officials said addressing is more complex than it appears because a change affects many stakeholders, including fire, police, the postal service and mapping platforms; staff proposed adding the item to the Plan Commission work plan so the change can be vetted with stakeholders.
Council members said they want a solution that reduces developer costs and avoids delaying infill projects while also protecting emergency response and ensuring reliable addressing for residents. Council President and staff suggested the item be added to the Plan Commission work plan for review and that staff will work with the addressing committee and emergency services to find options and safeguards.
