Planning staff urge limited fixes to MU‑1 zoning to resolve density and retail inconsistencies

Planning staff and commissioners discussed fixes to mixed‑use (MU‑1) zoning to resolve conflicts between existing MU‑1 zoning and the city’s future land‑use map.

Staff explained that MU‑1’s implementing districts currently carry different minimum densities depending on the future land‑use designation: mixed use implements an 8‑unit minimum, residential medium can allow a minimum as low as 5.5 units per acre, and residential high requires 12 units per acre. Staff said that mismatch means some properties zoned MU‑1 sit inside residential designations, producing what they called an "incongruity" between zoning and the plan. Staff also noted that some formerly RO (residential office) parcels were rezoned to MU‑1 during the code update but remain shown as residential medium or residential high on the future land‑use map.

Why it matters: commissioners said the issue affects whether parcels retain the previous RO flexibility (including no maximum density) or become subject to minimums that effectively down‑zone them. Several commissioners favored an approach that preserves development opportunities in downtown corridors while preventing…