Committee backs Tyler Avenue overlay to allow smaller, varied housing types

The committee voted to recommend O-29-25, the Tyler Avenue Complete Community overlay district, to the full council. Planning staff said the overlay preserves existing maximum heights while legally authorizing several smaller housing types on appropriately sized lots to expand starter-home options.

Planning staff described the overlay boundaries as Tyler Avenue from Forest Drive to Bay Ridge Avenue and said it keeps the R-2 district maximum of 2½ stories (35 feet). The ordinance would legalize housing types that are common in the area but are not always permitted by current code, including duplexes, cottage courts and small multiunit buildings, subject to minimum lot-size thresholds and design guidelines.

Brady Leshinski, chief of comprehensive planning, told the committee the streetscape and restriping work is advanced in procurement and “should be imminent” and that planning is coordinating with public works for implementation. He said the bill aims to allow a “variety of housing types” while responding to community input; it includes parameters (for example, fourplexes require larger lots) so not every lot is eligible for the highest-density options.

Aldermen praised the public process and the community turnout at the public hearing, with several members saying the measure would help produce new starter homes as older units are renovated or demolished. One committee member noted that renovating older houses can be costly and that the overlay will make smaller new homes an additional option as housing stock turns over.

After discussion the committee called the matter up for a favorable recommendation to the full council.

Action summary: O-29-25 was recommended favorably to the full council.

Votes and key details are recorded in the committee minutes; the ordinance will proceed next to the full council for final action.