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Aurora committee launches small‑lot housing study; draft code language expected this year
Summary
City staff told the Planning and Economic Development Committee on Aug. 9 they are analyzing compact single‑family "small lot" zoning and expect draft UDO language by the end of the year and council consideration in Q1 2026.
The Planning and Economic Development Committee of Aurora City met Aug. 9 to hear an update on a city study of "small lots," a compact single‑family housing product. Brandon (development staff) told the committee the project began in late May and is examining where and how to allow smaller single‑family lots in Aurora's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
Committee members said the study matters because it could change where compact housing is allowed and how it is regulated. "This project's looking at small lots as they're referred to in Aurora, which is compact housing, compact single family housing, and looking to build upon ... the additions we added to our allowances in 2019 with the UDO," Brandon said.
Staff described the work as a code audit plus a public engagement phase. Brandon said the team has started three developer roundtables, will hold listening sessions with other stakeholders (including builders and the DRAB committee), and is doing one‑on‑one stakeholder interviews. Council member Bergen and other members asked for committee meetings with the consultant so council members can provide early input.
On scope and timing, committee members and staff said the study will consider whether small lots should be allowed beyond the current subarea C and will include related UDO/code updates. Parking for the compact single‑family products is within scope only as it relates to small single‑family units ("1 or 2 spaces, garage or no garage"), not broader multifamily parking rules, Brandon said. Council member Bergen clarified the committee hopes to have draft UDO language by the end of the year and for council action in the first quarter of 2026.
The presentation emphasized engagement with development stakeholders, the Home Builders Association (HBA) and other local builders; staff said educational materials will be produced as the project moves toward public hearings. No formal action or vote was taken at the meeting; staff are continuing outreach and analysis.
Looking ahead, staff said they will return to the committee with draft language and that council members on the committee will be offered one‑on‑one briefings with the consultant before any study session or public hearings.
