Commission tables ordinance that would restrict "lodgers, roomers, and boarders" in R1/R2; staff to re-advertise after definitional edits

The Planning Commission tabled Ordinance 2026-03, which proposes amending City zoning definitions and accessory-use rules to prohibit the keeping of lodgers, roomers or boarders in R1 and R2 residential districts (while retaining limited allowances in R3 multifamily districts).

Staff explained that last-minute language additions inserted definitions for "roomer","boarder" and a new definition for "family or housekeeping unit," and said the changes were recommended by the city attorney. Because the agenda was adjusted after publishing, staff recommended tabling the item and re-advertising with the corrected language.

Why it matters: The changes are intended to address situations where single-family houses were being used like rooming/boarding houses (staff referenced problems on Sixth Street). Commissioners emphasized they do not intend to prohibit typical roommate arrangements or health-care-related assisted living where household duties are shared; they specifically want to target room-by-room commercial boarding arrangements.

Commission direction and clarifications: Commissioners asked staff to strike the old definition of "family" and adopt the new "family or housekeeping unit" definition to avoid redundancy and to ensure the ordinance does not inadvertently ban foreign-exchange students or family members who share housing without formal rent arrangements. Commissioners also asked staff to schedule a work session or place the matter for discussion at the next meeting if additional changes are needed before re-advertising.

Action: The commission voted to table the ordinance, direct staff to update definitions and re-advertise for a subsequent public hearing.

(Article is based on the commission discussion and motions recorded in the meeting transcript.)