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Council backs study to modernize zoning and boost housing supply
Summary
The Duluth City Council unanimously approved Resolution 520 directing staff to study comprehensive zoning and code modernization aimed at increasing housing supply at all income levels and evaluating by-right development, form districts and other tools.
The Duluth City Council voted 9–0 to approve Resolution 520, which asks city staff to undertake a comprehensive review of the Unified Development Code and related zoning provisions to identify changes that could increase housing supply across income levels.
Councilor Forsman moved the resolution and said modernizing the code is intended to remove regulatory barriers that hinder housing production. Supporters said the review aims to speed development of by-right housing types, consider adjustments to planned unit development rules, and examine form- and main-street districts to reduce obstacles to affordable and mixed-income projects.
Council members and staff discussed several specific issues for study, including vacation-dwelling-unit caps and how by-right approvals could lower predevelopment costs and speed project timelines. Councilor Awel and Councilor Auel emphasized affordable housing and protections against displacement while asking staff to evaluate anti-displacement measures.
The resolution tasks planning staff to return with recommended code changes and implementation options within a defined period (staff to report back in roughly 150 days as described in the resolution). Councilors said the measure is a start, not a final code rewrite, and invited developers, neighborhood groups and housing advocates to participate in the review process.
The motion carried unanimously; councilors said further public outreach and detailed ordinance drafting will follow the initial staff study.
