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Eagle Pass planning staff urges zoning changes, ADUs and smaller lots to expand affordable housing
Summary
Planning staff presented data showing high housing cost burden in Maverick County and proposed ordinance changes — including smaller minimum lot sizes, accessory dwelling units and infill strategies — and opened a public survey and comment period before taking recommendations to city council.
City planning staff presented an affordable-housing initiative and public survey to the Eagle Pass Planning & Zoning Commission on Oct. 9, urging changes to local zoning and permitting to increase housing supply and lower costs.
Planner Mr. Madera told commissioners that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development defines housing as "affordable" when a household spends no more than 30% of its income on housing, and said census and county data show a high share of local residents are cost-burdened. "We are unfortunately in an area with low income," Madera said, adding that Maverick County has a median household income of about $51,000 and that more than 13% of residents experience severe housing cost burden (paying 50% or more of income for housing).
The presentation focused on local land-use rules and lot-size minimums as a primary lever the city can change. Madera showed the commission the city's current residential zoning defaults (R1, R2, R3, etc.) and noted R2 is the most common: a…
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