University Heights advances zoning code rewrite to encourage mixed-use development, ADUs and walkability on Warrensville Center Road

University Heights Mayor Michael Dillon Brennan and consultant Sean Souter of ZoneCo presented a draft, citywide zoning code update at a town hall on Sept. 30, 2025, that would consolidate districts, enable more housing types, and create a new Warrensville Center Road mixed‑use district intended to encourage shops and housing within walking distance of neighborhoods.

The proposed rewrite, which the city launched in March 2023, replaces a code the presenters described as originating in 1956 with classifications that reflect the city’s master plan (adopted 2015). “With the new zoning code, we seek to leverage this city's density, expand residential zoning to allow additional home units in single family districts,” Mayor Brennan said, adding the process includes a second town hall on Oct. 30. Consultant Sean Souter told the audience the draft is “far from final” and urged residents to submit feedback.

Why it matters: The rewrite aims to implement the city’s 2015 comprehensive plan by making it easier to redevelop commercial strips, create mixed‑use corners and add “missing middle” housing such as duplexes, triplexes, town houses and stacked flats. Supporters say updated rules would let the market produce housing choices and could help stabilize the city’s tax base as nearby institutions change housing patterns. Opponents worry about scale, traffic, utilities and impacts on neighborhood character.

Most important proposals

- New districts and consolidation: The draft proposes reducing the current 11 diverse…