Council gives first consideration to zoning change to allow rear-yard parking for Melrose Avenue project

The University Heights City Council gave first consideration July 8 to Ordinance 257, a targeted amendment to the zoning ordinance intended to enable the Melrose Avenue Complete Streets project to eliminate certain driveway access points and relocate parking to rear yards for affected properties.

City Attorney Steve said the change is aimed at a small number of parcels — including 1007 and 1009 Melrose Avenue — where removing driveways from Melrose would improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety and allow planned intersection improvements. He told the council the idea is to create easements and to permit limited paving and parking in rear yards where current zoning restricts such uses. "That's what ordinance 257 does," he said, explaining the measure gives the council flexibility to negotiate with property owners and to address setbacks, pavement size limits and access arrangements.

Supporters of the Complete Streets plan and staff have discussed the changes over many years, Steve said, and noted the city’s comprehensive plan (updated 2020) identifies intersection and pedestrian improvements as priorities. He also noted that while the city need not follow its zoning code for city-owned property, the council must follow legal processes when requesting action from private property owners.

Councilmember Nick moved first consideration of Ordinance 257; Councilmember Lisa seconded. The council approved the first consideration on a roll-call vote, five ayes to zero.

The ordinance’s provisions were described as a first step to give staff and council authority to negotiate precise parking counts, locations and any required easements with property owners before returning with detailed plans and potential landscaping or utility adjustments. No final adoption vote occurred; this was first consideration only, and further public input and staff work were discussed as next steps.