Planning commission agrees conditionally to allow single-family homes in Urban Transition

Commissioners reviewed the Urban Transition district——which is intended to bridge higher-density downtown uses and lower-density residential areas. Staff noted the district had been represented in the comprehensive plan and UDC as permitting multifamily and townhouse development while excluding conventional detached single-family houses.

"From all my research, in this district... conventional detached homes would not be permitted in this district," Travis said, summarizing the existing rule and the rationale for the district—s higher intensity. Several commissioners, including Deborah Fortner and Robert Bragg, questioned why entire blocks behind downtown and along the bayou were designated UT when many properties are existing single-family houses.

After extended discussion commissioners expressed support for adding conventional detached homes to UT as a conditional use (council approval required) so property owners would have a path to rebuild or develop single-family homes while retaining the district—s ability to encourage multi-unit development where appropriate. Commissioners also discussed patio homes and agreed to allow them in UT under a limited-use standard so staff could administratively review designs and setbacks to reduce impacts on neighbors.

Staff said they would draft specific limited-use and conditional-use language and return with map edits showing where UT should be tightened or eased (for example, pulling UT back from bayou-front single-family blocks). No formal vote occurred at the workshop.