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Council tables proposed housing‑affordability overlay after debate over density, deed‑restriction length
Summary
Staff presented a proposed Housing Affordability Overlay (HAZ) aligned with state House Bill 37 that would allow higher‑density single‑family developments; councilors debated unit counts and 20‑year deed restrictions and voted to table the ordinance for more review.
Planning staff presented a draft housing‑affordability overlay (referred to in the meeting as the HAZ) intended to implement incentives under state House Bill 37. The staff presenter said the overlay aims to create "attainable" owner‑occupied single‑family homes targeted at roughly 120% of area median income, with provisions such as lot and frontage flexibilities, design standards, park connectivity, and priority sales periods for Harrisville residents, first‑time buyers and critical workers.
Staff described a proposed approach that calculates potential units by dividing total developable square footage by 5,000 square feet (resulting in an effective average lot near 4,000 square feet and a draft density of about 8.7 units per acre). The presenter noted the state law requires at least six units per acre; staff said the draft does not yet enforce a hard floor of six but that adding a minimum could be considered.
Council members debated several items: whether deed‑restriction terms should be five years (state recommendation) or longer, staff proposed 20‑year owner‑occupancy deed restrictions to reduce conversion to investment rentals; appropriate minimum and maximum densities (6 vs. 8.7 units/acre); and how to handle lot aggregation and design standards. Some councilors asked for more time to assess implications and specific drafting changes.
After discussion, Council Member (speaker 5) moved to table the ordinance for further review; the motion carried. Staff said they would return with revisions and additional detail for the council to consider at a future meeting, and noted parallel work on expected state legislation (including an accessory dwelling unit requirement) that could affect local code choices.
Next steps: staff will work with planning commissioners and council members to refine density language, deed‑restriction provisions and implementation mechanics before returning the ordinance to the council.
