Planning Commission Begins Zoning Code Review, Agrees to Work Session on Where to Allow Multifamily Housing

At the end of the Sept. 25 meeting the Coventry Planning Commission received a director’s report outlining draft zoning code changes and three policy questions: how to implement new state law on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), whether to allow two‑family or multifamily housing by right in some commercial or industrial zones, and whether to offer density bonuses for such housing.

The planning director told commissioners ADUs are now allowed by right under state law and staff proposes adding performance standards (for example, locating detached ADUs to the side or rear and avoiding additional front doors) to preserve neighborhood character.

On the broader question of allowing multifamily or two‑family housing in commercial and industrial zones, staff proposed using an overlay district to identify specific areas where such housing would be appropriate rather than permitting it across entire zones. Commissioners expressed support for a cautious approach: several favored keeping baseline density consistent with existing zoning and using dimensional‑variance or similar site‑by‑site tools when higher density is appropriate. "If we identify specific places for it, we could protect the rest of our commercial corridors," one commissioner said during the discussion.

To move the discussion forward, commissioners agreed to a consultant‑assisted work session in November starting at 5:30 p.m. to map candidate locations, test draft standards and consider separation between two‑family and larger multifamily standards. Staff said it will bring draft overlay maps and proposed dimensional standards to that meeting for further public and commission review; any eventual ordinance changes will require public hearings and council approval.