Hudson council approves setback changes for properties near residences in 4–3 vote

The Hudson City Council passed ordinance 24-104 on Dec. 17, 2024, amending chapters 1205.09 and 1205.11 of the city’s land development code to revise district regulation setbacks for properties adjacent to residential uses. The measure was approved on a third reading after a roll call vote of 4 in favor and 3 opposed.

Council President Foster moved to pass the ordinance. Councilor Sutton said he understood the ordinance’s intent but objected to language he said effectively shifts regulatory burdens onto industrial properties next to residences, reversing what he described as the zoning goal of allowing preexisting residences to continue during commercial/industrial transition. “By restricting a use by right…the industrial because of a nonconforming use next door residential,” Sutton said, announcing he would vote no.

Foster and other supporters observed the amendments were the product of prior review and revision and that Planning Commission and staff had engaged on the language. After limited additional discussion, Mrs. Wheeler called the roll; the ordinance passed by a 4–3 tally.

The ordinance had been the subject of a prior public hearing earlier in the evening; Sarah Norman, vice chair of the Planning Commission, told council the commission was generally positive about changes it received back from council and anticipated filing additional, more substantive edits in 2025.

Next steps: with passage on third reading the ordinance will be codified per the city’s legislative process. Councilors who asked for clearer language on related rules said they may seek additional clarifications in subsequent sessions or workshops.