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Monroe adopts interim zoning amendment to allow townhomes in R7; council emphasizes review and six‑month sunset
Summary
Council adopted interim ordinance 026/2025 to permit townhomes in the R7 zoning district, making the change effective for six months while staff prepares a permanent ordinance; the vote passed with one dissent and several councilmembers cautioned about development patterns and community character.
The Monroe City Council adopted interim ordinance 026/2025 on Dec. 2 to allow townhomes as a permitted use in the R7 single‑family residential zoning district, together with associated development regulations. Planning staff said a public hearing was held Nov. 18 and no public comment was recorded for this item; staff intends to return with a permanent ordinance in March 2026.
Planning staff explained the action implements a housing‑action‑plan strategy to increase middle‑housing options and aligns to the comprehensive plan’s goals for additional housing units. The interim ordinance carries a statutory six‑month lifespan, during which staff and council will continue work on the permanent code changes.
Council discussion touched on traffic and development impacts, whether adoption was required to meet comprehensive‑plan expectations, and broader community character concerns. Councilmember Scarborough said she would vote for the interim ordinance but cautioned colleagues to avoid changing the city’s character: “People come out here for the country for a reason… I just would caution people… to keep that in mind when we pass these things.”
Outcome: The council adopted the interim zoning amendments; staff will bring a permanent ordinance back to council for further consideration and public input.
