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Council adopts minimum square‑footage standards for apartments
Summary
The council approved an ordinance aligning local apartment definitions with Department of Housing guidance (500 sq ft for a studio), requiring developers proposing smaller units to notify the council.
The Springfield City Council on Monday adopted an ordinance setting local square‑footage standards for housing, using state Department of Housing guidelines to define unit types: for example, the city will treat approximately 500 square feet as the suggested minimum for a studio unit.
Councilor Sean Curran, who introduced the ordinance, said the measure aims to stop developers from labeling very small units as one‑bedroom apartments when state guidance suggests different size standards. ‘‘If you’re gonna build an apartment less than 500 square feet, you can do so. It is not banned. … But when you go before the city council, at least notify us,’’ he said, explaining the rule creates a clear baseline for applicants.
Councilors debated potential burdens on small, local contractors and on housing for seniors, with some expressing concern smaller builders would face additional hoops. Supporters said the change would improve living standards for renters by making size expectations clearer. After discussion, the ordinance passed on its second and final reading.
What happens next: Planning staff will apply the new definitions when reviewing development proposals; developers proposing units below the defined thresholds will be required to notify the council per the adopted language.
