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Wooster committee reviews proposed 2026 zoning changes, including fee‑in‑lieu for open space
Summary
The Wooster Laws and Ordinances Committee heard a presentation on the proposed 2026 zoning code revisions that rename districts, add transition zones, loosen some development limits to enable more housing and introduce a fee‑in‑lieu option for required open space to be evaluated by the planning commission.
Wooster’s Laws and Ordinances Committee on Jan. 20 heard a detailed presentation from city planning staff on proposed edits to the zoning code (the "2026 edition") aimed at expanding housing options while strengthening design standards.
Mister Marion, manager of planning and zoning, told the committee the update grew from work that began in late 2024 and was informed by a 20–25 person steering committee of residents, developers, planning commissioners and others. Marion said the proposals are intended to support more mixed‑use and infill development, preserve farmland and increase usable open space while maintaining neighborhood character.
The draft code renames and consolidates several residential districts: the current suburban residential district would be called R‑1 and urban residential R‑2; an attached single‑family district would be removed and multifamily classifications reorganized (the former R‑4 would become R‑3, described as multi‑community residential). Marion said new "transition" districts…
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