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Council to consider RS-20 cleanup: small rezoning and code fixes to remove density conflict
Summary
Staff proposed a targeted correction to resolve an inconsistency created by a 2023 citywide density change: revise the comprehensive-plan range and rezone RS-20 parcels to RS-15 so the local code aligns with the citywide 3'to'6 du/acre designation; Planning Commission recommended a modest 2'to'5 du/acre approach for the RS-20 area to allow one extra unit per acre where sewer and health requirements allow.
City planning staff presented an emergency comprehensive-plan amendment and code change intended to fix a conflict between a citywide density update adopted in 2023 and existing RS-20 zoning.
In 2023 the city adjusted its low-density residential designation citywide from 2'to'5 dwelling units per acre to 3'to'6. The RS-20 zoned areas, however, still referenced 2 units per acre, creating a plan-code inconsistency that became apparent when several applications came forward in 2024. Staff and the Planning Commission proposed a narrow fix: change the comprehensive-plan land-use designation for the RS-20 zone to 2'to'5 du/acre, rezone the parcels from RS-20 to RS-15 and change the RS-15 code to allow 2'to'3 units per acre (effectively permitting one additional unit per acre in the affected areas).
Miss Matson emphasized that the change is intentional and limited; it does not open all parcels for immediate development because sewer availability and health-district septic rules still limit where connections can be made. The recommended adjustment is designed to remove the inconsistency and allow eligible applicants to proceed. Planning Commission recommended the 2'to'3 approach rather than a broader jump to 2'to'5 zoning within RS-20.
Council members expressed support for the correction and thanked the Planning Commission for its review; the item is scheduled for formal action next week.
