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Roanoke council reaffirms broad zoning changes aimed at easing barriers to housing, 6‑1
Summary
After more than two hours of public comment, Roanoke City Council on Sept. 16 voted 6‑1 to readopt extensive amendments to Chapter 36.2 of the city zoning code intended to increase housing density and remove barriers to affordable and missing‑middle housing. Supporters cited equity and ending exclusionary single‑family zoning; opponents warned of lost neighborhood character and infrastructure strain.
Roanoke City Council on Sept. 16 voted 6‑1 to readopt sweeping amendments to Chapter 36.2 of the Code of the City of Roanoke, 1979, changes the city says will remove policy barriers to more housing types and promote equity.
The ordinance, read aloud by the clerk before public comment, amends numerous sections of the zoning code to update use tables, dimensional rules, accessory‑unit provisions and other regulations city staff says will make the code consistent with state law and easier to use. After a two‑minute public‑comment period for each speaker, council members debated the changes and then took a roll‑call vote. The clerk recorded votes of Fitzpatrick (Aye), Vice Mayor Cobb (Aye), White Boyd (Aye), Vollison (Aye), Moon Reynolds (No), Sanchez Jones (Aye) and Mayor Lee (Aye).
Why it mattered: proponents said the March amendments advanced equity and addressed a shortage of varied housing types. “The single most important reason for amending our zoning code is ending segregation,” a council member said during debate, framing the…
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