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Commission debates allowing third units on smaller lots, opts to keep current code for now
Summary
Commissioners discussed a request to permit a third dwelling unit on smaller R2 lots and whether to change the zoning code or rely on variances; after public comment and staff input, most commissioners favored case-by-case variances or waiting for the growth-policy update rather than reopening the new zoning code.
The commission considered whether to create a policy or text amendment to allow a third residential unit on smaller R2 lots instead of requiring a larger minimum lot size. Staff explained current R2 requirements and suggested options including allowing a third unit on lots that are 1.5 times the base minimum.
Public comment urged flexibility tied to the "spirit of the law" rather than strict numeric rules. Several commissioners questioned reopening the freshly adopted zoning code and preferred handling unusual parcels through the existing variance process. "My preference would be to leave it as is," one commissioner said, arguing variances are the appropriate remedy for infrequent and site-specific situations. Another commissioner described variances as "like a flat tire"'rare and fixed individually rather than by changing the whole code.
Commissioners also noted the growth-policy update as an opportunity to revisit density rules more broadly and asked staff to consider whether the variance pattern suggested a broader policy need. The commission did not direct staff to prepare an immediate zoning-text amendment, instead leaving staff to fold the issue into upcoming growth-policy work or to flag repeat variance requests.
