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Council denies R‑1 bulk standards change, directs staff to develop 'Old Town Residential' R‑1A option
Summary
Council adopted Resolution 2025‑37 to deny a citywide change to R‑1 minimum lot and setback standards requested for 8101 Victoria Drive; instead, staff was asked to pursue a targeted R‑1A "Old Town Residential" district to allow limited, locally focused infill options in older neighborhoods.
The City of Victoria City Council voted June 9 to deny a zoning text amendment that would have reduced minimum lot sizes and front‑yard setbacks across the city's R‑1 (low‑density residential) zoning district, approving Resolution 2025‑37 on staff recommendation.
Associate City Planner Travis Brierley told the council the request — prompted by a property owner at 8101 Victoria Drive seeking to split one parcel into two single‑family homes — would change standards that apply broadly to nearly all R‑1 properties. "This request is based on a single property, but it would affect all properties within our R‑1 zone," Brierley said. He noted shoreland parcels and some overlay districts would remain governed by other rules and that the Met Council had indicated no comp‑plan amendment would be required for a more targeted approach.
Staff recommended denial because a citywide amendment could "change the intent of the type of homes that we have historically in Victoria" and remove the council's review role on certain redevelopment actions. The council adopted the denial resolution by voice vote.
After the vote council members and staff discussed an alternative: creating a narrowly targeted R‑1A district for older neighborhoods (discussed as "Old Town Residential") that would allow modest reductions in lot size and setbacks while retaining design controls to preserve neighborhood character. Brierley described R‑1A as a tool to "allow for redevelopment a little bit more flexibility, but still in a manner that is consistent with the types of homes there," and said staff will work with the Planning Commission to fast‑track a draft for council review.
On the specific parcel discussed (8101 Victoria Drive), Brierley said access for any split would be from 81st Street with garages to the rear; additional access to Victoria Drive would require county approval. The council expressed support for a targeted approach that preserves front‑yard consistency while enabling smaller footprints in older parts of the city.
Resolution: 2025‑37 — denial of the zoning text amendment request to reduce R‑1 bulk standards; council approved the denial at the June 9 meeting.
