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West Des Moines launches outreach on new 'blended neighborhood' zoning to allow limited four‑plexes in greenfield subdivisions
Summary
City staff presented a draft 'blended neighborhood' zoning district to allow controlled fourplex/duplex units in master‑planned greenfield subdivisions adjacent to single‑family lots; council directed staff to pursue outreach to builders, developers and neighborhood stakeholders before drafting code amendments.
City planning staff presented a detailed workshop proposing a new "blended neighborhood" zoning district meant to create "ages‑and‑stages" neighborhoods by allowing limited fourplexes and other small multifamily types within new, master‑planned greenfield subdivisions.
Lynn Tweed and planning staff said the district would be greenfield‑only (not permitted on existing infill lots) and require a master plan that shows exactly where multifamily buildings would go. Staff described a patterned approach: a transition buffer (illustratively 150 feet) would preserve single‑family lots adjacent to existing development, while peripheral or specifically designated lots within a subdivision could host fourplexes that use the same building envelope as single‑family lots to preserve street context. Staff said the typical target split would be roughly 70% single‑family to 30% limited multifamily across blocks, with design rules (limited front‑facing doors, shared materials) to maintain neighborhood character.
Council members raised market and implementation questions — whether local builders would use the option, how pricing and parking would be affected, and protections for buyers (disclosure and master‑plan binding of lot types). Councilwoman Elliott called the plan "an opportunity to provide attainable housing" and emphasized community benefits; Councilman McKenna and others asked staff to pursue outreach with the home‑builders association, developers and engineering partners. Several members emphasized the need for master‑planning, buyer disclosure, and limits on conversions: staff said a lot shown as single‑family in a master plan would not later be converted to multifamily without rezoning.
The workshop also covered related topics (multifamily setbacks and height, parking minimums, private‑street policy and accessory‑structure setbacks), and staff said they will begin targeted outreach and return with refined draft code language for council review.
