Stockbridge Planning Commission narrows R‑1 rules, removes duplexes and schedules Jan. 8 hearing on 487 E. Elizabeth

The Stockbridge Planning Commission on Dec. 4 reviewed proposed revisions to single‑ and multi‑family zoning districts, rejected a proposal to reduce R‑1 density, removed duplexes from the R‑1 district and set a public hearing for Jan. 8 on a rezoning application at 487 East Elizabeth.

Commissioners agreed to rename several districts to clarify intent: R‑1 will be styled “Single Family Residential” and R‑3 will be “Multi‑Family.” The commission removed the phrase “multi‑generational living” from the R‑1 intent language, saying it could be misread as permission for multi‑family structures or accessory dwelling units.

On density, the panel rejected lowering the R‑1 standard from five to four dwelling units per acre, noting that the current minimum lot size of 8,712 square feet corresponds to five units per acre and that lowering density would render many existing lots nonconforming. The commission agreed to keep five units per acre in R‑1 and to remove duplexes from the R‑1 district entirely. Duplexes will remain allowed in R‑2, but by special use permit; commissioners asked staff to fix inconsistent lot‑size requirements that could make special uses impractical.

Commission discussion also addressed R‑3 rules for multi‑family development. Members debated building height and quality, contrasting a suggested cap of three stories (about 45 feet) with an 80‑foot reference that appeared elsewhere in the draft. The commission rejected a proposed reduction in the rear setback, opting to retain a 50‑foot rear yard requirement rather than the proposed 35 feet.

A major technical issue emerged in Table 6‑71 (lot area and dimensions): commissioners identified an inconsistency that required a 20,000‑square‑foot lot for a duplex while single‑family homes required only 8,712 square feet. The commission directed staff to prepare a revised, clearer zoning table for the next meeting.

Public comment included a resident’s warning that a village‑wide rezoning to allow more multi‑family housing could strain roads, sewer, water, schools and police services and would increase traffic; staff clarified that the draft ordinance would allow two‑family dwellings as a special use in some districts and that a separate rezoning application for 487 East Elizabeth will receive a public hearing on Jan. 8. The minutes note that state law requires mailed notice to property owners within 300 feet at least 15 days before such hearings.

Planning‑commission attorney John Gormley urged commissioners to review the draft zoning changes against the master plan before the hearing. “I don't think it complies with the master plan. That is one of the criteria,” he said, advising commissioners to be prepared to explain how any rezoning aligns with the master plan.

Commissioner Daryl Anderson said he will resend the 2024 master plan to the commissioners to help prepare for the Jan. 8 hearing. The commission also approved changing the next regular meeting to Jan. 8 (the minutes contain inconsistent years in different lines; the commission confirmed Jan. 8 as the next meeting date).

Votes at a glance - Dec. 4: Agenda approved (mover: Laura Loomis; seconder: James Johnson) — approved. - Dec. 4: Nov. 6 minutes approved as amended (mover: Jennifer Conant; seconder: Laura Loomis) — approved. - Dec. 4: Motion to set public hearing for 487 E. Elizabeth for Jan. 8 (mover: Daryl Anderson; second: not recorded) — carried on voice vote. - Dec. 4: Revised meeting date to Jan. 8 approved — approved. - Dec. 4: Adjournment (mover: James Johnson; seconder: Laura Loomis) — approved.

What’s next The commission asked staff to provide a corrected version of Table 6‑71, supporting materials that tie the proposed changes to the master plan, and formal public‑hearing notices for the 487 E. Elizabeth rezoning. The Jan. 8 meeting will include the public hearing; mailed notice to owners within 300 feet must be sent at least 15 days before that hearing, per state law.