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University Heights committee asks consultant to draft a separate two‑family zoning district
Summary
The Economic Development Committee on Oct. 28 asked the city administration to have ZoneCo produce language and map options for a distinct two‑family district after debate over a draft that would merge single‑ and two‑family zones into one R1 designation.
The University Heights Economic Development Committee on Oct. 28 voted to ask the city’s zoning consultant, ZoneCo, to prepare a specific two‑family district (U2/R2) and related map changes after a lengthy discussion about a May 2024 zoning code draft.
Committee members opened the meeting by describing the goal of consolidating the existing U1 (single‑family) and U2 (two‑family) districts into a single R1 district, which in the draft would permit one‑ and two‑unit dwellings citywide. Supporters said consolidation would modernize the code, simplify exceptions and expand housing options — including multigenerational living — while retaining design review through the Planning Commission and the Architecture Review Board.
Opponents and several councilmembers urged a more cautious approach, saying a citywide R1 could encourage rental conversions, attract investor buyers in lower‑priced neighborhoods and alter neighborhood character. Speakers stressed protections for long‑term homeowners, the importance of lot width and lot‑coverage controls, and the role of grandfathering for existing two‑family homes.
Several committee members proposed targeting higher‑density allowances to specific corridors such as Warrensville Center Road and Cedar Road rather than changing rules across every single‑family block. After discussion the committee voted to direct the administration to have ZoneCo draft language and map options for a distinct two‑family district that would continue to allow single‑family homes within that district.
The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote on the committee. The chair said staff will bring ZoneCo’s follow‑up draft back to the committee and that public hearings will follow as part of the ordinance process.
Next steps: ZoneCo is to prepare draft language defining a two‑family district and suggested map changes; the committee will schedule another meeting to review the consultant’s work and anticipate at least one public hearing before any ordinance is adopted.
