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Planning commissioner pitches 'tiny-lot' residential zone to expand affordable housing options
Summary
Orderville planning commissioner Tony asked the town council to allow the planning commission to draft a new 'tiny-lot' residential zone to permit smaller lots and modest single-family houses while excluding short-term rentals and ADUs, with the aim of increasing affordable homes in town.
Tony (speaker 15), a member of Orderville’s planning commission, presented a concept for a new tiny-lot residential zone designed to allow smaller lots (roughly 5,000–7,000 sq. ft.) and modest single-family homes that exclude short-term rentals and accessory dwelling units.
Tony told the council he would return with detailed code language and draft ordinances if the council agreed to let the planning commission continue research and drafting. He described the proposal as a way to keep undersized residential lots residential (rather than allowing them to default into commercial zoning), to make modest ownership attainable for younger families, and to align with housing goals in the town’s general plan (cited under an action item 8.2).
Councilmembers asked for specifics and emphasized the need for standards on right-of-way, utilities and lot access. Several members supported permitting research and drafting so the commission could return with a full ordinance for review.
Why it matters: the proposal could change zoning rules for undersized lots, affecting housing affordability, neighborhood character and future permit pathways for small homes.
Next steps: the planning commission will develop ordinance language and return to the council with details on lot standards, setbacks and any subdivision implications.
