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Panel refers University Boulevard overlay ZTA to full council after adopting workforce housing requirement
Summary
The committee voted 2–1 to refer ZTA 25‑12, which implements the University Boulevard corridor plan, to full council. The measure allows ADUs in the overlay, prohibits auto‑centric uses, sets development standards and adds a 15% workforce housing/MPDU requirement for larger projects.
The Planning, Housing and Parks Committee voted to refer Zoning Text Amendment 25‑12 — the University Boulevard overlay — to full council after adopting technical amendments and a workforce housing requirement.
Council staff noted the overarching University Boulevard corridor plan has not yet been approved by the District Council and that the ZTA is prospective. The ZTA would add a new overlay zone to allow accessory dwelling units in CRN properties, permit certain R‑60‑style nonresidential uses in portions of the corridor, prohibit auto‑oriented uses (filling stations, drive‑throughs, select manufacturing/storage), and impose development standards such as site coverage limits, a 10‑foot maximum build‑to setback on University Boulevard for larger sites, and on‑site parking behind the front building line.
Planning recommended two technical edits: change a "35% lot coverage" figure to "site coverage" and specify the duplex "side" building type for small‑parcel development to ensure subdivision and ownership standards apply correctly.
Chair Friesen and Councilmember Fanny Gonzalez sponsored an amendment to require a minimum of 15% workforce housing units that meet chapter 25b standards, with a floor of one workforce unit for projects of three or more units. The amendment also ties DPS building permits to a written workforce housing agreement signed by DHCA, to ensure delivery of the required units. A committee member noted concerns about displacement and said stronger triggers (e.g., one affordable unit per two building units) had been discussed in earlier drafting, but supported the 15% approach as "better than nothing."
Planning staff said chapter 25a already allows master plans to include a 15% MPDU requirement and that embedding the 15% standard in the overlay is consistent with practices used for other master plans and overlay zones, though staff cautioned the practical effect depends on which properties are rezoned and their size.
District 1 Councilmember Rehnke notified the committee that he and staff are drafting a separate amendment to refine prohibited uses in Four Corners to protect local businesses; that proposal will be brought to full council if needed. The committee voted 2–1 to refer ZTA 25‑12 to full council for consideration.
The referral means the ZTA will receive further review and possible amendment at full council, where final decisions about rezoning, MPDU mechanics and local business protections will be resolved.
