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Commission backs draft to cut mixed‑use lot minimum to 3,000 sq ft (14 units/acre) and asks council review
Summary
The commission voted to recommend a staff draft that reduces minimum lot area per dwelling in the MX district to 3,000 sq ft (or 14 units per acre), while asking staff to study a density‑bonus model and define tradeoffs such as required open space or underground parking.
The Horace Planning and Zoning Commission voted April 14 to recommend a draft ordinance reducing the minimum lot area per dwelling unit in the mixed‑use (MX) district from 6,000 to 3,000 square feet or to a standard of 14 dwelling units per acre.
Nathaniel, city staff, presented options: a straight reduction to 3,000 sq ft (or 14 units/acre), a density‑bonus approach tied to specific public benefits (for example, underground parking or open space), or a shift to form‑based standards relying on setbacks and lot coverage. He cautioned that impervious coverage limits (currently high in the code) and parking standards would need complementary study before adopting a final approach.
Developer representatives and landowners presented conceptual site plans for Sparks and the Lakeview addition that illustrated how higher density could be accommodated with amenities and open space. Commissioners debated where to set a firm maximum; several said 14 units per acre is an appropriate cap and recommended a narrowly defined density‑bonus for limited circumstances, while one commissioner urged caution to avoid a broad change that would rapidly raise density across the city.
A motion to recommend the draft (3,000 sq ft per dwelling or 14 units/acre) to the city council passed by voice vote; the item will be noticed and considered by council in May. Commissioners asked staff to include options discussed — density bonus structures, specific amenity tradeoffs, and clear definitions — when the draft goes to council.
Next steps: staff will prepare the noticed ordinance for council consideration; commissioners signaled support for a baseline of 14 units per acre while reserving the option of narrowly constrained bonuses tied to identified public benefits.
