Committee votes to forward zoning-text amendment to combine two 2-unit residential zones to city council

The judiciary and ordinance committee voted to forward a zoning-text amendment to the common council that would delete the separate "Doctor 8" district and reclassify those areas under the "Doctor 10" code, consolidating the two into a single 2-unit dwelling category.

Administrator Windy, who presented the item to the committee, said the consolidation is intended to reduce unnecessary rezoning when property owners want different duplex configurations. "This is kind of a continuation of some of the initiatives to reevaluate our zoning code and make some changes to help eliminate some barriers for development," Windy said, adding the change reflects goals in the city's comprehensive plan and recent housing study. She said the code would use the term "2-unit dwelling" rather than "duplex" or "2-flat."

The committee questioned technical details, including minimum lot-area requirements and landscaping standards. Alderman Cleveland asked whether the cited "3,500 square feet" applied to each unit or to lot area; Windy clarified the rule addresses minimum lot area for a dwelling, not the interior square footage of each unit. According to staff comments during the meeting, the combined-lot math equates to 7,000 square feet for a two-unit dwelling and 5,000 square feet for a single unit, though Windy said she would reconfirm nuances with zoning administration (Vanderwall) before the council hearing. The committee also discussed a 40% minimum landscaped surface ratio, which staff said likely originated from a 2019 recommendation and is intended to aid erosion control and runoff management; staff reported no history of variances requested under that standard.

A committee member asked whether a 27-foot front setback for a garage or loading door would provide room for a parked car between the sidewalk and garage; Windy responded 27 feet would allow space for a car.

After discussion, a committee member moved to forward the recommendation to city council for a public hearing; the motion was seconded. The clerk recorded roll-call votes with Alderman Miller, Alderman Cleveland, Alderman Trueheart and Alder McGuire voting aye, and the committee approved forwarding the item. Windy noted the council will set a public hearing and may amend the draft when it returns to council based on additional information.

The committee took no final zoning action beyond forwarding the recommendation; the council will hold the required public hearing before any ordinance adoption.