Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves first reading of middle‑housing zoning changes; staff says federal grants may follow
Summary
Council approved the first reading of a zoning text amendment to allow townhouses, triplexes and quadplexes in more zones ("middle housing"). Staff clarified "very low income" was set at 50% of AMI and noted the federal 21st Century Road to Housing Act could provide grants to communities implementing such standards.
Staff planner Jacob presented a proposed zoning text amendment that would expand where middle‑housing forms (townhouses, triplexes, quadplexes) are allowed and create a middle‑housing zone option. Jacob clarified a technical definition in the draft — that "very low income" equals 50% of area median income — and noted the federal 21st Century Road to Housing Act creates grant opportunities for jurisdictions that enact middle‑housing policy.
Council discussed the amendment and asked clarifying questions about maps and architectural standards. A council member moved and the council seconded the motion to approve the first reading. The motion passed by an in‑chamber vote; staff and council members said they will provide corresponding maps and architectural standards in subsequent steps.
Why it matters: The text amendment aims to increase housing type variety and potential affordability by enabling denser, ‘‘missing middle’’ housing in appropriate locations and could make the city eligible for federal housing grants, subject to subsequent implementation and unit production.
Next steps: Staff will prepare maps, architectural standards and further implementation details and bring them back to council for subsequent readings and adoption.
Selected quote: "We did clarify that for very low income is 50% of AMI," Jacob said, noting the change in the current draft.
