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Council advances zoning change to allow up to 15 townhomes per acre
Summary
On first consideration the council voted 4–2 to amend zoning to align with the comprehensive plan and permit up to 15 townhome units per acre (previously 10); staff and planners said open space and landscaping standards remain and council retains site‑plan oversight.
The City Council approved first consideration of an amendment to Chapter 165 that would align the zoning code with the comprehensive plan by raising the permitted townhome/rowhome density from 10 to 15 dwelling units per acre.
Staff told the council the change corrects a discrepancy between the zoning code and the comp plan, which envisioned up to 15 units per acre for townhomes. Planning Commission and the Community & Economic Development subcommittee recommended approval. Staff emphasized that development standards — including minimum green space (20% of site), parking, landscaping and stormwater requirements — would remain in place.
Council members were split. Supporters argued the change permits more middle‑income housing options and reflects demand described in the city’s housing needs study. Opponents cautioned that higher density can reduce private yards and play areas and urged strict site‑plan review to ensure usable green space. One councilor pointed to past developments in other cities when expressing reservations about tightly packed townhomes.
The amendment passed first consideration on a 4–2 vote. Council members noted the decision does not guarantee any particular project — future townhome proposals would still require site‑plan review and must meet open‑space and parkland dedication rules.
What happens next: The ordinance will return for subsequent readings before final adoption; staff said they will maintain site‑plan controls and parkland/green‑space requirements when reviewing proposals.
