Committee debates 'accessible and diverse' housing language; zoning tools and Habitat example discussed

Planners presented housing goals aimed at understanding current housing data, reducing barriers to density and supporting affordability. The facilitator said the plan will capture data needed to set targets and actions.

Committee members pressed for clearer language. One member asked about action 2.2 — “adapt zoning to allow for duplexes and row houses” — and noted that duplex and row house zoning exists in some areas: “We do have duplexes in the city in certain areas, specifically like Row Lane and 47th Street,” the member said, adding that row houses are an R4 district designation. The group discussed whether the action was intended to seek broader citywide application or to encourage use where appropriate.

A committee speaker described a regional example involving Habitat for Humanity and community land trusts, noting such partnerships can preserve long‑term affordability without city land donations. “Community land trust,” another member confirmed when discussing how ownership is retained by the trust while homeowners build limited equity.

Members also raised the difficulty of creating missing‑middle housing in an already built‑out city, citing the need for rezoning, variances or spot rezonings and the potential for neighborhood pushback. Planners said the final plan will include recommended language to clarify whether the city should seek broader zoning changes or promote the existing tools in targeted locations.

The committee asked staff to include baseline housing inventories and suggested additional actions to support renters and explore nonprofit partnerships, including outreach to Habitat for Humanity to consider eligibility or partnership expansions.