Councilors and consultants debate C‑1 mixed‑use and rezoning of R‑1 land

Consultants proposed allowing mixed‑use development as a permanent permitted use in the C‑1 retail commercial zone instead of keeping it as a conditional use, arguing the change would give developers more flexibility where residential already is allowed. "Doing this would allow for greater flexibility of both residential and commercial types, and also mixed‑use development that could be part of the strategy to increase housing," Victor Tran said.

Councilors raised concerns about grandfathering single‑family homes currently in C‑1 and about whether upzoning R‑1 land would actually produce multifamily development. Rachel Cotton explained nonconforming use rules: if a regulation eliminates a use, existing uses can become nonconforming and may not be rebuilt in the future without rezoning. She said rezoning could be done but might need incentives or minimum density requirements to encourage developers to use higher‑density allowances. Commissioner Catherine (who spoke from the meeting floor) noted PUDs frequently require a two‑acre minimum, limiting that tool for smaller infill projects.