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Residents back modest change but seek more data on affordability and protections for greenery
Summary
Breakout groups generally supported incremental changes to allow ADUs and middle housing but repeatedly requested clearer local affordability data, protections for trees and green space, and measures to limit conversions to second homes or short-term rentals.
Multiple table report-outs showed support for the draft's direction but also a recurring set of concerns.
Several tables expressed agreement that the package "moves the needle in the right direction" but questioned whether the changes would actually produce housing affordable to workers such as wait staff and entry-level employees. One table asked for clearer definitions of "workforce housing" and more data linking proposed housing types to what local workers can afford.
Residents also raised environmental and character concerns: several groups wanted protections for trees and meaningful open space rather than token setbacks, and others warned against design standards that felt "too HOA-like." Multiple tables asked how the city would prevent new units from becoming second homes or short-term rentals and noted that regulatory changes alone may not address those conversion pressures.
Presenters acknowledged those concerns and said policy work beyond regulatory amendments (for example, to address short-term rentals or incentives for permanently affordable housing) may be needed.
