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Commission weighs which housing types should be allowed in waterfront mixed‑use
Summary
Members debated permitting detached homes, patio homes, townhomes, upper‑story residential and live‑work units in the proposed Bayou mixed‑use district and leaned toward allowing residential elements but controlling scale and safety via limited‑use checklists.
Commissioners discussed whether to permit residential types (conventional detached, patio homes, townhomes, duplexes, multiplexes and live‑work units) within the Bayou mixed‑use district. Several members favored allowing detached homes and upper‑story residences while expressing doubts about patio homes and dense multiplexes given waterfront design goals.
Staff noted that live‑work units can be permitted as limited uses with clear checklists. As Travis explained, size and design standards can be set administratively: "If it's new, it's gonna have to meet these mixed use design standards. It cannot exceed 3,500 square feet." Commissioners emphasized the need for building‑code compliance, safety exits for short‑term rentals and administrative review to prevent unintended residential encroachment into commercial bayside areas.
The group generally agreed to allow a measured residential component to foster activity on the bayou but to use administrative checklists and limited‑use standards to protect neighbors and ensure safety.
