Commission approves downtown code amendment after heated debate over ground‑floor residential

The Planning Commission recommended approval of Code Amendment 2025‑02, a revision to downtown supplemental use regulations that clarifies where residential uses are permitted in downtown buildings and adds new standards for conversions. The amendment drew extended debate over whether allowing residential on downtown street‑level buildings or easing conversion approvals would harm the retail character of Main Street.

A commissioner argued that permitting additional first‑floor residential would damage downtown retail and said several Downtown Improvement Board members would oppose the change. "I cannot think of something that would hurt our downtown as much as I think that will long term," one commissioner said. Staff explained the amendment constrains first‑floor residential conversions in single‑story buildings (limiting them to a 40% conversion allowance where preexisting), requires ADA compliance and, for multistory buildings, preserves avenues for upper‑floor residential while maintaining street‑facing commercial standards. The amendment would allow more consistent rules and provide clearer review criteria; the commission approved the amendment and forwarded it to city council for consideration.