Draft zoning overhaul proposes smaller lots, higher residential densities and downtown overlay

Community Development Director David Pavlich presented a draft rewrite of Chapter 405 of the municipal code to implement board priorities for housing and economic development. Pavlich spelled out concrete proposals: reduce the R‑1 minimum lot size from 7,500 square feet to 6,000; increase R‑1 density from 5 dwelling units per acre to 8; raise densities modestly in R‑2 and higher-density districts; allow some commercial uses in light-industrial districts; and create a downtown overlay covering parts of Jefferson, 4th Street and areas up to the railroad to encourage mixed-use, higher-density development.

Pavlich said the ordinance also proposes parking changes intended to reduce excess paved surface and encourage pedestrian-friendly development, including a proposed reduction for high-density residential from 2 spaces per unit to 1.5. Board members pressed staff on potential side effects: one alderman warned that lower parking minimums could push parking into streets and interfere with fire and school-bus access, and another suggested creating R‑1A and R‑1B classifications to preserve larger-lot neighborhoods while allowing smaller-lot infill elsewhere. Pavlich and the planning commission plan to refine draft language, add clearer current-vs-proposed comparisons in the packet, and return next month with a recommendation from planning and zoning.

No ordinance was adopted tonight; the presentation was for review and staff will bring a revised draft and the planning commission recommendation to the board at a subsequent meeting.