Comprehensive-plan update: staff highlights missing-middle housing, occupancy and infill options

Planning staff briefed council on the comprehensive-plan update, focusing on housing strategies and code adjustments that could support missing-middle housing types.

Rachel Fleches summarized community input and noted population projections, housing demand and affordability concerns. She said 32% of Lynchburg households are cost-burdened and that public input showed demand for housing options between single-family and high-density apartments. "There is an opportunity to lay groundwork for recommendations on adjustments to our current zoning code through the comprehensive plan if council so desires," Fleches said, referencing options such as creating an intermediate zoning district or adjusting R-3/R-4 rules to allow duplexes, triplexes and rowhomes.

The presentation also addressed occupancy standards and short-term-rental impacts, noting Lynchburg has about 650 registered short-term rental units and proposing the city could consider aligning occupancy rules for short-term and long-term rentals. Staff recommended completing the plan process and then using the adopted plan to guide any code changes. Council members asked about tiny-home models, parking implications, and how state law changes affecting parking requirements might alter local zoning choices. Staff said the draft plan and an online survey are available for continued public comment and anticipated additional planning-commission work sessions in the fall.