Urban Growth Zoning Overhaul Heads to Committee

The Planning Commission unanimously passed the UGM ZOTA in December, but there have been some changes since. Those are:

• The addition of a Workforce Housing density bonus, which would allow housing developments reserved for residents making 120% or lower of the Area Median Income (AMI) to build more units than typically permitted in their zone. Allowing more units could theoretically lower the per unit construction cost, potentially reducing the overall rent for tenants.

• The removal of maximum setbacks for residential buildings in the R-2 (Low Density Residential), R-4 (Medium Density Residential), and R-5 (High Density Residential) zones.

  • In many zones, buildings must be a certain distance away from the front of the lot they are on — this distance is called a setback.

  • Eliminating setback requirements may provide developers more flexibility in developing on smaller lots, or lots with unique challenges like significant trees that need protection.

The General Government and Planning Committee will meet Tuesday, February 13th at 1pm in Council Chambers. You can attend in-person or watch live on LexTV.

Republished from CivicLex.

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