Lang
9/20/23
The Iowa City City Council has approved the first reading of over a dozen amendments to city zoning code in an effort to encourage more affordable housing.
The 14 amendments were approved 5-1, with only councilor John Thomas voting against. Thomas argued that the changes would have the unintended effect of increasing short-term leasing near the University of Iowa campus.
The amendments range from creating more incentives for developers to build affordable housing, easing standards to allow duplexes to be built in neighborhoods zoned for single families, and making it easier for the disabled to apply for housing accommodations.
Mayor Pro Tem Megan Alter was absent from Tuesday night’s meeting. The next two and final votes on the amendments are expected at future meetings on October 3rd and October 17th.