Hunter
08/19/23
The city of Iowa City is looking to prevent a future affordable housing crisis in the area with possible changes to the zoning code.
The Gazette reports that during this week’s City Council work session, city staff presented five proposed changes to the zoning code that are intended to increase housing supply and diversity of housing options.
The city adopted its first affordable housing plan in 2016. Senior planner Anne Russett said that of the fifteen action steps in the original plan, only zoning regulation changes have not been addressed. The proposed amendments were presented last month, getting recommendations for approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission on August 2nd.
The changes include:
- Increasing flexibility for where duplexes, townhomes and assisted group living are allowed;
- Modifying design standards;
- Allowing the flexibility to increase the bedroom limit for multifamily housing outside of the University of Iowa impact area;
- Creating incentives for affordable housing; and
- Addressing fair housing, including creating a process to request reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities.
A recent analysis of residential growth in the area found that housing supply will not be able to keep up with demand if running at its current pace. Last year was one of the lowest levels of residential lot creation in at least 30 years. If changes are not made, the city may be faced with slower population growth and higher housing prices.
The council will hold a public hearing on the proposed changes during its Sept. 19 meeting, which also will include the first consideration of the amendments. A public comment period will be included as part of the meeting.