The Iowa City council voted to pass a new zoning code amendment that seeks to create more options for housing choice, supply and affordability. The zoning amendment is the culmination of a series of efforts by the city, starting with the 2016 Affordable Housing Action Plan. The proposed changes seek to increase flexibility for a […]
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The Iowa City council voted to pass a new zoning code amendment that seeks to create more options for housing choice, supply and affordability.
The zoning amendment is the culmination of a series of efforts by the city, starting with the 2016 Affordable Housing Action Plan.
The proposed changes seek to increase flexibility for a range of housing types, modify design standards to reduce the cost of construction, ease restrictions on accessory apartments, create regulatory incentives for affordable housing and address fair housing concerns to further the city’s equity and inclusion goals.
According to the city’s findings, 50% of renters and 23% of homeowners in Iowa City spend 30% of their income on housing. In addition, the city anticipates a demand for 4,600 additional residences by 2030.
“Housing supply is one major contributor to the housing crisis,” said Danielle Sitzman, neighborhood development services coordinator. “The construction of housing in Iowa City is not keeping up with demand.”
Some of the practical applications to the zoning amendment includes allowing duplexes and two-attached units in lower density single-family home areas; allow townhome-style multi-family uses in higher density single-family home areas; ease barriers to second story multi-family residences in commercial areas; and treat assisted group living similarly to multi-family uses.
The Sept. 19 meeting saw lots of input from residents, most being in favor of the new amendment, though there were some who had concerns about the ultimate impact on neighborhoods.
Linda McGuire, 50-year Iowa City resident, requested that the council slow the process down. Calling the issue and timeline “complicated, big, fast and confusing,” she pointed out that neighborhood residents haven’t had a chance to engage with staff over how the proposed changes will affect the neighborhoods.
The council passed the amendment 5-1.
