Middle Housing Code Amendments
The City’s proposed zone changes go far beyond what is required by the new state law (HB 2001). They would increase the allowable density by five times over what is currently permitted and would allow lots to be developed with four (4) or more detached or attached dwellings. Typical lots would be dividable into multiple lots as small as 850 square feet for each dwelling added to the original lot.
The proposed code changes would allow buildings up to three stories and 42 feet high within five feet of the property line and would reduce or eliminate off-street parking requirements for additional housing on the street. On most lots, new buildings would be allowed to cover the entire area within the lot’s setbacks. Development of duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes and row houses would not have any requirement to preserve natural open space or protect existing mature trees. And there would be no requirements for affordability.
Furthermore, despite asserting that these changes will “apply equally to all areas of the city” (Register Guard, 2/28/22), the proposals will not impact the many newer neighborhoods with Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R’s)—thereby increasing the impact on older neighborhoods.
City officials need to hear from you about these proposed zone changes to low-density (R-1) zoning. Should existing affordable homes be demolished to make room for new market-rate units with no requirements for affordability? Should there be no limit on the size of new units? Is it acceptable for these units to become Airbnbs that won’t provide needed housing? Should the City greatly exceed density, height, and lot coverage beyond what state law requires? Shouldn’t the capacity of existing infrastructure (water, sewers, stormwater, and roads) be considered?
Questions? Contact our Councilor Alan Zelenka, ALAN.ZELENKA@ci.eugene.or.us, and the City Council (mayorcouncilandcitymanager@ci.eugene.or.us). City Council will hold its first public hearing on April 18, 2022.