Our Take on the Draft Zoning Code:

1) The rules will allow more multiuse developments in the downtown area (mainly along North Main Street and a few nearby streets). These will most likely be retail on the first floor and housing up to 3 or 4 stories. While this will provide an estimated 144 additional housing units (per the 2024 parking study), it's highly likely that the units will be rentals, not opportunities to own.

2) The majority of the land area of the village is zoned residential, into one of three categories. Opportunities to provide more housing in these areas are still quite limited.

a) All zones allow accessory dwelling units on any single family home BUT they must be attached to the house (i.e. not above a detached garage, or not a tiny home in a back or side yard) and not visible from the road. These restrictions will inhibit their development. Besides providing semi-independent housing for family members, ADUs can provide an essential source of additional income for seniors on fixed incomes, couples, or young families in the primary residence that can help them pay their mortgage and property taxes. 

b) All zones allow single family homes to be converted to duplexes BUT the houses must be 3000 square feet of larger. There are only 36 homes in the entire village that fit this requirement. As with ADUs, owner-occupied duplexes provide a great starter home for couples and young families who may not be able to afford a single-family home without the additional income from rent. 

c) More environmentally efficient two, three, and four family buildings and townhouses are permitted in ONLY ONE of the zones --"residential transitional," which is mostly east of Main Street and/or north of the Canal. Given the smaller lot sizes in these areas, it's not clear how many sites could accommodate these multifamily projects and still meet the setback and lot coverage requirements. The other two residential zones have generally larger lot sizes and could fit these types of development, but the zoning rules prohibit their construction there. These types of developments could also more easily permit a "multi owner" model, rather than a "landlord-renter" situation.

3) The design standards for residential buildings are too restrictive. Reducing the environmental footprint of our buildings will include some innovative styles, designs, and finishes, but the current code requires new buildings to fit into a late 19th century/early 20th century style. This could unnecessarily limit owners and builders from developing the most efficient and cost-effective homes for the climate realities of the 21st century

What we ask the village board to modify before passing the draft code

1. Allow more flexibility for Accessory Dwelling Units, including detached and above garage units 

2. Reduce the minimum square footage for duplex conversions to open up more opportunities for additional units

3. Allow development of two - four family buildings and townhomes in all residential zones

4. Eliminate or substantially relax the residential design standards for new builds to permit innovation that meets the needs of a changing climate

Most Recent Presentation: Panel Discussion on Aug 11 with guests: a landscape architect and highly experienced planner from the Community Design Center, realtors and mortgage originators from Reimagine ROC Housing, and a climate policy expert from the Climate Solutions Accelerator.  Note: The annotated "use table" in the slide show has been updated for accuracy, so differs some from the recorded presentation.