The city is once again opening its doors to the community, this time to shed light on the proposed zoning code updates that are poised to reshape residential areas. In an ongoing effort to provide clarity around the potential changes, a series of open houses have been held, with one more scheduled for this week. Among the proposed revisions is the allowance for a variety of housing types — duplexes, triplexes, quads, and small apartments — to make their way into all residential districts.
The latest open house to openly discuss these modifications will take place on June 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Westwood Hills Nature Center, located at 8300 W. Franklin Ave. In an attempt to maximally engage residents, the open house format has been designed to encourage attendees to arrive at any point during the event to speak directly with city staff regarding the updates.
In an age when urban density and housing availability are at the forefront of municipal concerns, the proposed changes aim to directly address these issues. Reductions in lot sizes, to measurements as narrow as 30 feet in width, are also on the table, speaking to a willingness to rethink traditional space allocation in urban planning.
Resources have been made readily accessible for those unable to attend the open houses. The city has augmented its zoning code update webpage with videos designed to comprehensively break down the update process. These videos also serve to navigate and clearly articulate how residents can submit their comments via the project's story map, a tool that encapsulates the proposed changes within an interactive digital format.
Those who have concerns or simply wish to stay informed are encouraged to engage with this outpost of local governance. With the deadline for feedback fast approaching, city officials remain committed to transparent communication, ensuring that the voices of residents are heard and integrated into the future planning of their city.
