Nashville’s neighborhoods could see major changes under a new zoning proposal from the Metro Planning Department aimed at easing the city’s housing shortage. The plan would create two new zoning districts, “Residential Neighborhood and Residential Limited,” allowing for more diverse housing types such as townhomes and cottage courts, as reported by WSMV.
The proposal also seeks to limit the spread of “tall and skinnies” by reducing allowable building heights in certain zones. Metro Planning Project Manager Greg Claxton said, “We’re looking at where these help build complete communities, and not just where can we kind of cram housing,” according to WSMV.
The Nashville Metro Council advanced zoning reform bills on second reading after a public hearing where residents expressed differing views. Supporters described the proposal as “This is a very measured, careful, lower-case ‘C’ conservative bill as a way to increase the diversity of our housing stock,” as mentioned by Nashville Banner. Opponents voiced concerns about density and potential benefits to developers, with one saying, “I know not only two developers win, but they’re gonna win with this bill.” Some attendees wore red and carried signs that read “defer,” urging a delay, as per NewsChannel 5. The bills would create a framework for possible rezoning that requires public notice and council approval and are scheduled for a third reading in December.
