Commissioners split on whether to include Common Residential District in 'middle housing' zones

Tira Panges shared a color‑coded map and sought a sense from commissioners on which districts should permit middle housing forms via summary/site‑plan review. Commissioners broadly accepted the DMRD (mill district) and the Thompson Corridor Development District (TCDD) as appropriate districts for middle housing, but disagreed on the Common Residential District (CRD) and Business Development District (BDD).

Several commissioners—including Ryan Canoyer and Ray Williams—argued the CRD should be excluded because it is a mature, small‑lot residential neighborhood and they do not want middle housing "as of right" there. Brian Santos and some staff noted CRD already has water and sewer connections and some small multifamily pockets, which complicates exclusion. Tira said she will research whether the BDD could be excluded under PA251 but cautioned that the act's language probably requires inclusion where mixed uses or commercial development exist.

Quote: "I do not want it in the CRD," said one commissioner during the map review, reflecting concern about changing established neighborhoods.

Ending: Staff will attempt to clarify legal leeway to exclude BDD or portions thereof and will return with map‑based recommendations for the next draft.