Zoning change could double housing density in Huntington

At the recent Huntington Zoning Commission meeting, a significant request for rezoning was presented, focusing on a parcel located on the north side of Garden Road. The applicant sought to change the zoning designation from Neighborhood Development Residential (NDR) to High Density Residential, specifically aiming to allow for single-family attached dwellings. This change would effectively double the potential housing density on the site, increasing the maximum allowable units from three to six.

The proposed zoning shift would raise the density from 4.85 units per acre to 9 units per acre, a move that has sparked discussions about housing affordability in the area. The commission noted that while the maximum number of units could increase, it does not guarantee that the developer will build to that capacity.

In addition to the density increase, the rezoning would alter the buffer requirements between the new high-density residential area and surrounding properties. The buffer would expand from a Type A buffer of 10 feet to a Type B buffer of 20 feet, enhancing the separation from adjacent conditional residential and medium-density residential zones. However, the buffer requirement would be eliminated for properties adjacent to conditional business zones, raising concerns about potential impacts on neighboring areas.

Commission members expressed that increasing density is essential to address the ongoing housing affordability crisis, emphasizing that this approach is a necessary response to the growing demand for housing in the region. The applicant's request is limited to one specific use out of 114 permitted uses in the zoning district, which has been viewed as a positive aspect of the proposal.

As the commission deliberates on this request, the broader implications for housing availability and community development remain at the forefront of discussions, highlighting the ongoing challenges in balancing growth with neighborhood integrity.