Oak Grove adopts smaller R1 lot standards to align with housing goals

The Oak Grove Board of Alderwomen on June 23 adopted an ordinance amending R1 single-family development standards, lowering minimum lot size and lot width and reducing a rear setback as part of a Unified Development Code update.

City staff presented the changes as part of a larger effort to consolidate the city's zoning and subdivision rules into a Unified Development Code. Matt Randall, city staff, said the proposed revisions reduce the R1 minimum lot size from 9,000 square feet to 7,500 square feet, reduce minimum lot width from 75 feet to 65 feet and shorten the rear setback from 30 feet to 25 feet.

“The proposed revisions ... promote the orderly growth of the city, reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers, [and] ensure zoning regulations adapt to the evolving needs of the community,” Randall said during the presentation.

The board voted by roll call to approve Bill 2507; the city clerk recorded votes of yes from Rachel Kilmer, Tracy Newcomer, Pam Pope, Sierra McMichael and Kelly Neto. Bill 2507 became Ordinance No. 2134.

The ordinance tracks recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Commission and the city’s comprehensive plan, city staff said. Randall summarized the process: Oak Grove’s original zoning ordinance dates to 1962; a 1996 subdivision development ordinance governs lot division and infrastructure; the city began drafting a Unified Development Code in February to combine and modernize those regulations. Planning and Zoning reviewed the R1 revisions and recommended the changes after a public hearing.

City staff told the board the changes aim to support a more diverse housing stock and to improve housing affordability by aligning local rules with market conditions and peer cities’ standards. The board was offered three options: approve the ordinance, deny it or direct staff to return with revisions; the board chose to adopt.

The adopted ordinance amends sections 405.155 and 405.225 of Oak Grove’s Unified Development Code to reflect the new R1 standards. The board thanked the Planning and Zoning Commission and staff for the work.

Background and next steps: the UDC is intended to be periodically reviewed and updated. The change applies to properties in the R1 single-family district; property owners and developers will follow the new standards going forward.