Assembly rezones 7170 Glacier Highway to light commercial to allow higher-density housing

On Feb. 9 the Assembly approved Ordinance 2026-06, changing the zoning of a 7-Mile lot at 7170 Glacier Highway from D18 (high-density residential) to Light Commercial by roll call (6 yeas, 3 nays).

Applicants and their representatives described a mixed-use residential concept for roughly 120 units on the four-acre site and argued the location (near transit, trails and the CBJ streets shop) is suitable for workforce and transit-accessible housing. Josette Duran and developer Marciano Duran told the Assembly the project concept includes childcare, open space and transit access and argued Lemon Creek-area planning supports mixed-use in the corridor (applicant presentation).

Staff cautioned that D18 with an Alternative Residential Subdivision (ARS) could produce up to about 91 units under existing rules with density bonuses, and that switching to Light Commercial would allow up to 30 units per acre and therefore different density math; Director Lawhorn noted that some uses allowed in Light Commercial could make outcomes less predictable and that some housing proposals meeting density thresholds could require director rather than Planning Commission approval.

After debate, the Assembly voted in favor of rezoning; opponents emphasized that D18 already strongly supports housing and that the rezone expands allowable nonresidential uses that could, in theory, result in no housing development at all. Supporters cited urgent housing needs and argued the added flexibility could make a large housing project financially viable.

The ordinance will update the official zoning map for the parcel at 7170 Glacier Highway and does not itself appropriate funds. Future development proposals will be subject to the applicable permitting and review processes.