Council adopts sweeping residential zoning rewrite to encourage more housing choices

The Xenia City Council voted May 14 to adopt a package of zoning changes officials said are intended to improve neighborhood quality and create more housing choices.

Assistant City Manager Mr. Henry told the council the text amendments (Ordinance 2026-16) rewrite and reorganize the city's residential zoning districts and make targeted changes to business‑district standards, off‑street parking, parkland dedication and subdivision design. He said the revisions reflect public input gathered in the city’s “next plan,” including responses from more than 900 senior residents and nearly 500 participants in zoning outreach. “The goals of this year’s proposed text amendments essentially amount to improving the quality of life, revitalizing existing neighborhoods, and encouraging greater housing choice,” Henry said.

Council also approved Ordinance 2026-17, an amendment to the city’s official zoning map intended to align parcel designations with the text changes. Mr. Henry described the map update as the companion action to implement the comprehensive revisions.

Councilwoman Faith Sice moved for passage of the text amendments; the motion was seconded by Mayor Reynolds and passed on a roll call vote. No members recorded opposing votes.

Why it matters: City officials said the combined changes are designed to allow a wider range of housing types on existing infrastructure, support smaller infill homes and reduce barriers for local builders, while updating development standards that affect sidewalks, parking and the look of commercial corridors. Supporters said the reforms were developed after extensive outreach; opponents did not speak at the public hearings.

Next steps: The amendments take effect per the timing in the ordinances. Staff said they will begin implementing updated permit and review procedures tied to the new code and map.