Planning department sends housing-toolkit zoning changes to MPC; ADU prototypes and financing options next

City planning staff on Monday said they have submitted a suite of zoning text amendments and housing‑toolkit measures to the Metropolitan Planning Commission that aim to encourage denser, transit‑oriented development along designated nodes and corridors and expand affordable housing overlays.

Edward Morrow and Bridget Litty described the effort as a next step after prior council direction on an affordable housing density overlay and ADU work. The proposed changes seek to shift building placement toward the street, locate parking behind buildings, and provide standards to make transit‑and‑trail‑oriented development predictable for developers while protecting neighborhood character.

Staff said the text amendment was filed with the MPC in early May and is tentatively scheduled for the MPC agenda in late June; if the MPC gives a recommendation, the item will return to council for consideration. The planning team also said it will produce two to three pre‑approved ADU prototype designs to streamline permitting and will work with the housing services department on potential financing options.

Next steps: planning staff will present the amendment to MPC (target June 23), continue outreach (homebuilders association, Chatham County housing partners) and prepare ADU prototypes and financing proposals for council consideration.