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RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF COMPREHENSIVE ZONING AND CODE MODERNIZATION TO INCREASE HOUSING SUPPLY ACROSS ALL INCOME LEVELS.
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BY COUNCILORS FORSMAN, SWENSON, NEPHEW AND AWAL:
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the city of Duluth to increase housing supply for residents across all income levels in all neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, fostering a dynamic and accessible housing market that provides diverse housing options helps create a thriving community and stabilizes housing prices; and
WHEREAS, only by intentionally creating and implementing policies to increase housing supply and support new developments across the community, in all council districts, will the city create a culture of growth, diversity, and affordability for all; and
WHEREAS, existing zoning codes and development standards, while well-intentioned, may inadvertently create unnecessary complexities, increase development costs, slow the timely creation of housing, and create a reliance on public incentives to help make housing development economical; and
WHEREAS, modernizing Duluth's land use regulations can streamline processes, optimize staff time, and encourage innovative housing solutions that align with contemporary urban planning principles; and
WHEREAS, other leading municipalities have successfully implemented comprehensive zoning reforms to address housing shortages by reducing regulatory burdens and promoting greater flexibility in development;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the council requests that the city administration undertake a comprehensive review and propose amendments to the city's Unified Development Chapter (UDC) and related codes, with a focus on easing unnecessary restrictions and simplifying standards to facilitate housing development and increase housing access across all income levels.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the city administration is requested to evaluate and bring back for city council consideration proposals including, but not limited to, the following:
(a) Proposals for simplifying and modernizing zoning regulations, including:
(1) Recommendation to reduce or eliminate overly complex and time-consuming standards within the UDC to make the development process more predictable and efficient for developers, thereby allowing for more efficient use of city staff time in review and approval processes.
(2) Recommendation to expand "by-right" development opportunities for a wider range of housing types, ensuring that projects strictly conforming to objective standards can proceed without discretionary review or special approvals from the planning commission or city council.
(b) Proposals to increase housing density and diversity, including:
(1) Recommendation related to allowing for increased height and density in appropriate areas, particularly along transit corridors and in mixed-use zones, to maximize development potential and accommodate more housing units.
(2) Recommendation relating to facilitating the development of "missing middle" housing types, such as duplexes and townhomes, by permitting them by-right in more residential zones and simplifying associated development standards, including clarifying zero-foot setbacks for shared walls.
(3) Recommendation promoting high-density, low-rise housing options in suitable neighborhoods to provide diverse housing forms that contribute to vibrant walkable communities.
(4) Recommendation relating to expedited review processes or additional by-right considerations for housing developments that include affordable units.
(c) Proposals to implement modern zoning tools and streamlining processes, including:
(1) Recommendation related to transitioning existing "Form Districts" to "Main Street Districts" or similar designations that encourage mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly development with a clear emphasis on ground-floor commercial spaces and upper-story residential units, as well as limiting Vacation Dwelling Unit (VDU) development.
(2) Recommendation relating to simplifying height and setback restrictions across various residential and mixed-use districts to provide greater flexibility for developers while maintaining appropriate urban design standards.
(3) Recommendation to evaluate and potentially eliminate confusing or overly burdensome provisions, such as certain Planned Unit Developments (PUD), where standard zoning regulations can achieve similar or better outcomes with less administrative complexity.
(4) Recommendation to Implement modern zoning tools like Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), by establishing targeted zoning overlays or districts that encourage higher-density, mixed-use development within a half-mile radius of major transit stops.
(d) Proposals to enhance efficiency and predictability, including:
(1) Recommendation to reviewing and update the entire Unified Development Chapter to reduce duplication, simplify language, and ensure consistency, thereby making it easier for developers and staff to navigate.
(2) Recommendation to establish clear and objective criteria for administrative approvals for a broader range of housing projects, thereby reducing the number of projects requiring formal Planning Commission and City Council review and expediting timelines.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the city administration is requested to engage with residents, developers, the Affordable Housing Coalition, and other stakeholders to gather input and ensure that proposed changes promote efficiency while supporting vibrant, diverse neighborhoods that balance growth within our community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the city administration is requested to present its findings and specific recommendations, including any necessary amendments to the city’s Unified Development Chapter or administrative procedures, to the council for further consideration within 150 days from passage of this resolution.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The purpose of this resolution is to affirm the city of Duluth’s commitment to expanding housing supply and diversity across all neighborhoods and income levels. By modernizing and streamlining our zoning and development codes, the goal is to remove unnecessary barriers that delay or complicate housing production, promote innovative and inclusive housing solutions, and foster thriving, connected communities. This resolution requests that the city administration undertake a comprehensive review and propose thoughtful amendments to the city’s land use regulations-grounded in community engagement and best practices to create a more predictable, efficient, and equitable development process. Through these efforts, Duluth will cultivate a culture of growth, diversity, and housing opportunity that meets the needs of all residents today and in the future.