Title
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF COMPREHENSIVE ZONING AND CODE MODERNIZATION TO INCREASE HOUSING SUPPLY ACROSS ALL INCOME LEVELS.
Body
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...
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