Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Memorandum Agenda Item No. 13 TO: Mayor, Mayor Pro -Tem and City Council City Manager, Rose Beverly FROM: Osei Amo-Mensah, Director Planning and Community Development SUBJECT: Discuss Neighborhood Uniformity as it relates to the 5 -In -5 Housing Program; and provide direction to Staff. MTG. DATE: April 14, 2025 BACKGROUND: On March 11, 2024, City Council placed a moratorium on the city's 5 -in -5 Housing Infill Development Program to allow staff the opportunity to review the Program, instituted in January of 2022, and to propose guideline revisions based on the city's experience to date. City Council approved revisions to the Program on August 6, 2024 and lifted the moratorium. City Council approved further revisions to the Program guidelines on January 13, 2025. At the City Council Meeting on February 10, Council Member Putnam requested a future agenda item to discuss possible revisions to provide guidelines that would require homes built pursuant to agreements under the Program be in keeping with the character of the neighborhoods in which they are built. STATUS OF ISSUE: In recent times, concerns have been raised by stakeholders and some members of the City Council about the impact of the 5 -in -5 Infill Housing Program in relation to infill development and Neighborhood Uniformity. The Guidelines of the Program do not address Neighborhood Uniformity. Neighborhood Uniformity is a concept that is applied to infill programs to create an orderly and character of each zoning district to present a unique appearance. According to one source, Neighborhood uniformity refers to the degree of consistency or similarity in the characteristics of homes, properties, or overall design within a specific neighborhood. This might include factors like architectural styles, building materials, landscaping, color schemes, and even regulations set by homeowners' associations (HOAs). Uniformity can contribute to a cohesive look, which some people appreciate for maintaining property values or aesthetic appeal, while others might feel it limits individuality and creative expression. Other sources state variations on this theme: