Most of the changes being considered are currently allowed elsewhere in Clark County or the state, or are required by state law
VANCOUVER — The city of Vancouver is seeking public input on proposed updates to its zoning codes that will allow development of different, smaller and more affordable housing options beyond those currently permitted.
The city invites interested residents and property owners to learn more, ask questions and provide input about the proposed changes at an informal online open house from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tue., Jan. 18. To access the Jan. 18 online open house, use the following Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89729614342?pwd=QXJUMkY2eFJiK2Z2eXpwYjA3T0R1UT09
Those who are unable to attend the open house can learn more about the proposed changes and provide input online at www.beheardvancouver.org/housingcodeupdates.
Most of the changes being considered are currently allowed elsewhere in Clark County or the state, or are required by state law:
- Creating standards for a higher density single family zoning district and higher density multi-family zoning district. These would require a rezone application and public hearings to be sited
- Allowing cottage clusters, where clusters of multiple small single-family homes surround open community spaces
- Allowing micro housing, where residents of higher density multi-family apartment complexes have shared kitchens and bathrooms
- Allowing existing garages with non-conforming setbacks to be converted to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) if they meet city ADU and building standards
- Offering aging in place building fee incentives for new home construction allowing development of higher density affordable housing on property owned or controlled by religious organizations in compliance with state law
- Improving the development standards for buffers and setbacks where new apartment buildings are being built next to existing single-family homes
- Reducing minimum parking standards for housing located near popular/high use public transit stops to comply with state law
These changes will help the city better meet changing demographic needs and consumer preferences, and expand the overall availability for various types of housing, including more affordable options.
City staff will present the proposed zoning code changes to the Planning Commission in an informal workshop on Jan. 25. Public hearings are anticipated in February and March.
Visit www.cityofvancouver.us/cdd/page/housing-code-updates to learn more about the housing code updates project and upcoming public meetings.
Information provided by city of Vancouver.
Hey why don’t you First Concider figuring out a way of building more HOSPITALS before dishing out more apartments or housing permits. Not just here look at Camas,Washougal,Ridgefield,Battlegr-ound,Lacenter,Southwest Washington Period. Out all of those cities I’ve named which one of those has a Hospital that people can go to? So where do they have to go? If I remember correctly we have Two 24HR Care Hospitals that It! None of the Urgent Care Provide 24HR Care or have the available staff to do so.
“Let not rely on Oregon”
OREGON has there own People to take Care Of so let’s not even consider there HOSPITALS!!
Our Hospitals and the Care Givers are Overwhelmed and GOD BLESS Them for Being There! We need to take care of our own citizens.
You think covid is bad what about a 9.0 Earth Quake like the Geologists have been talking about for Who Knows How Long. People won’t have time to wait for Care or Fema or National Guard to get here for care. You keep wanting to give out more permits have you looked at the roads since you’ve allowed all the building. They are all over congested they were never designed to handel this much growth. When they closed I-5 do to that burglary/shooting look what happened! 205 was Jammed and all the main city streets and side streets were all affected people driving through neighborhoods do to people trying to figure out a way to get to 205 south that wasn’t Congested. What would happen if there was a Real Emergency during that time!! Why don’t you try putting a halt on building and consider what’s going on all around us. For instance Grocery Stores and There Shelves,Graffiti,Homelessness,Violen-ce,Dirty Street/Highways,Unsafe Communities Etc. NOBODY WANTS TO LIVE LIKE THIS!
THEY WANT SAFETY, RELIABILITY, RESPONSIBILITY,ETC FROM WHOM THE PEOPLE ELECTED OR HIRED!
I CAN GO ON AN ON!!
Seriously Open Your Eyes take the Blinders Off! Stay Safe and GOD BLESS US ALL!!
Philip, although your concerns are highly legitimate, planners focus on projects that are profitable for the city/county (taxes) and investor friends. These compact housing projects will mainly be purchased by investors who will rent to people fleeing from Portland and will eventually be rundown eyesores due to lack of ownership pride. I doubt that they are considering the need for increased law enforcement! I doubt that they are considering the strain on existing utility systems! Our officials are ignorant and/or corrupt. Follow the money!