November 3, 2004

Council supports rule change on density

By Vickie Aldous
Ashland Daily Tidings

The Ashland City Council is supportive of a new rule that could boost the development of apartments, townhouses and duplexes.

At a Tuesday night meeting, all councilors voted to direct City of Ashland staff to refine language for a land use ordinance amendment that sets minimum densities for lots in R-2 and R-3 multi-family zones. Councilors later will vote on the adoption of the amendment.

Some residents have raised concerns that developers have built single-family homes on lots zoned for multi-family use - a practice that could lead to a housing shortage and lack of affordable options.

While developers still are building multi-family units, Ashland Community Development Director John McLaughlin said market pressures could increase to construct individual houses in multi-family zones.

"As a desirable community to move to, people are looking for any land to build that dream house," he said.

However, some residents expressed opposition to the amendment.

Phil Hutchings said the change would reduce his options for developing his land.

"It could possibly devalue what I have," he said.

Resident Barbara Vasquez questioned the need for the amendment, saying that local non-profits are working to provide affordable housing, and Southern Oregon University is building dormitories that will take pressure off the rental market.

The amendment would set minimum densities at 80 percent of capacity for lots larger than 10,000 square feet that are within R-2 and R-3 multi-family zones.

City staff have identified 32 affected properties that could support 154 housing units. Without established minimums, as few as 32 units could be built, although that is unlikely, according to staff.

The amendment contains some exemptions, including for lots within historic districts and environmentally sensitive lands, according to Ashland Housing Program Specialist Brandon Goldman.

In other business, the council agreed to send a letter to the Jackson County Board of Commissioners saying the City of Ashland wants to be involved in the process for considering development of the proposed Billings Ranch golf course just outside Ashland.

The council also accepted the quarterly financial report, and approved a reading by title only of a resolution to annex land on East Main Street and a resolution to remove the annexed land from Jackson County Fire Dist. No. 5.