Planning Director John Coleman presented proposed development regulation amendments intended to implement the Housing Action Plan and finalize outstanding mapping changes. The package includes incremental zoning adjustments to allow small duplexes, triplexes and townhouses in specific zones, unit‑size and lot‑size changes, and middle‑housing provisions with unit‑size caps intended to preserve neighborhood character.

Coleman walked the council through the planning commission’s recommendations (attachment B) and the staff change log that aligns the CFP and operating plan. Key technical points raised by council included whether indoor recreational uses (for example, small gyms or gymnastics) should be permitted in light‑industrial zones near the waterfront. Coleman said the planning commission limited indoor recreation in industrial zones by requiring designs that minimize conflicts (noise, truck access, hours) and a typical occupancy cap of 30 people unless an applicant demonstrates higher occupancy would not disrupt industrial operations.

Council also raised transportation and street‑classification questions (whether Kansas Avenue should be called out as a collector to support future grants) and asked staff to have the transportation consultant clarify collector/arterial maps next week. On unit sizes, the planning commission had left several ranges (e.g., 1,000–1,400 sq ft for small duplex units) for council to choose; after discussion the council recorded a preference for a 1,400 sq ft maximum to allow retrofit flexibility and to harmonize small‑duplex, cottage and ADU options.

On assisted living, council members debated allowing assisted‑living uses in R4A zones and several asked to remove the R4A allowance because of service and EMS response concerns; staff will reflect council direction in the redlined draft to return Nov. 24. Coleman said a public comment period will run after the Nov. 24 discussion if council seeks substantive changes that require additional notice.