After roundly rejecting a proposal to legalize granny flats in 2018, the city council is revising it and other zoning reform proposals that could increase the city’s affordable housing supply.
With the city short an estimated 21,000 affordable housing units, Reno leaders are reconsidering permitting accessory dwelling units (ADUs), adopting ‘by-right’ approvals for some housing developments, and upzoning some districts as part of a package of recommendations aimed at increasing the housing supply.
As Ben Margiott reports for Fox Reno, “After a lengthy special meeting, the city council directed staff to move forward with drafting a granny flat ordinance and asked them to come back later this year with more specifics on other policies.” While some council members are skeptical of the proposals, others hope they can help meet growing housing needs.
According to consultant Shane Phillips, who prepared the recommendations, upzoning some residential neighborhoods “could involve allowing up to 30 units per acre on land previously zoned for up to 14 or 21 units per acre. Denser land which currently permits up to 30 units per acre, could be rezoned to allow up to 45 or 60 units.”
FULL STORY: Reno council debates allowing denser housing, revisits controversial effort to legalize granny flats
ADU Demand Grows Across the West Coast
In communities from California to Washington, permit applications for accessory dwelling units outpace the ability of permitting and construction to keep pace.
Arizona Legalizes ADUs and Higher Downtown Density Statewide
Two new laws require cities to permit ‘missing middle housing’ near city centers and ADUs on all single-family lots.
Bill Legalizing ADUs Passes Texas Senate
If passed by the full state legislature, the bill would eliminate local restrictions on ‘mother-in-law’ units.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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