Microunits ordinance passes

After lengthy discussion at both the Planning Commission and previous Council meetings, in the end, the city approved a new microunits ordinance with very little fanfare. Council approved the ordinance in a vote of 5-2, with Council Members Laura Morrison and Kathie Tovo voting in opposition. The final ordinance allows that, for dwelling units that are 500 square feet or less, the minimum site area requirement is zero, parking can be leased separately and the minimum off-street parking requirement is .25 spaces per unit. Tovo proposed to include a provision that would allow neighborhoods to “opt in” to the ordinance if it fit with their existing neighborhood plan, but that amendment failed.