06-21-12 Regular Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission

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REVISED DRAFT JUNE 14APRIL 9, 2012 homes; rather, it means that future development should incorporate more housing diversity so that existing and future residents will have sufficient options, from large lot single- family dwellings (e.g., in the Lomax area), to residential above retail lofts, live/work units, and attached living. Lack of affordability is a concern. When there is a lack of affordable housing options available, it increases individual and/or family distress and is considered to have negative Duplex quality and affordable housing within livable and attractive environments. Maintaining livability as the City transitions to an infill and redevelopment focus will require creativity and a willingness to coordinate efforts. The qualities that make La Porte an attractive place to live are also making La Porte an expensive place to live. Increasing housing prices creates obstacles for low-income households and threatens to push residents to unsatisfactory housing options. The inability to find housing locally poses a hardship for households seeking an Patio Home affordable home, as well as employers seeking employees. Actions and Initiatives 1) developments that will offer alternatives to existing and future residents. New development and redevelopment should include more than one housing type, with ordinance provisions for increased open space as separation and buffering and other standards to ensure compatibility. A combination of housing Townhouse options and lot sizes will result in a diversity of housing choices choices that will be useful in attracting and keeping singles, younger families, and older residents. 2)Consider incorporating accessory dwelling units in the zoning ordinance, along with appropriate provisions governing their use and compatibility. They are common and increasing in popularity in many communities to accommodate elderly members wanting to live independently but close by, or Mutliplex 3)Consider aAdopting Future development/redevelopment residential development, which may include provisions for efforts should place greater focus on building form and scale, articulated building walls, building diversifying the housing stock within the orientation, architectural detailing, roof types and materials, City, by including some of the above façade enhancements, and acceptable building materials, as alternate housing types. well as site design standards regarding landscape surface, Source: Kendig Keast Collaborative. parking location and arrangement, bufferyards, and site 2.14 Chapter 2