The Algood Planning Committee approved an ordinance amendment Thursday night, allowing duplexes in low density residential districts.
Staff Planner Tommy Lee provided the committee an overview of the requested amendment. Lee said the demand for duplexes in Algood has increased over time, as the need for more affordable housing is high.
“Well, duplexes are typically smaller units than a traditional stick-built house,” Lee said. “And so, thus, cost for square foot is going to be, it could be the same, but less square footage equals less cost for the house.”
Lee said lots must be a minimum of 15,000 square feet and have a minimum 35 foot front set back, have a parking lot with a minimum of eight spaces and a maximum parking lot coverage of 40 percent.
Lee said if the city council next approves the amendment, duplexes would be permitted on lower density properties after certain criteria are met.
“It brings more affordable housing to Algood. Bottom line, in my opinion,” Lee said. “In duplexes, you can get more people in a smaller area, and hopefully the cost of housing down.”
Lee said low density districts do not allow for apartments or duplexes. Lee said medium density residential districts usually allow 10,000 square feet per lot.
Building Inspector Bob Lane said the larger lots are providing space between neighboring single unit homes. Lee said one duplex in a sea of homes could cause neighborhood tension.
“You gotta remember, they’re coming and asking for a duplex in an R-1 zone, so you need a little more boarder between your neighbors,” Lane said. “Because you’re sticking a multi-family in a residential neighborhood. That’s where we’re at. We’re trying to give those people a little more protection.”
“If this passes, two family dwellings will be able to be used there those are reserved for areas that are like Brookside and residential neighborhoods,” Lee said. “R-1 designation is reserved for things like that.”
Lee said the amendment now goes to the city council for first reading.
