Public Input Sought on Zoning Update
Public Input Sought on Zoning Code Update
The City of Cedar Rapids continues to seek public input through a series of open houses during its comprehensive update to the City’s zoning ordinance.
Open House
Tuesday, May 2
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
NewBo City Market (1100 3rd Street SE)
Open house format, residents can come at their convenience
The public can provide feedback on a number of neighborhood and community topics that are shaped by zoning codes. Examples include:
- Accessory dwelling units (additional unit to a single-family home, such as a “granny flat”) and the level of interest the public has on where these units are allowed and how they are approved.
- Garage forward houses (snout houses) and how the City can encourage context sensitive design in certain geographic areas, such as historic districts.
- Diversity in housing types (rowhouses, townhouses, multi-units) and the public’s feedback on how to encourage housing options other than single-family.
- Development transitions and how the zoning code can support a mix of housing and commercial development that is harmonious and complementary to existing single-family neighborhoods.
- Beekeeping and how the zoning code can support the public’s interest in allowing this in residential areas. This will be similar to discussions the community had regarding urban chickens and potential impacts on neighborhoods.
“We encourage residents to be active participants in this process as we work to ensure our zoning code meets the interests of those who live in this community,” says Councilwoman Ann Poe, chair of the City Council Development Committee. “How our neighborhoods look and function are important to the overall quality of life for our residents, and public input plays an important role in shaping this process.”
Encouraging diverse housing options positively benefits economic development, the city’s ability to attract and retain a talented workforce, and encourages a diverse population. In addition to these specific areas, the City is exploring how the zoning code could streamline the review and approval process for development proposals. The City is encouraging a development-friendly code that answers the need for quality development.
ReZone Cedar Rapids will help align the City’s zoning code to more accurately reflect the quality of life issues that were identified through the public input process of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, EnvisionCR, which was adopted by City Council in 2015. For a video on Zoning 101, please visit the City’s website: www.cityofcr.com/rezone.
