I applaud the City of Lakewood’s effort to investigate zoning changes which allow for increased housing density of our community. This communication discusses changes to ordinances 1123.09 (Single- and Two-Family Maximum Lot Coverage) and 1133.06 (Conversion of Single-Family Structure Prohibited). I sometimes have a hard time reading these ordinances, so bear with me, but should not ordinance 1143.05 (Schedule of Uses and Space Requirements) also be considered as having impact to this proposal? The way I read this is that adding a unit to a single- or two-family parcel would trigger an increase in required off-street parking, which could potentially impose an insurmountable barrier for the addition of a living unit. This ordinance also tacitly seems to prohibit conversion of an existing garage footprint to a livable structure. Considering discussions I’ve heard of the county’s transit-oriented development study (https://www.countyplanning.us/projects/tod-zoning-study/) prioritization of car storage over livable space within the walkshed of any high-volume public transit stop (essentially everywhere within a 5-minute walk of Detroit Ave) presents as misaligned with the spirit of dense, walkable areas. There is likely discussion about this topic regarding other changes that I am unaware of, but please receive this comment as support for the limiting or removal of on-street and off-street parking minimums in favor of more housing opportunities within Lakewood.
I applaud the City of Lakewood’s effort to investigate zoning changes which allow for increased housing density of our community. This communication discusses changes to ordinances 1123.09 (Single- and Two-Family Maximum Lot Coverage) and 1133.06 (Conversion of Single-Family Structure Prohibited). I sometimes have a hard time reading these ordinances, so bear with me, but should not ordinance 1143.05 (Schedule of Uses and Space Requirements) also be considered as having impact to this proposal? The way I read this is that adding a unit to a single- or two-family parcel would trigger an increase in required off-street parking, which could potentially impose an insurmountable barrier for the addition of a living unit. This ordinance also tacitly seems to prohibit conversion of an existing garage footprint to a livable structure. Considering discussions I’ve heard of the county’s transit-oriented development study (https://www.countyplanning.us/projects/tod-zoning-study/) prioritization of car storage over livable space within the walkshed of any high-volume public transit stop (essentially everywhere within a 5-minute walk of Detroit Ave) presents as misaligned with the spirit of dense, walkable areas. There is likely discussion about this topic regarding other changes that I am unaware of, but please receive this comment as support for the limiting or removal of on-street and off-street parking minimums in favor of more housing opportunities within Lakewood.