Could zoning reforms aid neighborhoods and small businesses in Erie? A city councilman thinks so
Erie City Councilman Chuck Nelson wants to make it easier for citizens to build a standalone housing unit or business space on their existing property in the city of Erie.
He also would like to end stipulations that mandate a certain amount of parking spaces at any new city development; see a streamlined permitting process for projects; and reduce or eliminate lot/unit size requirements regarding properties.
Nelson is asking Erie City Council and City Solicitor Ed Betza to help make all of this happen.
A Nelson-sponsored resolution on City Council’s Wednesday meeting agenda, approved 7-0, asks that city zoning officials and Betza’s office work on a number of zoning updates that would eventually need City Council’s final approval.
Planning/zoning resolution
Nelson’s is proposing that the city:
Eliminate parking requirements citywide, which are developer/property owner mandates to provide a fixed amount of parking spaces for any new development. Advocates say the rule changes can lead to lower development costs, improved walkability in downtowns/neighborhoods and greater use of multimodal transportation.
Legalizing what are known as Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, which are smaller, independent residential units located on the same lot as a stand-alone/detached single-family home. A small backyard guest house would be an example.
Allowing for Accessory Commercial Units, a concept similar to ADUs. They are smaller structures built on adjoining lots or attached to a larger structure, which can host businesses.
Reduce or eliminating lot and unit size requirements throughout the city.
Expanding “ministerial approvals," which means streamlining the processes for permit/development approval so that projects/permits can receive faster sign-offs.
Nelson, City Council’s liaison to zoning, said he hopes the new rules can be in place by this summer. He pointed out that numerous municipalities across the country — including Houston, San Jose, Calif., Lexington, Ky., and Ann Arbor, Mich. — have adopted such reforms.
“What I’m trying to accomplish is addressing the housing and development needs of the community,” he said. “These things are more reflective of today’s needs. There are more barriers to development than just (property) taxes. This is addressing developmental barriers.”
What’s the Erie Planning Commission’s take?
The Planning Commission on Nov. 21 recommended “zoning ordinance audits and possible amendments” regarding off-street parking requirements; ADUs, minimum lot size stipulations and home-based businesses, according to the minutes of that meeting.
Any changes would also be subject to public hearings before they are finalized, Nelson said.
Contact Kevin Flowers at kflowers@timesnews.com. Follow him on X at @ETNflowers.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Could several new proposed zoning changes aid development in Erie?
