Land Use Committee

The meeting was called to order at 12:00 AM on May 7, 2026, by Chair Ben Ewen-Campen. The meeting was conducted via remote participation.

Attendance:

• Councilors Present: Ben Ewen-Campen (Chair), Naima Sait, Matt McLaughlin, Jesse Clingan (arrived late).
• Councilors Absent: Lance Davis.
• Staff Present: Director Bartman (Planning), Samantha Carr (Liaison), Radice (IGA Liaison).

The committee considered the approval of minutes from previous meetings.

• Action: Motion to recommend approval of Items 1, 2, and 3.
• Vote Outcome: Approved 3-0.
  • In Favor: Councilors Sait, McLaughlin, and Ewen-Campen.
  • Absent: Councilors Davis and Clingan.

The committee discussed Item 260204: "Requesting ordainment to an amendment of section 8.1 in the zoning ordinance to provide for larger buildings, additional dimensional flexibility, and fewer use restrictions for affordable housing projects."

Key Discussion Points:

• Mass Timber Construction: The amendment increases allowable height to eight stories (85 feet) to accommodate mass timber projects. Director Bartman explained that the building code triggers significant cost increases at nine stories due to fire resistance requirements.
• Technical Amendments to Table 8.1.6: The committee voted to amend the language for lot depth and lot width under rear and side setbacks to "greater than or equal to 100 feet" and corrected a typo in the side setback section to specify "lot width."
• Green Score: The committee decided to maintain the status quo for green scores rather than adopting a proposed increase.

Official Actions:

1. Motion to replace the item text with the draft dated April 2, 2024: Approved 3-0 (Sait, McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen).
2. Motion to amend Table 8.1.6 regarding lot dimensions: Approved 3-0 (Sait, McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen).
3. Final Recommendation: Motion to recommend approval of Item 260204 as amended: Approved 3-0 (Sait, McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen).
4. Item 4 (Planning Board Recommendation): Marked as "Work Completed."

The committee reviewed Item 260287, a citizen-led petition requesting a zoning text amendment regarding dormers and upper-story additions.

Key Discussion Points:

• Front Setback: Planning staff recommended a two-foot front setback for side-facing dormers to maintain the visual illusion of a pitched roof. The committee supported this to preserve architectural character.
• Three-Story Entitlement: The original proposal sought to allow detached houses, semi-detached houses, and duplexes to be three stories by right. The committee rejected this, arguing it would moot dormer standards and lead to the proliferation of "cube" style buildings.
• Backyard Cottages: The committee voted to exclude backyard cottages from these dormer changes, preferring to address them in upcoming dedicated ADU/Backyard Cottage legislation.

Official Actions:

1. Motion to require a two-foot front setback in the drafted language: Approved 4-0 (Clingan, Sait, McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen).
2. Motion to remove the three-story by right provision for detached, semi-detached, and duplex types: Approved 4-0 (Clingan, Sait, McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen).
3. Motion to amend Table 3.1.13 to change Gable and Shed Dormers to "N" (No) for Backyard Cottages: Approved 4-0 (Clingan, Sait, McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen).
4. Final Recommendation: Motion to recommend approval as amended: Approved 4-0 (Clingan, Sait, McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen).

Director Bartman provided a brief update on the Gilman Square upzoning project.

• Public Engagement: Staff will meet with the Gilman Square Neighborhood Council and present at the Ward 4 "Slice of the City" event, featuring a pop-up open house with four proposed zoning maps.
• Staffing Update: Director Bartman announced that the Planning Department is now fully staffed with the recent hiring of senior planners and a deputy director.
• Action: Item kept in committee.

The meeting was adjourned following a motion by Councilor Sait.

• Vote Outcome: Approved 4-0.
  • In Favor: Councilors Clingan, Sait, McLaughlin, and Ewen-Campen.