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.