AKRON, Ohio – The city of Akron is asking community members to provide feedback on proposed zoning changes that aim to increase the housing supply, offer more choices and improve affordability.
The proposed zoning updates include:
- Reducing or eliminating minimum lot-size requirements for residential development. Under the current zoning code, lots must be at least 4,000 square feet. If approved, this change would allow for the construction of homes on smaller, vacant lots, according to the city.
- Allowing up to three housing units on properties in more areas of the city. If approved, this change would allow for more duplexes, triplexes, accessory dwelling units and small-scale neighborhood housing.
- Making it easier for residents to invest in older buildings that became legal nonconforming after zoning changes made decades ago. If approved, this change would help preserve existing housing stock and reduce renovation barriers.
Residents can review the specific proposed changes and share their thoughts via an interactive website.
“Akron’s neighborhoods were built with a mix of housing types that gave residents more choices and created vibrant, walkable communities,” Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said in a news release. “Over time, parts of our zoning code became more restrictive and created barriers to reinvestment and new housing construction. These proposed changes are about modernizing our policies, supporting neighborhood revitalization, and making it easier for residents to find housing that fits their needs.”…