TECUMSEH — The Tecumseh Planning Commission has advanced a major zoning ordinance overhaul following a public hearing on June 10. The updates to Chapter 98 aim to streamline zoning, promote affordable housing, and consolidate overlapping districts.
City Manager Dan Swallow introduced the project, which is supported by a state grant for a comprehensive review of the zoning ordinance. City Planner Lauren Sayre from McKenna provided an overview, emphasizing the need to simplify the ordinance, address housing shortages, and create more flexible zoning options.
The commission discussed lowering the minimum home sizes in residential districts to allow for smaller, more affordable homes. They agreed to reduce the minimum size in RA-1 districts from 1,200 to 1,000 square feet, and in RA-2 districts from 900 to 800 square feet.
The proposed zoning ordinance revisions will return to the Planning Commission for further review in July.
If approved, the zoning changes could simplify development processes and support affordable housing initiatives across the city.