More Housing, Same (Great) Neighborhood — Infill Code Update
Description
A package of code changes allowing more housing types — triplexes, quadplexes, cottage clusters — reducing minimum lot sizes, and adding clear standards for parking, windows, landscaping, and land divisions. The commission reviewed the latest 58-page draft and set a June 15 public hearing.
Impact summary
If adopted, these changes would make it much easier to build two to four homes on large lots in older neighborhoods, adding housing options over time.
Applicant
- Name
- City of Independence
At a glance
- Hearings
- 2
- Public comments
- 0
- Total mentions
- 2
Recorded in the meeting · Planning Commission
Last discussed May 4, 2026.
Meeting timeline (2)
Planning Commission - May 4, 2026
A package of code changes allowing more housing types — triplexes, quadplexes, cottage clusters — reducing minimum lot sizes, and adding clear standards for parking, windows, landscaping, and land divisions. The commission reviewed the latest 58-page draft and set a June 15 public hearing.
Planning Commission - Feb 2, 2026
Draft code amendments to allow more middle housing — smaller lots, cottage clusters, and lot divisions for duplexes and triplexes — in existing neighborhoods.
Related issues (3)
Building height limits in residential zones
The commission wants to look at lowering the 35-foot height cap but couldn't do it in this package without mailing notice to every residential property owner in town. Expect that as a separate code change later.
Middle housing code amendments (LA 2026-03)
Draft code changes would allow more housing types — duplexes, triplexes, cottage clusters — on existing large lots by shrinking minimum lot sizes and easing lot divisions. Commissioners are weighing how to handle parking access, window standards, and front-door orientation so new homes fit existing neighborhoods.
Infill housing code draft
A draft code package would allow more housing types in existing neighborhoods — smaller lots, cottage clusters, middle housing — with clearer, more objective standards. A next draft is a couple of months out.
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