Middle housing code amendments (LA 2026-03)
Summary
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.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 15, 2026.
Impact analysis
No direct city cost yet — development fees are charged per unit actually built.
Homeowners with large lots who want to add housing, and buyers seeking more ownership options in established neighborhoods.
Neighbors concerned about parking, design compatibility, and the character of existing residential streets could be affected if standards are not carefully written.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Planning Commission - Jun 15, 2026
These changes let property owners build duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, cottage clusters and townhomes on lots under 10,000 square feet, and allow middle housing land divisions so owners can hold both home and land. It implements the housing production strategy and opens up thousands of the city's 9,800-square-foot lots to division.
Planning Commission - May 4, 2026
Independence needs roughly 2,000 new homes over the next 20 years, and this code package would allow triplexes, quadplexes, cottage clusters, and smaller lot splits in residential zones. The commission is close to final, with a June 15 public hearing where residents can weigh in.
Planning Commission - Feb 2, 2026
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.
City Council - Jan 27, 2026
The city is drafting code changes to allow more middle housing types, cut minimum lot sizes from 5,000 to 4,800 square feet (with 2,400-square-foot average for smaller divisions), and make standards clear and objective. It wouldn't force anyone to build more — it just creates options for homeowners with big lots.
Related development
LA 2026-03 — More Housing, Same (Great) Neighborhood Code Amendments
Property owners can now split big lots, add ADUs alongside duplexes, and build cottage clusters — while historic district and design review standards still apply.
More Housing, Same (Great) Neighborhood — Infill Code Update
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.
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