A public hearing on residential zoning updates in Portage tonight

The Portage City Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday night at 6 p.m. at Portage City Hall, 7900 S. Westnedge Ave., to consider a major overhaul of the city's residential zoning rules. The proposed changes would allow smaller lot sizes, a wider variety of housing types, and narrower neighborhood streets.

The hearing marks the first phase of a new Unified Development Ordinance that city officials say is intended to modernize development regulations and expand housing options. The current zoning codes in Portage date back to the 1960s, according to the city.

What the proposed changes would do

According to the city of Portage, the draft ordinance includes several key updates:

  • Allowing smaller residential lot sizes and reduced setbacks in residential areas
  • Permitting a wider variety of housing types beyond traditional single-family homes
  • Encouraging narrower residential streets with curves to create more space for housing lots
  • Creating incentives to preserve natural areas or green space in larger new developments by allowing flexibility to cluster homes

The project was developed with Kendig Keast Collaborative, a Texas-based consulting firm. It was supported by a grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority aimed at encouraging local residential zoning reforms, according to NowKalamazoo.

Residents raise concerns about Austin Lake area

Opponents during previous public comment sessions about the plan were overwhelmingly concerned about the proposed changes around the Austin Lake area, urging the city to preserve existing single-family neighborhoods, according to NowKalamazoo.

Commenters argued a zoning change could harm water quality, wetlands, and wildlife. They also expressed concerns about traffic safety and said that higher-density housing could negatively affect property values and neighborhood character.

Councilmember addresses park and housing concerns

Chris Burns, a Portage councilmember, said he expects a robust discussion on the changes. Burns told Jack 106.5 that some residents worry the zoning language on parks might suggest they could be developed. He said that is not the case.

"The City Charter requires a supermajority of both the council and the public to sell any park or green spaces in the city," Burns said.

Burns also addressed concerns that the changes will mean more affordable housing can be constructed. He said there is a difference between "affordable" and "low income."

What happens next

After Tuesday's hearing, the Portage City Council will consider adopting the new UDO for residential zoning. A second phase, focused on commercial and mixed-use zoning districts, is expected later this year, according to WWMT.

The residential zoning portion is meant to implement recommendations from the city's Portage Forward Together 2045 Master Plan, according to city officials. Residents can review draft materials and submit comments online through the city of Portage website.

Sources: NowKalamazoo, Jack 106.5/WKZO, WWMT News Channel 3