Long House Form in University Park

The UPCC is concerned about the “long house” form of home construction being used in our community. Unless we address this through rezoning, privacy and access to sunlight are at risk in our neighborhood.

Areas zoned E-SU-Dx in University Park.

In areas zoned E-SU-Dx in University Park (see map to right), homes can be built using either the Urban House form or the Suburban House form (see graphics below). Although both provide similar square footage potential, the Urban House form restricts two story development to the front 65% of the lot and requires a step-down to one story on the rear 35% of the lot. The Suburban House form doesn’t have this restriction, and allows two stories to extend the full length of the buildable area. This can decrease privacy and block sunlight on adjacent properties.

UPCC recommends eliminating the Suburban House form option and rezoning the E-SU-Dx to E-SU-D. Eliminating the “x” removes the possibility of the “long house.”

UPCC has been working with Councilman Paul Kashmann, who recommends addressing this through an area-wide rezoning to E-SU-D.

Urban House Form – restricts two story development to the front 65% of the lot and requires a step-down to one story on the rear 35% of the lot.

Suburban House Form – allows two stories to extend the full length of the buildable area.

Contact senior city planner Chandler Van Schaack with questions regarding the rezoning process at: [email protected]