Substandard Lot Use Permits

At a glance

• What: New homes on lots that are substandard in width or area need a Planning Commission use permit, even when the design otherwise complies. Commissioners want to explore letting such projects go through ministerial staff review.
• Where it stands: The commission approved two such permits on September 28, 2026 (411 Chester Street and 253 Yale Road). Changing the process would be a zoning ordinance amendment for the City Council; no date is set.
• Next: Staff will update the commission when council timing is known.

Sources

• Planning Commission video, September 28, 2026: https://youtube.com/watch?v=99ednZm3Leg

Log

2026-09-28 - Planning Commission

Approved use permits for 411 Chester Street and 253 Yale Road unanimously. Commissioners asked staff about ministerial review of substandard lots; staff said it is a council decision and any amendment would likely return to the commission.