Gainesville Weighs Zoning Reform Proposal

The northern Florida city could follow others in removing barriers to building accessory dwelling units and multifamily buildings in neighborhoods currently zoned for single-family homes. Some local residents oppose the plan.

2 minute read

April 1, 2022, 6:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Updated August 8, 2022 to more accurately describe the proposed zoning changes.

A proposal backed by the mayor of Gainesville, Florida is being touted as a boost to affordable housing and equitable development, while critics say the city did not engage with the public enough before drafting the plan, according to an opinion piece by Robert Mounts.

The staff proposal would consolidate all single-family residential zoning districts into one residential zone (RZ), amend permitted uses to allow for small-scale multi-family development, reduce setback and lot size restrictions, remove occupancy limits, increase bedroom limits within the University of Florida (UF) Context Area and streamline 'lot split' regulations.

"The staff says these changes would facilitate diversification of housing types to meet increasing housing demand and allow for a more 'equitable' development pattern in Gainesville." Like similar zoning reform proposals in other cities, "RZ zoning will not eliminate single family housing as a permitted use. Rather, it would introduce the opportunity for small scale multi-family development in all residential areas, thereby providing homeowners with development options that they may choose to explore at their option." Mounts continues, "Similarly, the staff asserts that new lot size and setback requirements associated with RZ will not amend existing lot sizes but will provide development and lot-split opportunities for homeowners to explore at their discretion."

Mounts opposes the proposal, calling it "top-down" and "developer-friendly," while Gainesville's mayor has pitched it as a way to improve equity and housing affordability while allowing homeowners to make extra income from their property.

Monday, March 28, 2022 in The Gainesville Sun

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog