2017-021 Co-housing Development Report
Date: March 10, 2017 Report No. 2017-021
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: Co-housing Development Concept for Homeless Veterans
BACKGROUND:
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At the February 7, 2017 meeting, Council Member Gregory requested an update on the tiny
home program, Shiloh Village, being spearheaded by Pat Smith.
In May 2016 Pat Smith, with Serve Denton, shared a conceptual proposal to build tiny houses
(300 square feet dwelling unit area) to address homelessness of veterans with the Planning
Division. During this meeting it was determined that additional research is warranted as the
Denton Development Code (DDC) does not permit tiny houses as a specific use and requires a
minimum floor area of 900 square feet and 500 square feet of dwelling unit area for single family
multi-family dwellings respectively.
In September 2016, Chris Martin (volunteer on the proposed project) and the Planning Division
presented the co-housing concept at the 2017 Veterans Strategy Summit citing their concept plan
for Shiloh Village (attached for reference) on an approximately 2.5 acre site located at the
southwest corner of Mingo Road and Old North Road. Subsequently, Pat Smith and the
Planning Division held a follow up meeting to share updated information that included a vision
statement, a process to house homeless veterans, proposed site plan, and details of the co-
housing concept. It was also determined that a code amendment would be necessary to
accommodate the proposed use which the Planning Division would support and create a land use
category with the associated development criteria to encapsulates the co-housing concept. The
proposed project would include community facilities where residents would dine together, do
laundry, and gather in public spaces. The intent is to create a community and support network.
Coho/US, a national non-profit raising awareness of the benefits of co-housing and
supporting the development of co-housing communities nationwide, defines co-housing as
ttached or
single family home has traditional amenities, including a private kitchen. Shared spaces
typically feature a common house, which may include a large kitchen and dining area,
laundry, and recreational spaces. Shared outdoor space may include parking, walkways, open
space, and gardens. Neighbors also share resources like tools and lawnmowers. Households
have independent incomes and private lives, but neighbors collaboratively plan and manage
community activities and shared spaces. The legal structure is typically an HOA, Condo
Association, or Housing Cooperative. Community activities feature regularly-scheduled
shared meals, meetings, and workdays. Neighbors gather for parties, games, movies, or other
events. Cohousing makes it easy to form clubs,
Visit http://www.cohousing.org/what_is_cohousing for additional information on co-
housing.
Date: March 10, 2017 Report No. 2017-021
The Planning Division has spent the past several months researching and holding meetings with
internal staff to:
Determine appropriate land use;
Define the use;
Determine appropriate zoning districts;
Determine appropriate design standards;
Review the Building Code; and
Evaluate the proposed location.
CONCLUSION:
The Planning Division will be discussing the necessary code amendment requirements with Pat
Smith. Once fully vetted, this item will be presented to the City Council in a work session.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Planning Division 2017 Veterans Strategy Summit Presentation
Shiloh Village Presentation
STAFF CONTACT:
Ron Menguita, AICP
Long Range Planning Administrator
(940) 349-8328