09152026 Community Development Committee Mtg.

The City of Bethlehem Council's Community Development Committee met on September 15, 2026, to discuss a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance regarding buffer yard requirements between multifamily developments and various residential housing types. Councilwoman Daniels introduced the amendment aimed at extending existing 15-foot buffer yard protections, currently required only adjacent to single-family detached homes, to include twin and row homes to promote equity and neighborhood stability. The administration expressed concerns that the 15-foot buffer could restrict infill housing development in urban areas and proposed reducing the buffer to 8 feet within existing setback requirements to balance development feasibility with resident protections. Committee members engaged in detailed discussion about zoning setbacks, lot widths, housing density, and the potential impact on housing affordability and neighborhood character. Public comment supported the amendment for increased protections. The committee ultimately voted to move the proposed amendment to the full council for further consideration, with some members expressing reservations about the amendment as currently written.