While the changes have brought some state and national recognition to Auburn for its work to address the housing shortage, including during Friday's visit by President Biden, local residents have been wary that too much change could impact the character of more rural, single-family neighborhoods.
Eric Cousens, director of planning, permitting and code, said the new ordinance represents a "significant compromise between competing interests in Auburn land use planning."
The new zoning language would replace the long-held income standard with what many said is a "viable alternative," which ties residential construction to a connection with the land.