Agenda Information Sheet
DEPARTMENT: Development Services
CM: Todd Hileman
Date: May 9, 2017
SUBJECT
Title
Receive a report, hold a discussion, and provide staff direction regarding Shiloh Village and the concept of community housing (co-housing).
Body
BACKGROUND
In May 2016, Pat Smith, with Serve Denton, shared a conceptual proposal with the Planning Division to build housing units (300 square feet dwelling unit area) to address homelessness of veterans called Shiloh Village. The proposed site is on an approximately 2.5 acre site located at the southwest corner of Mingo Road and Old North Road. During this meeting, it was determined that additional research was warranted as the proposed housing units do not meet the minimum floor area requirement of 900 square feet for single family and 500 square feet for multi-family dwellings as specified in the Denton Development Code (DDC). Subsequently, Pat Smith and the Planning Division have held several follow up meetings to share updated information on the proposed project and the concept of community housing (co-housing).
Coho/US, a national non-profit organization, defines co-housing as "an intentional community of private homes clustered around shared space." 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 such as 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. Co-housing facilitates the formation of special interest clubs, organization of child and elder care, and carpooling.
Initially, the Planning Division considered co-housing as ...
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