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A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Opticos Design, Inc., to lead an update to the Zoning Ordinance supporting the Strategic Vision for Housing Plan and Missing Middle Housing Initiatives
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Introduction
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The Development Services Department requested proposals for an update to the Zoning Ordinance relative to housing initiatives identified within the Strategic Vision for Housing Plan. Opticos Design, Inc. was selected to assist the Village with this project.
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Recommended Action
Staff recommends approval of this Resolution authorizing acceptance of the Professional Services Agreement.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
• Board direction was given during the Single Family and Missing Middle Housing Presentation on July 23, 2024
• The Village Board adopted the Strategic Vision for Housing Plan on March 19, 2024
• The Village Board adopted Village-Wide Goals in December 2023 related to missing middle and affordable housing.
Background
The proposed project directly relates to adopted Board Goals identified within the Vibrant, Diverse, Connected Neighborhoods section; specifically supporting sustainable advancements of affordable housing initiatives B, C, & D, adopted in December 2023. This initiative will also support key recommended strategies from the Strategic Vision for Housing plan relative to housing in business districts, missing middle housing, and the relationship between housing and parking.
Prior to the Village Board goals adoption, the Village engaged the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus in February 2023 to begin an update to the 2012 Homes for a Changing Region Report. This resulted in the adoption of the Strategic Vision for Housing Plan in March 2024. After the completion of this Plan, the Village was accepted into the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ Missing Middle Housing Peer Network, supported by Opticos Design, Inc. This network consisted of a consortium of 19 Chicagoland communities that met regularly regarding missing middle housing, zoning regulations, development tools, communication, advocacy, and implementation techniques.
Prior to the aforementioned Metropolitan Mayors Caucus engagements, the Village began updating the Zoning Ordinance with recognized zoning reform initiatives that increased opportunities for more affordable housing options, such as Accessory Dwelling Units and adaptive reuse opportunities within abandoned churches. Most recently, the Village Board approved a dual-use for Places of Worship, which will allow the incorporation of multiple family dwellings.
The Village Board directed staff to research and actively pursue changes to residential zoning classifications, which would increase density, diversity, and equity within residential and commercial zoned areas.
Opticos Design, Inc., which was the only respondent, is, in staff’s opinion, one of the most qualified firms in the industry. Opticos Design, Inc. is a nationally recognized urban design, planning, and architecture firm with 25 years of experience in zoning codes and is a leader in Missing Middle Housing - house scale approaches. Opticos Design, Inc. projected their passion for this subject during the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus engagement on Missing Middle Housing. The principal, Jennifer Settle, of Opticos Design, Inc., is an Oak Park resident who will bring not only a familiarity with the Village into the process, but national-level experience and knowledge. Opticos Design, Inc. was founded in 2000 on the belief that walkable places are critical for healthy, resilient, and equitable communities. Through that expertise, they introduced the concept of Missing Middle Housing, a transformative idea that highlights the need for diverse, affordable housing options in walkable urban places. In addition, they are leaders in the development of Form-Based Coding and zoning reform needed to make those walkable places a reality. Opticos Design, Inc. principal Daniel Parolek coined the term Missing Middle Housing in 2010, transforming the national conversation about the need for more diverse housing choices at affordable prices. Since then, Opticos has been driving a radical paradigm shift, urging architects, urban planners, and builders to fundamentally rethink the way they design, locate, regulate, and develop homes. More information on Opticos Design, Inc. can be found on their website here: <https://opticosdesign.com/>
The Opticos team also includes All Together, a community engagement and communication firm, Sightline Planning, a zoning and planning firm, and SB Friedman, an economic and real estate firm.
Timing Considerations
Once the agreement is approved, the Consultant is anticipating beginning the approximate nine-month long process in August 2025.
Budget Impact
This project was allocated in the Development Services Department’s Planning Division budget under External Support for FY 2025 in the amount of $200,000. This project will begin in FY 2025 and be completed in FY 2026.
The account GL is 1001 46202 101 530667
Staffing Impact
Development Services will manage this project, however other departments will be asked to participate. No additional staff will be necessary; however, it is anticipated that at least two DS staff members will be most involved with the project as well as attending and scheduling meetings/hearings, etc.
DEI Impact
Oak Park is no different than thousands of other communities that have adopted and implemented Euclidean zoning. Euclidean zoning became widespread in the United States in the 20th century, largely due to the 1926 Supreme Court decision that affirmed its legality. It was seen as a way to promote orderly development and protect residential areas from incompatible uses. While Euclidean zoning has been a common practice, it has also faced criticism for contributing to urban sprawl, segregation, and limiting housing affordability by restricting the development of diverse housing types. An expected outcome of this project is to allow for diverse and inclusive residential opportunities that offer more affordable options.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of this resolution.
Advantages:
• This process would allow the Village to realize more affordable and diverse housing types in areas subject to inequity and exclusion.
• A study of current housing needs and types will inform residents, developers, builders, and potential residents of what could become possible in the future.
Disadvantages:
• Some residents may not appreciate the outcome.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
Adopt a more simplified zoning classification change as proposed by staff.
Advantages:
• Funding for the project would not be spent and would become Village savings.
• Less staff time will be needed for contract and project management.
Disadvantages:
• This action decreases public engagement needs and opportunities.
• This action could extend the timeframe due to limited staff resources.
Alternative 2:
The board could choose not to approve the resolution.
Advantages:
• The funding for the project would not be spent and become savings for the Village.
• No additional staff time would be allocated to this process.
Disadvantages:
• This would delay the progress of meeting the goals set by the Strategic Vision for the Housing Plan.
Anticipated Future Actions
This item will return to the Village Board as a recommendation seeking direction on amending the current Zoning Ordinance.
Prepared By: Craig Failor, Development Services Director
Reviewed By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution
2. Professional Services Agreement
3. Scope of Work
4. Proposal - Opticos Design, Inc.
5. Request for Proposals
6. Addendum Questions