Nashville Considers Allowing Duplexes on Lots Zoned Single-Family

Nashville, a city with escalating home prices, might be implementing a measure to allow more duplexes in areas currently zoned for single-family homes. This potential policy shift is intending to address the city’s pressing need for more affordable housing. The median home price in Nashville currently stands at $460,000, according to the Greater Nashville Realtors.

A proposal, backed by nine members of the Metro Council, if brought into effect, could drastically change the urban landscape of the city. This change could significantly impact some of the city’s most established communities like West Meade, escalating concerns among residents about their neighborhood aesthetics.

The Fear “Free-For-All” in Established Communities

“It will be a free-for-all in our community. The increased density would destroy the feel of our West Meade community,” said Wayne Underhill, a resident from West Meade who has lived in his house for over 40 years. He is concerned about the potential change in residence structures despite acknowledgments of the demand for affordable housing.

The proposal’s introduction in early February resulted in a split City Council, with equal members choosing to postpone an expansive discussion to April and others opting to defer indefinitely. Nonetheless, the proposal’s impacts call for broader public engagement and deliberation on the issue.

Community Meetings For Public Engagement

In response to this divide, community meetings are scheduled to consider the proposed changes. The inaugural virtual meeting, organized by Neighbor 2 Neighbor, will take place on Thursday, February 22 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Those interested in participating need to register online.

Widening The Affordable Housing Options

Duplex developments, despite potential disruptions to community aesthetics, offer a viable solution to the city’s affordable housing crisis. This policy proposal could create a more inclusive housing market, challenging the single-family zoned communities at the city’s urban core.

The ultimate decision made by the City Council could set a remarkable precedent for alternate residential constructions in the city, all in a bid to counter the rising rents and home prices.

The transformative prospect of allowing duplexes in single-family zoned areas awaits further public consultation and policy debates. It’s clear that much deliberation lies ahead before deciding if this will become the new face of Nashville’s residential scenario.