Council and Mayor seeking public comments on the densification of residential zones

The Sheridan City Council and the Mayor are reaching out to residents seeking public input on the densification of the city’s residential zones. 

With the real estate and construction market in Sheridan experiencing a boom, prices are high and inventory low. Although this has many positive effects on the community at large, it has made it very difficult for working families to rent, let alone buy a home in Sheridan. And that cuts down the possibility of growing a workforce to attract  potential businesses. 

According to councilman Clint Beaver, the tough housing situation in Sheridan is nothing new. Council and the Mayor have been addressing the issue in meetings and openly to the media for years. The problem; finding lasting solutions. 

A major step was taken by Sheridan’s governing body in 2018 with the formation of the Housing Action Team. 

Sheridan Public Works Director Lane Thompson

The audit, known as the Land Development Code Audit, led the team to suggest easing the requirements in residential zones regarding parking, lot size and Accessory Dwelling Units, allowing for more densification of residential zones. Ordinance 2200 addressed the majority of changes recommended by the Land Development Code Audit. A copy of Ordinance 2200 is included with this story. 

An Accessory Dwelling Unit, (ADU) is defined by Sheridan City Hall as a residential living unit detached from a single-family dwelling that provides independent living facilities for one or more persons, which include a separate entrance, kitchen, bathroom and sleeping facilities, located on the same lot as the primary single-family residence. 

According to Beaver, ADUs were allowed in residential zones as long as it was a direct family member living in the unit. 

By lifting barriers set in city ordinances and allowing owners of ADUs to rent to potential residents outside direct family members, the council feels it will alleviate some of the affordable housing issues. ADUs increase the supply of affordable housing without additional infrastructure or land development. They provide flexible housing options for residents and bare minimal negative impact.

With the conclusion of WYO Rodeo week in Sheridan, a web page will be developed and uploaded to the Sheridan City website, located here. Council has hopes that residents will check the information closely and give their public feedback during public meetings that will take place later this summer but have yet to be scheduled.  

To inform and hear from the public, councilman Beaver will be attending Sheridan Downtown Association’s Third Thursday, July 8, beginning at 5 p.m.