New housing zoning amendments recently took effect in Hermiston to allow for smaller lot sizes, greater lot coverage and easier development standards in constrained lots.

The city’s Planning Commission held several well attended public workshops with the real estate and development community to discuss issues affecting residential development in the city, according to a city news release.

One proposed solution was to promote in-fill development in existing developed neighborhoods. The change adds a section to the code of ordinances to establish a process for designating in-fill properties and allowing deviations from some development standards.

Hermiston, population 18,000, is south of the Tri-Cities in Oregon.

Changes to the lot size, lot coverage and setback requirements affect all residential zones in the city.

Minimum lot sizes for single-family dwellings decreased from 9,000 square feet to 8,000 square feet in R-1, 7,500 square feet to 6,500 square feet in R-2, and 6,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet in R-3, R-4 and RR zones.

Maximum lot coverage increased from 30 percent to 40 percent, plus five percent for covered decks and patios in R-1, and 35 percent to 45 percent, plus five percent for covered decks and patios, in R-2, R-3, R-4 and RR zones.

Front-yard setbacks were reduced from 20 feet to 15 feet, plus 20 feet for garage; covered porches may be set at 10 feet for all residential zones. Side yard setbacks were reduced from seven feet to five feet in the R-2, R-3, R-4 and RR zones.

All changes were approved by the Hermiston City Council in September, with the amendments taking effect Oct. 25.

Copies of the changes are available from the Hermiston Planning Department. The new standards also are available for review at hermiston.or.us.