Updating Zoning Regulations for Downtown Mason
On November 6, 2018, electors approved an amendment to the City’s Charter that provided the City flexibility to establish density overlays in key areas of the City. The Amendment to the Charter allows modifications to the City’s Zoning Code and Map.

As a result, the City has been in the process of developing updated zoning regulations for Downtown Mason in addition to creating a density overlay district. The proposed draft zoning regulations seek to expand opportunities for redevelop of property in Downtown. Key to this effort are three proposed new zoning districts and the overlay: Downtown Mason – Neighborhood District, Downtown Mason – Neighborhood Mix District, Downtown Mason – Mixed Use District and the Residential Density Overlay. These new zoning districts are intended to preserve existing residential neighborhood character while allowing for expansion of single-family homes, transition areas to allow lower impact office and commercial uses and provide opportunity for more intense commercial activity in the core of downtown with the potential for higher density residential developments.

Downtown Mason – The new Zoning Districts and Density Overlay
Downtown Mason – Neighborhood District: The purpose of this district is to promote the retention, renovation, and construction of single-family residences. Land and buildings in the Neighborhood District can be used for single-family structures, parks, residential facilities, along with institutional, public, and cultural uses.

Downtown Mason – Neighborhood Mix District: The purpose of this district is to allow for low intensity office and residential uses that complement both the adjacent commercial and residential neighborhoods. Land and buildings in the Neighborhood Mix District can be used for dwelling structures, offices, live/work units, personal services, parks, residential facilities, along with institutional, public, and cultural uses.

Downtown Mason – Mixed Use District: The purpose of this district is to permit and encourage a wide variety of commercial activities and services in Downtown Mason while allowing for residential infill to support the district. Land and buildings in the Mixed-Use District can be used for mixed use residential, offices, personal services, retail and commercial uses, hospitality, bars and restaurants, breweries and distilleries, parks, public and private parking garages and lots, along with institutional, public, and cultural uses.

Residential Density Overlay: The purpose of the overlay is to establish a procedure to allow the construction of residential developments within Downtown Mason that exceed the City’s maximum density of eight dwelling units per acre, to promote the development of residential units that provide a unique and desired product, and to enhance the vibrancy of Downtown Mason by potentially increasing the number of residents in the area.

If you have questions about the proposed Zoning Code update, please contact us at [email protected].

Educational Resources
Based on feedback we received at the public meetings on August 19, 2021 and September 1, 2021 the City has made changes to the Proposed Downtown Zoning Updates. We have updated the proposed zoning along S West Street to a combination of Neighborhood and Neighborhood Mix to better reflect the existing uses. We have also added language encouraging all future development to match the character of existing downtown buildings, based on feedback that residents would like Downtown Mason to continue to have the small-town charm people know and love.

To learn more about the proposed changes for zoning in Downtown Mason, follow the two-step guide below to first locate the property you are interested in and second click on the corresponding link for additional details.

STEP 1. The map shown and linked below depicts properties in Downtown Mason included in the proposed updated zoning. Locate your property on the map and click on the corresponding zoning designation in Step 2.

STEP 1 Map – Proposed Downtown Zone Changes

 STEP 2. Once you have located the property you are interested in, please click on the corresponding link below to view a description of the property’s current zoning regulations and the proposed zoning regulations in a side-by-side format.

R-4 Single Family Residential to Downtown Mason – Neighborhood

R-4 Single Family Residential to Downtown Mason – Neighborhood Mix

R-4 Single Family Residential to Downtown Mason – Mixed Use

R-4 DO Single Family Residential Downtown Overlay to Downtown Mason – Mixed Use

R-7 Multi-Family to Downtown Mason – Neighborhood Mix

B-1 Central Business District to Downtown Mason – Neighborhood Mix

B-1 Central Business District to Downtown Mason – Mixed Use

B-1 DO Central Business District Downtown Overlay to Downtown Mason – Mixed Use

B-3 Road Service District to Downtown Mason – Mixed Use

B-3 DO Central Business District Downtown Overlay to Downtown Mason – Mixed Use

O-1 Office to Downtown Mason – Neighborhood Mix

 

For further detailed information and to view the proposed Downtown Zoning Code draft, click here.