Malik Administration Takes Next Step to Remove Barriers to New Housing

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and his administration are introducing legislation to Akron City Council to remove outdated lot size and dimensional requirements that can stand in the way of building new housing on vacant land throughout the city. The legislation marks the next step in the administration’s broader effort to modernize Akron’s zoning code and remove barriers to new housing and neighborhood reinvestment. In June, the City unveiled three proposed zoning reforms and began seeking feedback from residents and stakeholders before advancing legislation.

Since then, City staff have presented the proposals at five ward meetings, with additional community presentations being scheduled. The City has also received 67 responses through its online survey. Of those respondents, 74% agreed that current lot size requirements are a barrier to redevelopment, and 73% expressed support for the proposed zoning changes.  The lot size changes were presented to the Akron Planning Commission on June 15, 2026 and recommended unanimously for approval by the Commission on July 10, 2026.

“We know Akron needs more quality housing, and one important part of addressing that need is making sure our own rules aren’t unnecessarily standing in the way,” said Mayor Malik. “We’ve spent the last several months talking with residents about these proposals, and now we’re taking the first step toward putting those ideas into action. These are practical changes that will make it easier to reinvest in vacant land and rebuild housing in our neighborhoods.” 

The legislation being introduced today addresses residential lot requirements adopted decades ago that often do not reflect the way Akron’s neighborhoods were originally built.

Under the current zoning code, a parcel generally must be at least 4,000 square feet to accommodate a single-family home, even though hundreds of existing Akron homes sit on smaller lots. For residential properties with more than one unit, the minimum parcel size is generally 7,000 square feet with at least 60 feet of frontage.

As homes have been demolished over time, these requirements can make it difficult to build again on vacant parcels where housing previously existed, particularly in Akron’s older neighborhoods.

“Most of these lots are not too small for homes; they are simply too small under rules that were adopted long after our neighborhoods were originally built,” said Director of Planning and Urban Development Kyle Julien. “Updating these requirements gives property owners and builders more opportunities to put vacant land back into productive use while still maintaining the standards that help ensure new housing fits appropriately within our neighborhoods.”

The proposed legislation would:

• Eliminate minimum lot size requirements for residential development;

• Remove the requirement that front doors on duplexes face the street;

• Reduce required open space for multifamily properties from 30% to 10%; and

• Reduce the minimum driveway width from 10 feet to 9 feet, making it easier to accommodate homes on narrower lots.

The changes would not eliminate existing building codes, safety standards, setbacks, spacing requirements or property maintenance obligations. These changes do not require smaller lots or narrow driveways; they simply make it possible to build on the many smaller lots throughout the city where homes used to stand. Also, these changes only apply to existing lots of record.

The zoning reforms are one part of the administration’s broader work to address Akron’s housing needs. This year, the City launched Akron Dreams, a down payment assistance program providing eligible first-time homebuyers with up to $7,500 toward the purchase of a home in Akron. The City has also released its Made in Akron Housing Plans, a collection of pre-reviewed home designs intended to reduce design costs and make it easier to build new homes on vacant residential lots.

This legislation addresses the first of three zoning reform proposals announced by the administration in June. The remaining two proposals, focused on expanding opportunities for small-scale multifamily housing and making it easier to reinvest in older residential buildings, are expected to be presented to the Akron Planning Commission in October before coming to City Council for consideration. 

Residents can learn more about the proposals, review background information and continue providing feedback through the City’s Easing Barriers to New Housing StoryMap. A public hearing has been scheduled for this legislation on Mon. Sept. 28 at 5pm at Akron City Council. Learn more at akroncitycouncil.org.