A redesigned copy of the City of Warren’s zoning ordinance will be released for public review today.

On Wednesday, the Planning Commission made some final recommendations before that document hits the street.

One change was to reduce the minimum square foot size of a new single family home from 800 square feet to 500 square feet.

Commission member Elizabeth Raible proposed a reduction from 800.

“It seems like we’re not into tiny houses,” she said.

Zoning and Ordinance Enforcement Official Scott Taylor said they “have to be careful” in defining what is a tiny house versus a small home.

“There is a house selling in the city that has been beautifully redone that is like 650 square feet,” he said.

Concern was expressed about reducing the number so far that a shed could be converted to a home.

But Director of Codes and Planning Randy Rossey said the regulations also have to recognize housing trends.

Raible argued that the smaller size is particularly attractive with rising construction costs and said she’d be “comfortable with something less than (800), around 500.”

“I’m against any of the limitations but that’s just me,” Commission member Ray Pring added.

A motion to move to 500 square feet was unanimously approved.

The planners also dealt with expanding the ability to rebuild on vacant lots that once had a house on them but no longer could based on modern regulations.

Commission member Randall Gustafson said the specific issues there are lot coverage, setbacks and parking.

He said any property condemned after, for example, a fire has a one year window to rebuild on the site.

“I’m wondering if that’s what we want to do,” Gustafson said of that limitation, stressing that his goal is suggesting a change is “making properties that have been flattened more (attractive) to redevelopment.”

Commission Chair Angela Abreu suggested that the one year restriction could just toll until a property is secured by a new owner.

“That makes it attractive for someone to get that property and do something,” Raible said.

Rossey said the public comment window, which opens today, will run through March 4.

Taylor told the commission that 5G development language is included in the ordinance “exactly as it’s already passed.”

Rossey said a public hearing would be held prior to the March city council meeting, at which time council could take action to approve the regulations.