The Oxford Planning Commission approved implementing a new overlay district that city planning officials hope will encourage more single-family homes that could offer more affordable housing options.

The proposed overlay district will facilitate a dense, single-family residential neighborhood with lots that range in size from 2,000 square feet to slightly under 5,000 square feet.

The property associated with the proposed Housing Supply Accelerator Overlay is located on George G. Pat Patterson Parkway. The majority of the property to be included in the overlay is located on the west side of the parkway, but a small portion of the property is located to the east of the road.

The zoning of all the property to be included in the overlay district is currently zoned Suburban Residential. Property owners would still be allowed to develop their property under Suburban Residential zoning codes. The HAO overlay would be optional.

Director of Planning Ben Requet told the commission Monday during its regular meeting that the small nature of the lots and the increased density allowed within the new overlay district could offer a more affordable price point for the homes inside the new district.

The review standards for the HAO include a range of limits that are crafted to provide the structure and flexibility for a densely constructed single-family neighborhood.

The primary elements include:

• Minimum and maximum lot area.

• Minimum and maximum dwelling unit density.

• Maximum impervious coverage.

• Minimum lot width standards.

• Minimum and maximum for frontages and setbacks.

• Minimum and maximum height limitations.

• Standards for review of the unit type and mix.

• Standards for review of the architecture of the proposed homes.

• Standards for review of the parking, road and pedestrian infrastructure.

• Standards for review of the landscaping and common amenity areas

The commission voted to recommend approval to the Oxford Board of Aldermen for the establishment of the Housing Accelerator Zoning Map and the zoning map amendment for the overlay district.

The Board of Aldermen will consider the overlay district at future meetings that will include first, second and third readings. A public hearing will be held at the second reading.