Vancouver Residents Worry Zoning Changes Will Erode Quiet Neighborhoods

Concerns grow over city's plans to eliminate single-family housing in some areas.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:07pm

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Reid and Lauren Plumlee moved from Portland to the quiet Southcliff neighborhood in central Vancouver, hoping to escape the congestion and noise of their former home. However, they now worry that Vancouver's plans to eliminate single-family zoning in the area will turn their new neighborhood into the type of high-density, busy environment they left behind.

Why it matters

As cities across the Pacific Northwest grapple with housing shortages and affordability issues, many are considering zoning reforms to allow for more multi-family and higher-density developments. This is sparking concerns from some existing residents who fear the changes will disrupt the character and quietude of their neighborhoods.

The details

The Plumlees moved to Southcliff, a central Vancouver neighborhood, to get away from the noise and congestion of their former home near Highway 26 in Portland. However, they now worry that Vancouver's plans to eliminate single-family zoning in the area will lead to an influx of new multi-family housing that will erode the quiet, residential feel of their community.

  • The Plumlees moved to Southcliff in central Vancouver.
  • Vancouver is currently considering plans to eliminate single-family zoning in some neighborhoods.

The players

Reid Plumlee

A resident of the Southcliff neighborhood in central Vancouver who moved there from Portland to escape congestion and noise.

Lauren Plumlee

Reid Plumlee's wife, who also moved with him from Portland to the Southcliff neighborhood in central Vancouver.

Vancouver

The city in Washington state that is considering plans to eliminate single-family zoning in some neighborhoods.

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What they’re saying

“It was super loud and very congested”

— Reid Plumlee

The takeaway

As cities across the Pacific Northwest grapple with housing shortages, the debate over zoning reform and its impact on existing neighborhoods has become increasingly contentious. The concerns raised by residents like the Plumlees highlight the challenge of balancing the need for more housing with preserving the character and livability of established communities.