Title
‘Missing Middle’ Infill Housing Analysis - Public Involvement Plan
Recommended Action
NA. Briefing only.
Report
Issue:
Review public involvement plan for analysis of regulations related to Missing Middle housing opportunities.
Staff Contact:
Leonard Bauer, Deputy Director, CP&D, 360.753.8206
Presenter(s):
Leonard Bauer, Deputy Director, CP&D
Background and Analysis:
The term ‘Missing Middle’ refers to a range of multi-unit housing types that are compatible in scale with single-family homes. In other words, they provide ‘middle’ density housing. There have been relatively few of these types of housing constructed in Olympia (and nation-wide) over the past 40 years - thus, they are referred to as ‘missing’. Some examples of housing types this project will particularly focus on include tiny houses, modular units, cottage homes, townhouses, small multi-family apartments, and accessory dwelling units.
To implement Comprehensive Plan goals and policies regarding providing a variety of housing types (see below), the Missing Middle Infill Housing Analysis will review existing city regulations - such as zoning, permit fees, development standards, utility connection charges, etc. - for potentially disproportionate effects on the ability to provide for a variety of housing types in the City’s residentially zoned areas. Staff will provide additional information on missing middle housing types in Olympia at the Planning Commission meeting.
Attached is a draft schedule for public involvement and outreach for this project. The schedule includes a work group to provide in-depth discussion and feedback throughout the project. The work group is currently proposed to include two Planning Commission members and one Utility Advisory Commission member. Two of these three commission members would serve as chair and vice-chair. Remaining work group members would represent a broad range of perspectives on infill housing design, financing, construction, neighborhood compatibility, and affordable housing. Staff will provide a draft charter for the work group at the Planning Commission meeting.
Relevant Comprehensive Plan Policies
The Olympia Comprehensive Plan includes numerous goals and policies calling for land use regulations that support a variety of housing types throughout the community. A few relevant examples include:
Goal GL 16: The range of housing types and densities are consistent with the community’s changing population needs and preferences.
PL 16.2: Adopt zoning that allows a wide variety of compatible housing types and densities.
PL 16.5: Support affordable housing throughout the community by minimizing regulatory review risks, time and costs and removing unnecessary barriers to housing, by permitting small dwelling units accessory to single-family housing, and by allowing a mix of housing types.
Goal GS 3: Affordable housing is available for all income levels throughout the community.
PS 3.1 Promote a variety of residential densities and housing types so that housing can be available in a broad range of costs.
(Note: These goals also include other associated policies; the most applicable to this project are included above).
Financial Impact:
This project is included in the CP&D work program.
Attachments:
Project Schedule and Outreach