Title
Summary of 2021 Building Permits Issued for New Residential Units in Low Density Neighborhoods
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion on the 2021 Building Permits Issued for New Residential Units in Low Density Neighborhoods.
Staff Contact:
Joyce Phillips, Principal Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.570.3722
Presenter(s):
Joyce Phillips, Principal Planner, Community Planning and Development
Background and Analysis:
Background
In December 2020, the Housing Options ordinance was approved, increasing the variety of housing types allowed in several zoning districts. The code language was written to implement provisions in state law (RCW 36.70A.600) to encourage an increase in residential building supply. One such provision was that multiple unit structures (e.g. duplexes and triplexes) would be allowed on "each" parcel where single family homes are permitted. For that reason, the minimum lot size needed to build a duplex or triplex does not increase with the number of units proposed.
The majority of the city and its urban growth area are designated as Low Density Neighborhood on the Future Land Use Map in the Comprehensive Plan. Our plan identifies that Low Density Neighborhoods will generally be of a density of twelve units per acre or less. There was some concern that achieved density could potentially exceed the density allowed because the minimum lot sizes needed to build multiple unit residences does not specifically increase with the number of units proposed.
To address that concern, staff proposed code language requiring the City look at residential building permits issued in the zoning districts that implement the Low Density Neighborhood areas of the city on an annual basis. This was adopted and is in Section 18.04.080(A)(6) of the Olympia Municipal Code. By regularly looking at the data and achieved density, the City should have time to make any adjustments needed to ensure develop...
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