Title
Middle Housing Phase 2 Implementation Briefing
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Discussion only. No action requested.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discussion only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion middle housing laws for cities in the State of Washington, and how to implement them locally.
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:
State Laws
In 2023 and 2024, the Washington State Legislature passed three house bills (HB) related to middle housing that were ultimately signed into law (amending the Growth Management Act). These bills are:
* HB 1110 - Middle Housing
* HB 1337 - Accessory Dwelling Units
* HB 1998 - Co-Living Housing
Each of these bills includes new requirements for Cities to address in their development regulations.
Planned Approach to Implementation
Because each of these bills has specific requirements and would require modifications to the same sections of the Olympia Municipal Code, it makes sense to address all of the requirements at the same time. Staff plans to make one text amendment proposal that will address middle housing, accessory dwelling unit, and co-living.
While there are certain requirements, there are also instances where the city may choose to go beyond the minimum requirements. Staff intends to provide information to community members about what the requirements are and to identify in the proposal when something that is being proposed goes beyond that minimum requirement.
Staff has prepared draft information sheets about these requirements. These information sheets will be shared on the project webpage once they are completed, so that members of the public will have the opportunity to direct any comments to the portions of the proposal that have more leeway in how they are implemented. Early drafts of the information...
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