Title
Briefing: Potential Code Amendment for Buffering Single-Family Housing
Body
Issue:
Whether to amendment development code to limit development adjacent to single-family housing.
Staff Contact:
Todd Stamm, Principal Planner, tstamm@ci.olympia.wa.us
Presenter(s):
Todd Stamm
Background and Analysis:
On December 11, 2012, the Olympia City Council responded to public concerns about development near certain single-family housing by adopting an emergency ordinance applying to High Density Corridor zones (HDC-1; HDC-2; HDC-3; HDC-4). Ordinance 6820 temporarily requires that within any of the four High Density Corridor zones any new buildings within 100 feet of a single-family lot shall not exceed a height of 35 feet and any buildings on property adjacent to single-family housing or a residential zone shall have 8-foot step backs at every third floor (aka 'wedding cake' design).
The emergency ordinance will be in effect for one year, or more if extended by the Council. The Council referred this matter to the Planning Commission for a public hearing and recommendation on the appropriate means of addressing this issue, including whether or not to amend the development code.
The current Comprehensive Plan includes various provisions regarding compatibility of large and smaller structures. For instance, Land Use policy 8.3 is, "Locate and design multifamily structures so they are compatible with adjoining lower density residences." Similarly Land Use policy 8.4 reads, "Establish zoning and design standards that ensure compatibility of adjoining residential and commercial areas, in order to maintain or enhance the neighborhood's character, livability, and property values. Consider requiring commercial structures to use building scales, roof forms, and building materials similar to, or compatible with, the adjoining residential structures; 'low key' signage; and carefully controlling site lighting that minimizes off-site impacts." (Note, bec...
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