Title
Missing Middle Housing Analysis Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Land Use and Environment Committee has received regular status updates on the Missing Middle project.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive the information. Briefing only; no action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a status update on the Missing Middle Housing Analysis.
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 little of these types of housing constructed in Olympia (and nationwide) over the past 40 years - thus, they are referred to as 'missing.' Some examples of missing middle housing types include tiny houses, modular units, cottage homes, townhouses, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, small multi-family apartments, and accessory dwelling units.
The Missing Middle Housing Analysis is reviewing 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 low-density, residentially zoned areas. This implements Comprehensive Plan goals and policies regarding providing a variety of housing types and affordability levels, including:
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 allowin...
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