Title
Missing Middle Housing Code Amendments Briefing
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Planning Commission recommends approval of amendments to Olympia Municipal Code, and additional study of methodology for calculating impact fees and general facilities charges (see attached summary). The Planning Commission's transmittal letter is attached. A complete draft of recommendations is available on the City's Missing Middle web page (see attachment).
The Land Use and Environment Committee received several briefings on this analysis throughout 2017 and early 2018.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on recommendations for the Missing Middle Housing Code amendments. Briefing only; No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the Planning Commission recommendations for code amendments permitting Missing Middle housing types in additional areas of the city.
Staff Contact:
Leonard Bauer, Deputy Director, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8206
Presenter(s):
Leonard Bauer, Deputy Director, Community Planning & Development
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 nationwide) over the past 40 years compared to single-family homes - 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 was initiated to implement several policies of the Olympia Comprehensive Plan, as listed on the Missing Middle web page on the City's website (see attached link). The analysis included a review by an appointed Work Group of existing city regulations...
Click here for full text