Title
Housing Options Code Amendments - Briefing
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion on the referral from the City Council to the Planning Commission regarding code amendments to increase residential housing capacity.
Staff Contact:
Joyce Phillips, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.570.3722
Presenter(s):
Joyce Phillips, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development
Background and Analysis:
The GMA was amended in 2019 to encourage cities to adopt regulations to "increase residential building capacity" within its zoning districts. The GMA includes a list of options for cities to consider in order to do so. The list is provided in Section 1 of RCW 36.70A.600 (see Attachment 1).
Late in 2019 the City Council made a referral to the Planning Commission (see Attachment 2). The Council identified three options to increase residential building capacity in Olympia. The Council directs the Planning Commission to develop an ordinance to implement two or three of the following provisions, as summarized:
* Authorize a duplex on each corner lot within all zoning districts that permit single-family residences;
* Authorize attached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on all parcels containing single-family homes, provided the city does not require on-site parking, owner occupancy requirements, or square footage limitations below one thousand square feet. Cities must set applicable impact fees at no more than the projected impact of the accessory dwelling unit. To allow local flexibility, ADUs may be subject to such regulations, conditions, procedures, and limitations as determined by the local legislative authority.
* Authorize at least one duplex, triplex, or courtyard apartment on each parcel in one or more zoning districts that permit single-family residences unless a city documents a specific infrastructure of physical constraint that would make this requirement unfeasible for a particular ...
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