Title
Housing Options Code Amendments - Residential Design Review Briefing
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion on the design review requirements for the housing types under consideration in the Housing Options Code Amendments.
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:
Each of the housing types under consideration in these proposed amendments are subject to design review, even when proposed in parts of the City that are not located in a design review district. These standards are outlined in the Infill and Other Residential Design Review Chapter of the Olympia Municipal Code (see attachment). Design review is one of the primary ways the city addresses neighborhood scale, character, and compatibility of new construction.
For most of these housing types the items of review include Neighborhood Scale and Character; Building Orientation and Entries; Building Modulation and Articulation; Windows; Garage Design; and Materials and Colors. Accessory Dwelling Units are reviewed for Building Design and Entry Features.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Public comments on the proposed amendments have been received over the past few months. Some of these comments have expressed concerns that these housing types may not fit in with existing neighborhoods due to the size and scale of potential new homes and that the character of the new homes may not blend in.
Options:
None, no action requested.
Financial Impact:
Staff time and resources for these proposed code amendments are included in the Department’s base annual budget.
Attachments:
Infill and Other Residential Design Review Code