City plans major zoning overhaul to boost affordable housing

In a recent government meeting, city officials outlined significant updates to zoning and housing regulations aimed at enhancing affordable housing options and compliance with state mandates. The proposed changes will affect accessory dwelling units (ADUs), zoning standards, design review provisions, impact fees, and subdivision codes.

The city is embarking on a Phase 2 effort to amend existing regulations, which will include public input opportunities throughout the drafting process. Officials emphasized the importance of community engagement, planning to utilize various outreach methods, including public meetings, focus groups, and social media updates. A dedicated email address and webpage have been established to facilitate communication with interested parties.

Key changes discussed include allowing a minimum of two units per lot across most of the city, with provisions for up to four units if at least one is designated as affordable housing for a minimum of 50 years. The city will also revise processing standards to streamline permit approvals, ensuring that the review process for multi-unit developments aligns with that of single-family homes.

Officials noted that state laws dictate the number of units allowed but do not specify lot sizes, presenting a challenge in defining density. The city aims to clarify these regulations while ensuring they are consistent with building codes and other local standards.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the need to update definitions and regulations surrounding ADUs, including increasing the maximum size from 850 to 1,000 square feet and allowing their construction in various housing configurations beyond single-family homes. The city is also reviewing provisions related to co-living arrangements, previously referred to as single room occupancies, to align with new state legislation.

Failure to address these changes locally could result in state guidelines superseding local codes, prompting officials to act swiftly to ensure that Olympia's regulations reflect the community's needs while complying with state requirements. The timeline for completing these updates is set for June 2026, with hopes of achieving this goal sooner.