City Council approves maximum size for cottage housing at 1500 square feet

The City Council of Kenmore, Washington, convened on May 12, 2025, for a special and regular meeting to address several key agenda items, including housing regulations and community development.

The meeting began with a discussion on cottage housing regulations. Council member Shrubnick proposed a motion to establish a maximum size of 1,500 square feet for cottage housing units. After a brief discussion, the council voted on the motion. The results were as follows: Council member Shrubnick, Lutzis, Sassen, Marshall, Deputy Mayor O'Kane, and Mayor Herbig voted in favor, while Council member Colfer opposed. The motion passed with a vote of 6 to 1, marking a significant step in the city's housing policy.

Following this, Council member Marshall raised questions regarding the regulations surrounding small houses and small lots. The discussion focused on the implications of these regulations for affordability and community development. However, specific outcomes or decisions from this discussion were not detailed in the transcript.

In summary, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to regulating cottage housing sizes, reflecting ongoing efforts to address housing needs in Kenmore. Further discussions on small house regulations are expected to continue in future meetings, as the council seeks to balance development with affordability.