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Planning staff clarify new single‑family attached use, shared‑driveway rules and subdivision limits
Summary
Staff described edits to an ordinance creating a new two‑unit single‑family attached use, clarifying shared‑driveway standards, minimum lot width per dwelling unit and limits on later conversion or subdivision of duplexes that do not meet the new standards.
Jessie Hillman, planning staff, presented revisions to an ordinance creating a new single‑family attached dwelling type (two units) and explained changes made after the case was remanded by city council.
What was proposed: Hillman said the revision restores an attached‑house type that existed prior to the 2020 recode and would permit a two‑unit single family attached dwelling in applicable zones, subject to special‑use review in RN‑1 and RN‑2. She explained the main substantive changes since the prior draft: removal of garage/carport requirements for shared driveways to reduce cost barriers; clarification that shared driveways need not be located precisely on a party‑wall line so they can be placed off the party wall to serve both units; and clarity that a shared driveway can be as narrow as 10 feet before it flares for parking (per table 11‑7).
Subdivision and conversion limits: staff added provisions to prevent narrow lots created solely to accommodate the single‑family attached use from becoming nonconforming lots available for other uses. Hillman said, "lots created for the single family attached use, which only conform to this use, are only permitted for that use." She also said a duplex can be converted to a single‑family attached dwelling and subdivided only if the duplex meets all single‑family attached standards at subdivision time.
Special use and design review: Hillman noted that in RN‑1 and RN‑2 the single‑family attached use would require special‑use approval, enabling staff and the commission to impose conditions that enforce shared‑driveway layout and reduced pavement. Commissioners asked whether applicants seeking to subdivide would typically present subdivision intent at special‑use review; staff replied that applicants could, and that the special‑use process is the proper point to assess driveway and parking design.
Why staff recommends approval: Hillman said the amendment "diversifies housing options and increases homeownership opportunity" by enabling sale of individual units without a condominium regime and by restoring a housing type that previously existed in the code.
End note: The updated language removes an illustrative image and tightens principal use standards to address concerns about curb cuts, parking, and subdivision of narrow lots. The item will return to the planning commission for formal review and recommendation.
