Port Orchard staff told the Land Use Committee they had routed the new middle-housing ordinance to the Washington State Department of Commerce and later received an email with additional guidance specific to accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Staff said the cityordinance, as adopted in June and effective July 1, complies with the legislation, and Commercefollow-up suggestions are advisory rather than mandatory.

Jim Pecan, principal planner, said he discussed the ADU guidance with Commerce and the city attorney and concluded the cityapproach for the R-1 zone is correct. He advised the committee that the Commerce email offered recommendations to make ADUs more affordable but framed those as suggestions rather than new legal requirements. Pecan said staff included that Commerce email in the committee packet for consideration.

Committee members focused discussion on two themes: preserving neighborhood character through design standards and the intended uses of ADUs. Mayor Papa Pecanci and Council member Eric Warden said they supported measures that keep ADUs from becoming unsightly "boxes" and argued ADUs should fit with existing architecture. Mayor Pecanci noted the city has about 300 ADUs being built and praised preapproved plans, which he said save an estimated $2,030,000 in upfront costs for builders.

Council member Eric Warden and other members stressed the difference between ADUs for family use and ADUs constructed primarily for rental-income purposes; several members said they would prefer incentives and design rules that favor ADUs that support generational living or household affordability over small rental units.

Staff did not recommend immediate code amendments, saying the existing code satisfies state law and that staff would bring forward amendments only if the committee asked for changes. Committee members indicated general support for retaining current design standards and continuing the preapproved-plan program while monitoring Commerce guidance.

No formal action was taken at the meeting; the committee directed staff to continue monitoring Commerce guidance and return with any recommended code amendments only if necessary.