Milton planning manager proposes adding 'co‑living' as a multifamily use in designated zones

Planning Manager Stahlnecker told the Milton City Council that a state requirement requires the city to allow co‑living dwellings where multifamily housing is authorized.

Stahlnecker said the proposed ordinance (Ord. 2109-25) adds a definition: "co living dwellings means a building with sleeping units that are independently rented and lockable and provide living and sleeping space with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Co living structures can also be referred to as congregate living facilities, single room occupancy, rooming house, boarding house, lodging house, and residential suites." He said the change would add co‑living to the table of uses and only permit it in zones where multifamily housing is already allowed.

Stahlnecker told council the state regulation is part of recent middle‑housing legislation and that for Milton the change applies only in zones that allow at least six units per lot, such as urban multifamily residential, town center mixed use, and urban mixed use. He said the city’s multifamily and mixed‑use areas are highlighted on a map shown to the council.

Council members asked clarifying questions about examples of co‑living (dorms or lodging houses), whether the change would apply to duplexes (it would not), and whether Milton currently has any co‑living developments (staff said none; the allowance is anticipatory). Stahlnecker said co‑living is often more popular near colleges but could provide lower‑cost single‑lease options for people with limited income.

No vote occurred; staff will return the ordinance with final wording for council action next week.