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Commission asks staff to explore green‑space requirements for multifamily developments
Summary
A commissioner raised concerns about limited green space and poor accessibility at several apartment complexes; staff agreed to research regulatory options — including subdivision or multifamily standards — and report back to the planning commission.
A commissioner told the City of Yakima Planning Commission on March 26 that several recent multifamily developments provide little or no on‑site green space and that nearby parks can be difficult or dangerous to access by walking.
The commissioner said the developments are dense, with buildings and parking but limited play areas for children, and suggested the commission examine what the city can require of multifamily projects. One example cited was a complex whose required “public green space” was effectively a members‑only golf course rather than an accessible neighborhood park.
Staff said there are multiple ways to address on‑site green space — through the subdivision ordinance, multifamily development standards, or set‑aside requirements — and agreed to research approaches used by other jurisdictions for the commission to consider. Commissioners discussed tying any new standards to the comprehensive‑plan update and asked staff to prepare options for a future meeting.
No ordinance was adopted at the meeting; staff will return with research and possible regulatory language.
