Edmonds staff outlines state-mandated co-living rules; board weighs allowing co-living across all multifamily zones and limiting short-term rentals

Summary

Planning staff presented required co-living housing updates under state law (House Bill 1998 / RCW 36.70A.535). The board discussed allowing the use citywide in multifamily zones, a 4-to-1 sleeping-unit ratio proposal, and whether to prohibit short-term rentals in co-living buildings; staff will return with draft code language and a zoning map.

Planning staff introduced proposed code changes to implement Washington's co-living mandate on Aug. 6, describing required elements in the state statute and the policy choices Edmonds must make to implement the law locally.

Rose Hawes, planning staff, told the board that co-living is distinct from cohousing and, quoting the state framework, described it as a development “with sleeping units that are independently rented and lockable that provide living and sleeping space and resident-shared kitchen facilities.” The state law (Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1998, codified at RCW 36.70A.535) requires jurisdictions to allow co-living on lots that already permit at least six multifamily dwelling units and prohibits regulations that are more restrictive than those applied to other multifamily units in the same zone.

Key discussion points included whether Edmonds should: - Allow co-living…

Edmonds staff outlines state-mandated co-living rules; board weighs allowing co-living across all multifamily zones and limiting short-term rentals

Summary

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