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Kenmore adopts middle‑housing, ADU and inclusionary zoning updates to municipal code
Summary
Council adopted ordinance 25-0630 to amend Titles 17, 18 and 19 of the Kenmore Municipal Code to address middle housing, accessory dwelling units and inclusionary zoning; the measure passed 6‑1 after council debate and direction to revisit implementation details.
The Kenmore City Council on June 24 adopted Ordinance 25‑0630, amending Titles 17, 18 and 19 of the Kenmore Municipal Code to implement changes on middle housing, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and inclusionary zoning. The ordinance passed 6‑1, with Council member Culver voting no.
Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director Debbie Bent and Principal Planner Todd Hall presented the ordinance to the council after a public hearing and staff recommendation. Bent said there were no changes since the public hearing; staff recommended council approve the ordinance.
Council members thanked the planning commission and staff for their work but said the ordinance was constrained by state legislative requirements. Council member Marshall said the changes were “a pragmatic approach” and requested that the council revisit the code in about a year to collect permitting data and reassess outcomes. Council member Shrevnick asked staff to track metrics including the number of proposals, units built, and affordable units created so council can evaluate the ordinance’s effects.
The ordinance changes alter density and development standards, provide local controls allowed under state law, and include new rules for ADUs and inclusionary zoning intended to increase housing variety. Council discussion emphasized monitoring and potential future adjustments; council members agreed to return to the topic for review of impacts and permit activity.
The clerk recorded the vote on the motion to adopt Ordinance 25‑0630 as: Marshall, Sassen, Shrubneck, Lutzis, Deputy Mayor O'Kane and Mayor Herbig — yes; Culver — no. The ordinance takes effect according to the timetable in the adopted code amendments and staff said they will report back with implementation metrics and potential amendments.
