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Kirkland updates short‑plat rules to add unit‑lot subdivision option for middle housing
Summary
Council adopted ordinance O‑4907 to add unit‑lot subdivision regulations required by state law, allowing fee‑simple sale of units within a parent lot while applying cumulative site standards to the entire parent parcel. The ordinance passed unanimously.
KIRKLAND, Wash. — The City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance O‑4907 on June 17 to add unit‑lot subdivision regulations to Kirkland’s subdivision code, implementing a state requirement for middle‑housing options.
Deputy Director Allison Lisonbee Zeich told council the amendments allow a single parent lot to be divided into multiple unit lots, with the parent lot subject to cumulative development standards (setbacks, lot coverage, tree retention). Unit‑lot subdivisions provide an alternative path to fee‑simple ownership for units such as cottages and townhouses without changing density allowances on a site.
Staff noted they followed state guidance on review processes: unit‑lot subdivisions creating nine or fewer unit lots follow the short‑plat review pathway (planning director decision with notice), while ten or more revert to full plat procedures. The city consulted the Master Builders of King & Snohomish Counties for feedback and incorporated recommended clarifications into the adopted text.
Outcome: Ordinance O‑4907 was approved 6‑0. Staff said the code is designed to allow concurrent permit review with building or grading permits so the subdivision process will not add unnecessary delay.
Ending: The planning and building department will publish implementation guidance for applicants and track applications for unit‑lot subdivisions under the revised rules.
