Mountlake Terrace advances middle‑housing code changes; staff seeks extra funds for consultant work

Mountlake Terrace staff presented a package of proposed middle‑housing code amendments and requested a supplemental allocation for consulting work intended to finalize zoning changes and a housing action plan.

City planning staff said the proposed amendments aim to simplify density calculations, broaden allowable housing form dimensions, add incentives for affordable units and floor-area-ratio (FAR) bonuses, and clarify tree‑retention and mid‑block connection standards. Staff requested an additional $50,400 in professional‑services allocation from existing capital improvement funds to cover added coordination and outreach; staff said no new budget appropriation is required because funds are already available.

Christy Osborne, planning staff, said the city previously approved $200,000 for the consultant Echo Northwest and had set aside $350,000 for zoning services this year. Osborne said the requested $50,400 would come…