Puyallup reviews state-mandated middle housing and ADU changes; council hears presentation, no vote set

Katie Baker, planning manager for the City of Puyallup, briefed the City Council on May 20 about two 2023 state laws that require local code changes for middle housing and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and outlined staff recommendations to meet a June 30 adoption deadline.

"These are regulations that must be adopted by June 30 and if we don't adopt anything by that date then there is a state model ordinance that will take effect and regulate in place of of us not having taken action," Baker said, describing the timeline and the consequences of missing the deadline.

Baker told the council House Bill 1110 (middle housing) requires predominantly residential zones to allow multiple middle-housing types — including duplexes, triplexes and up to sixplexes, townhouses, stacked flats, courtyard apartments and cottage housing — and that cities of Puyallup's size must allow two units per lot generally and up to four units per lot within a quarter-mile of a "major transit stop" (for Puyallup, the Sounder Station). She added that House Bill 1337 (ADUs) requires cities to allow up to two ADUs per lot, to permit sale or separate conveyance of ADUs, and sets a…