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Port Orchard schedules June hearing on state middle-housing model ordinance to meet June 30 deadline
Summary
City staff summarized proposed amendments to the Port Orchard Municipal Code to implement Washington State middle-housing law and asked the planning commission to schedule a public hearing on June 4; staff recommended interim adoption to meet the June 30 compliance deadline and to pursue permanent rules later.
PORT ORCHARD, Wash. — Port Orchard planning staff presented a packet of code revisions on May 6 to implement Washington State’s middle-housing requirements and asked the Planning Commission to schedule a public hearing for June 4 so the city can meet the state-mandated compliance timeline.
Jim, planning staff, told the commission the draft ordinance follows the Department of Commerce model middle-housing ordinance to achieve Tier 3 compliance now while maintaining flexibility to adopt a permanent Tier 2 framework later this year. "These changes are necessary to meet the state's compliance deadline of 06/30/2025," Jim said.
Key proposed changes summarized by staff include a unit-based density approach, expanded accessory dwelling unit (ADU) allowances, a new unit-lot subdivision option (POMC 20.87) to allow multi-unit developments to be sold as fee-simple lots, adjustments to off-street parking standards to align with recent state law, and consolidated building-type and residential design standards to clarify review requirements across R1, R2 and R3 districts.
How the draft would work
Staff described examples in the draft: R1 districts would allow up to two dwelling units per lot inclusive of ADUs; R2 would allow up to four units per lot (inclusive of ADUs); R3 would allow up to six units per lot, with apartment buildings allowed to exceed that cap where the code permits. The proposal also reorganizes height overlays and removes subjective design review criteria in favor of clearer, unit-specific standards.
Commission and technical comments
Wayne Wright, planning commissioner, asked for clearer graphics and mapping to accompany the redline draft, specifically requesting height ranges be labeled directly on maps rather than relying on overlay codes. Wayne also noted some inconsistencies in photo examples and wording for ADU configurations and said he would submit written suggestions.
Staff said a state-required 60-day notice to the Department of Commerce had been completed and a SEPA determination of nonsignificance had been issued on April 29. Staff recommended holding the June 4 public hearing and then forwarding a formal recommendation to the city council; if the commission approves an interim ordinance, staff will begin work on permanent (Tier 2) regulations.
Next steps
The commission scheduled a public hearing on the middle-housing ordinance for its June meeting and will accept public comment at that hearing; staff will incorporate clarifying graphics and edits before the packet is finalized. If adopted as an interim ordinance, staff will continue work on permanent code changes to be considered later in the year.
Ending
Staff asked commissioners and the public to review the draft and submit written comments ahead of the June 4 hearing. The city will present the commission’s formal recommendation to council following the hearing.
