University Place considers implementation of HB 1110 middle-housing rules; council schedules public hearing

City planning staff and the city's consultant presented a second study session April 21 to review proposed code changes to implement House Bill 1110 (the state's middle-housing law), and the council agreed to schedule a public hearing to consider the ordinance before the June 30 statutory compliance deadline.

Kevin Brisky of the Community and Economic Development Department introduced the project and said the city must adopt implementing regulations within six months after its periodic comprehensive plan update; for University Place that statutory window requires action by June 30. Kenneth George, the planning manager, and Marcus Johnson of Maker's Architecture walked council through planning-commission recommendations and proposed code language.

Why it matters: HB 1110 requires jurisdictions to permit a baseline level of "middle housing" on lots zoned for single-family housing. The state sets certain minimums (for example, allowing two units on all residential lots and up to four units where one is income-restricted); local governments may adopt design standards and other objective rules that apply equally to single-family and middle-housing development as allowed by the statute.

Planning-commission recommendation and proposed list of allowed types The planning commission recommended the city adopt six of the nine middle-housing…