Planning commission votes unanimously to recommend city council adopt co‑living zoning amendments

The Milton Planning Commission voted unanimously March 9 to recommend that the City Council adopt zoning code amendments adding “co‑living” buildings as a permitted use in the city’s multifamily and mixed‑use zones.

Commissioners opened a public hearing after a staff presentation explaining the change stems from a state mandate to allow co‑living options in zones that permit multifamily housing. Planning Manager Stalnacker said, “it is a state mandate to allow coliving housing options in multifamily zones.”

The hearing drew one public commenter, Sandy Hassell of Sterling Heights in Milton, who urged caution and raised concerns about parking and neighborhood appearance. Hassell said of existing shared‑housing situations, “They don't move their cars. They become stagnant,” and warned that concentrated co‑living developments could increase traffic on 20th Street and affect local aesthetics.

Commissioners’ discussion focused on three recurring issues: parking, design standards and the potential for short‑term rental conversion. Commissioners noted the city will apply ordinary development review — landscaping, lighting, parking and safety standards — but commissioners and staff emphasized the state limits how much a city may require specifically for co‑living, and that co‑living is not allowed in single‑family residential zones.

Commissioner concerns and staff clarifications included: - Parking: Staff said the city will adopt a parking standard for co‑living later this year; the commission discussed a suggested parking metric of 0.25 spaces per sleeping unit near a major transit stop and agreed parking standards will be revisited in a broader parking update. - Design: Several commissioners urged the development of design standards for multifamily and co‑living projects so buildings fit neighborhood character; staff noted Uptown design standards already apply to parts of the city and additional standards can be developed. - Short‑term rentals: Commissioners asked whether co‑living units could be used as short‑term rentals; staff said the city plans to address short‑term rental rules later in the year and that might be the appropriate place to add protections.

After discussion, Commissioner Johnson moved to recommend the zoning amendments and Commissioner Oler seconded. The motion passed unanimously; the commission recorded an affirmative vote and will forward the recommendation to the City Council for final action.

The commission closed the public hearing at approximately 6:13 p.m. and directed staff to return with parking and implementation details as the city prepares the code amendments for council consideration.