City staff preview design-regulation updates, code-definition tweaks for subdivisions

Senior planner Ray Lindenberg told the council the planning department is preparing a package of design-regulation updates and zoning-code housekeeping amendments to address two recent developments: smaller minimum lot sizes adopted earlier and state rules limiting multifamily development standards that are more restrictive than single-family standards (House Bill 1110 was cited as the catalyst).

Lindenberg said the draft updates separate single-family and multifamily design standards so similar rules apply across housing types and to restore the city’s ability to review design standards that previously flowed through planned-residential development (PRD) review. He described the work as a "stopgap measure" ahead of a broader form-based code effort and apologized that one attachment in the packet was a working draft; staff will provide corrected documents before any formal action.

On zoning definitions, staff proposed a clarified definition of "building-line" and an explicit exemption allowing certain minor architectural features to project into required setbacks (cornices, eaves, sills, chimneys and trellises) up to 3 feet, with fireplaces/chimneys permitted to extend to finished grade. Lindenberg said a local developer raised the issue after a proposed fireplace design extended into a setback and staff compared nearby jurisdictions before recommending the change.

Lindenberg said the goal is to balance predictable design review with legal requirements and to avoid creating inadvertent barriers to multifamily housing. He said staff plans to return to council in one to two months with corrected attachments and formal adoption language; the item will go through normal planning-commission review steps as appropriate.