Edmonds planning staff introduces state-mandated co-living code changes; planning board split on scope

Staff from Edmonds Planning and Development gave a council introduction on Oct. 28 to changes the state now requires for "co-living" housing and presented a Planning Board recommendation and several local choices the city must make.

Planner Rose Haas told council the state enacted 2nd substitute House Bill 1998 (codified at RCW 36.70A.535) and that cities must allow co-living housing on any lot that allows at least six multifamily residential units. Under the statute staff summarized, local governments cannot impose more restrictive dimensional or unit-mix standards than other multifamily uses in the same zone. The state also sets a limit on parking requirements: outside of a half-mile from a…