Council adopts code change to lower planned‑residential‑development minimum lot size to 1.5 acres

Planning staff brought forward an ordinance on Nov. 4 to amend Mill Creek Municipal Code section 16.12 (planned residential development). The amendment reduces the minimum acreage needed to pursue a PRD from 2.5 acres to 1.5 acres, clarifies the applicant’s burden of proof when seeking modifications to zoning standards, and removes outdated references to streetscape belt language and to the comprehensive plan.

Planner Justin (city planning staff) said the change was aimed at enabling infill redevelopment on parcels that are otherwise difficult to develop under current dimensional standards while preserving the council’s ability to negotiate site‑specific conditions. "Planned residential development is an alternative form of development that allows flexible design in pursuit of better outcomes," planning staff said. The proposed change will modestly increase the number of parcels eligible for PRD and, staff said, will help three sites in the city that have had difficulty advancing under current rules.

Council action: Council unanimously adopted the ordinance amending MMC 16.12; vote was 7–0. Councilors expressed that the city would retain control over final site design because PRD approval still requires council review and findings that proposed modifications achieve better outcomes than the underlying code.

Implications: The code change streamlines an option for moderate‑scale infill housing tied to public‑benefit findings; it does not alter base zone densities or automatically rezone land. Developers must still demonstrate how proposed modifications (reduced setbacks, adjustments to lot sizes, or alternative open‑space configurations) advance applicable project and community objectives.

Next steps: The ordinance is adopted; planning staff will apply the new thresholds when evaluating forthcoming PRD applications and will return to council if further clarification or implementation language is needed.