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Port Orchard adopts ordinance to implement state cohousing law
Summary
Council adopted an amendment to Port Orchard Municipal Code Title 20 to implement House Bill 1998, allowing cohousing sleeping units (minimum six units) statewide and adjusting connection charge calculations.
The Port Orchard City Council voted to amend Title 20 of the municipal code to implement House Bill 1998 and allow cohousing as a permitted use. Planning staff (Mr. Bond) told the council the state requires cities to allow cohousing—housing with individual sleeping units and shared kitchens—and that the city’s ordinance defines sleeping units and provides implementation details. The planning commission reviewed the proposal and recommended approval after a Nov. 4 public hearing.
Staff said the state law changes how utility-connection charges are calculated for cohousing: a sleeping unit is treated as a fractional residence for connection fees (staff said the calculation effectively reduces charges, historically handled by an alternative methodology for projects such as the Amici House). Councilor Chang moved to adopt the ordinance and Councilmember Fenton seconded; council approved the amendment by voice vote.
Council members asked clarifying questions about parking and how cohousing is distinguished from a single-family home with multiple unrelated occupants. Mr. Bond explained the code focuses on the building configuration (individual sleeping units, shared common areas) and noted that projects exceeding certain sizes may be categorized differently under group-home definitions. The ordinance will align city code with the state compliance deadline and prevent state law from automatically superseding local regulations.
The action responds to a recent state legislative requirement; staff indicated one compliance deadline tied to broader updates is Dec. 31, 2025 for related planning updates.
Next steps: Staff will publish the adopted ordinance and provide guidance to applicants and developers about connection-fee calculations and permit expectations.
