Council backs changes to RMF 35/45 rules, removes 100-foot façade cap and raises unit limit in RMF45

Planning staff briefed the council on follow-up options to proposed RMF 35/45 multifamily zoning changes after public input raised concerns about an in-progress project. Staff outlined three levers: maximum building width (facade length), maximum units per building, and maximum lot width. They showed existing local examples of buildings that exceed 100 feet to illustrate how the measure would function.

Staff noted a proposed density limit of 750 square feet per unit and explained how lot-size thresholds mean only a fraction of lots would qualify for larger unit counts. The council discussed a tradeoff between removing the 100-foot facade maximum and keeping a 110-foot lot-width maximum so larger buildings could not be assembled by consolidating lots. Members also debated a side-yard setback (4 vs. 5 feet) and how that change could incentivize demolition on narrow lots.

After discussion, the council conducted a straw poll that the chair recorded as unanimous in favor of the following direction: remove the 100-foot front-facade maximum, retain the 110-foot lot-width maximum, and increase the per-building units limit up to 50 only in the RMF45 zone. Staff said the item will be on the agenda for formal action next week.

The straw-polled changes will be incorporated into a draft ordinance and accompanying materials for public review before a final council vote.