Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Comp Plan topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission discusses comp‑plan sequencing, lot splits, co‑living rules and a small affordable‑housing fund
Summary
Commissioners reviewed comp‑plan timing and tools—including new lot‑split survey options, default state co‑living standards if not adopted locally, and modest local funding and deed‑restriction approaches to support affordable housing.
The planning commission reviewed comp‑plan implementation steps and several housing‑policy tools, including a simplified lot‑split survey, the state’s co‑living guidance, and options for deed restrictions and a local affordable‑housing fund.
Staff explained the lot‑split survey option would allow certain parcels to be divided (subject to minimum lot sizes in each zone) and noted state guidance and timing requirements. Staff also said the state is producing draft guidance on co‑living; if the city does not adopt a local standard by the state’s deadline the state standard will apply by default. Staff recommended the commission review the state draft in December and decide whether to adopt a local variant or accept the state default.
On affordable housing, staff described an existing modest annual set‑aside ($200,000 in general fund appropriations) and noted a recent $58,000 use for MEND. The commission discussed deed‑restriction models that guarantee long‑term affordability and the legal and administrative capacity required to implement a voluntary program or a payment‑in‑lieu structure. Staff said legal review will be required to ensure any fee or covenant approach complies with RCW and nexus requirements.
Next steps: staff will continue comp‑plan sequencing, present the state co‑living guidance in December for commission review, and prepare additional material about deed‑restriction program models and funding options.
