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Staff flags new state rules for conversions of existing commercial buildings to multifamily; commissioners urged to weigh options
Summary
Staff briefed the commission on newly identified state requirements that affect conversions of existing commercial buildings into multifamily units in zones already permitting multifamily; options include adopting code changes by June 30, allowing state preemption, or using interim controls; commissioners raised concerns about loss of local conditions such as parking or transportation requirements and asked staff to return with draft code language.
Staff reported that the city must respond to recently identified state requirements—cited in the meeting transcript as an RCW—affecting conversions of existing commercial buildings to multifamily housing in zones where multifamily is already allowed. Staff emphasized that the provisions discussed in the presentation apply to existing buildings only, not new construction.
"This is for existing buildings only," staff said, explaining that the state framework increases allowable maximum densities in certain zones and limits local…
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