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Planning commission flags code changes to allow state-mandated co-living housing
Summary
Planning commission briefed council on House Bill 1998 (RCW 36.70A.535), which requires cities to allow "co-living" in zones permitting six or more units; staff will return with draft code amendments after a gap analysis found definitional and standard conflicts in existing local code.
Damon, speaking for the Planning Commission, told the council that recent state changes — summarized under House Bill 1998 and RCW 36.70A.535 — require cities to allow co-living housing where six or more residential units are permitted.
The Planning Commission presented a gap analysis by BERC Consulting that found Covington’s municipal code lacks a modern definition of co-living and contains older terms such as "dormitory" that do not align with state direction. The analysis identified roughly 350 parcels that could theoretically support co-living and highlighted areas of code needing updates: definitions, permitted users, density calculations, parking maximums and alignment of development standards with those applied to multifamily housing.
Damon said no action was taken at the commission’s introductory meeting; staff will prepare draft amendments for future Planning Commission review and a joint council meeting scheduled for Feb. 23–24.
Next steps: staff will return with code language and recommendations for council consideration.
