City staff propose Title 19 code cleanups to codify longstanding practices and clarify setbacks

Mike Johnson, the city’s Community and Economic Development Director, presented a package of proposed text amendments to Title 19 meant to correct ambiguous language and codify existing practices.

Johnson said the changes are largely administrative and do not introduce new design standards. Key proposals include requiring third‑party height verification for building permits that are within five feet of the maximum allowed height to avoid last‑minute code enforcement actions; exempting small uncovered landings (walkout porches) of 32 square feet or less in line with state code; standardizing references to the primary structure as 'building' across the ordinance; and clarifying that attached garages are part of the main building and subject to the same setbacks while detached garages are regulated as accessory structures.

Johnson also proposed a six‑month expiration for ADU applications that do not progress to the next step to prevent stagnant files, clarified flag‑lot driveway approach setbacks, and noted that architectural review authority does not apply to single‑ or two‑family dwellings where state law precludes design regulation.

Council members asked clarifying questions; staff characterized the package as cleanup language to reflect established administration and to address several advisory‑opinion deficiencies raised by the property rights ombudsman. No formal action was taken at the work session; staff will return with the ordinance text for council consideration.