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Kennewick adopts KMC Title 17 updates to allow unit-lot subdivisions required by state law
Summary
The council adopted updates to Kennewick Municipal Code Title 17 to implement 'unit lot' subdivisions tied to recent state housing laws; staff said the changes implement required definitions and procedures and the Planning Commission recommended approval.
The Kennewick City Council on March 3 adopted updates to Title 17 of the Kennewick Municipal Code to add definitions and procedures for unit lot subdivisions, a form of subdivision that allows individual dwelling units on formerly single-parent lots to be severed and sold under a recorded common-area arrangement.
Planning staff told the council the changes respond to recent state legislation (referenced in the staff report as "Senate Bill 55 59") that requires local development regulations to allow unit-lot subdivisions. Staff explained how the new chapter (17.14) parallels short-plat procedures and how common areas and access would be handled through covenants or condominium-style ownership arrangements. The Planning Commission held a hearing and voted 6-0 to recommend approval.
Council members asked technical questions about the limit on future subdivision of unit lots, whether HOAs can impose restrictions and how common areas would be maintained. Staff said some homeowner covenant restrictions enacted after state law took effect may be preempted by state statutes enacted for middle-housing bills, and indicated they would verify specific HOA impacts.
Mayor Pro Tem Torelli moved to adopt the Title 17 ordinance update docket (items 5B1 and 5B2), and Council Member Milbauer seconded; one council member stated he would vote no but the motion passed. The ordinance package implements the unit-lot subdivision process and related definitions.
Council members said the update brings Kennewick into compliance with state requirements and provides a mechanism for property owners to subdivide accessory dwelling units where allowed by zoning.
