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Kirkland commission adopts updated planning work program with a targeted middle‑housing task
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a revised 2026–2028 planning work program that adds a focused 2026 'middle housing optimization' task (with explicit items staff will not change and several items to consider) and flags state bill SB 6026 work; the commission also asked staff to pursue stronger incentives and to brief economic development outreach results to the commission.
The Kirkland Planning Commission adopted an updated draft planning work program for 2026–2028, approving staff recommendations with a commissioner amendment that clarifies the scope of a near‑term middle‑housing optimization task.
Staff said the revised program extends timelines for several projects, adds a targeted 2026 task described as a limited 'middle housing optimization' (Task 15), and directs work on implementing SB 6026 (state legislation requiring expanded residential uses in some commercial and mixed‑use areas). The staff presentation noted other changes: a near‑term task to expand housing opportunities on faith‑based properties, adjusted timelines for implementing the TOD bill, and a proposed evaluation of citywide affordable‑housing requirements.
Vice Chair Erin Jacobson moved to adopt the staff recommendation and then moved to amend Task 15 to explicitly state that the scope will not change heights, setbacks, affordable housing requirements, tree protection, units‑per‑acre limits, or stormwater mitigation requirements; the amendment adds items to consider including floor‑area‑ratio, lot coverage, incentives for aging‑in‑place features, and incentives for off‑street parking.
Commissioners debated the relative merits of a narrower middle‑housing tweak versus broader low‑density zone consolidation, and whether developer market dynamics (1‑for‑1 teardown economics) limit the effectiveness of code tweaks. Staff said the city recently convened a developer roundtable and is pursuing economic development outreach; staff also said phase‑2 sub‑area planning for Totem Lake Southern Industrial is contingent on budget and scope for required technical analyses.
The commission voted to approve the amendment and then voted to adopt the work program as amended. Staff said the commission’s recommendation will go to City Council for consideration, with a tentative council adoption date noted in the staff presentation.
