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Workgroup discusses proposal to reduce minimum dwelling size from 190 to 120 sq ft
Summary
Staff outlined a proposed reduction in minimum habitable space from 190 to 120 square feet per legislative direction; members raised inspection, kitchen/appliance and egress concerns and asked staff to confirm code language before next review.
SBCC staff reviewed a draft change that would allow a minimum habitable dwelling size of 120 square feet, down from the current 190 square feet, consistent with legislative direction to permit units smaller than the model‑code efficiency dwelling unit. The staff member said the change is intended to reduce material, labor and land costs and to enable more micro‑unit style housing.
Staff noted direct construction savings in general terms and cautioned that plan reviewers and inspectors will confront more complex egress, fire separation and occupant‑load calculations because smaller units can increase the number of units per floor. “Plan checkers will encounter more units per floor, resulting in more complex egress fire, separation and occupant load calculations,” the staff member said.
Members asked about the implications for kitchen definitions and permanent cooking appliances. Todd Beyreuther and Angela Haupt discussed whether redefining kitchen clearances or appliance requirements could affect other statutes or local zoning; Haupt noted relevant RCW language for accessory dwelling units and urged staff to check cross‑references. The group also discussed sample diagram clearances (36 inches vs. a 30‑inch clearance), and members agreed that if a kitchen is part of an egress path the reduced clearance would not be allowed.
Staff will verify specific code language on kitchen and appliance requirements and will return revised text and citations in the next package. No formal action was taken at this meeting.
