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Lacey planning commission unanimously recommends city code changes to implement state middle‑housing and ADU laws
Summary
The Lacey Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend City Council adopt proposed Chapter 16.52, a consolidated infill residential code to implement Washington state middle‑housing and ADU requirements, after staff presented required changes, density rules and an option for additional affordable units.
The Lacey Planning Commission voted unanimously May 13 to recommend the City Council adopt proposed code changes consolidating middle‑housing and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules into a new Chapter 16.52.
Housing coordinator Jennifer Adams told the commission the draft implements recent Washington state legislation requiring cities to allow a range of middle‑housing types and expanded ADU allowances. She said House Bill 1110 (middle housing) requires jurisdictions to allow at least six state‑defined middle‑housing types in areas where detached single‑family homes are permitted, while House Bill 1337 expands ADU allowances to permit up to two ADUs per residential lot and raises the minimum ADU habitable size to 1,000 square feet.
Adams said the staff‑proposed chapter relies on existing, objective development standards in the city’s zoning and design review chapters and replaces a units‑per‑acre approach with a units‑per‑lot density framework. Under the draft, up to three dwelling units could be permitted on one lot; a fourth unit would be allowed if one unit meets the chapter’s affordability standards, and staff left an option that would permit up to six units on a lot if all six meet affordability requirements.
During questioning, staff clarified that removing certain intent statements from the zoning code is not a state requirement and that those intent provisions would be migrated to the comprehensive plan as part of a future amendment—staff estimated roughly a year before that work would occur. Commissioners also noted existing nonconforming provisions would allow current single‑family homes in high‑density zones to remain, but redevelopment would be subject to the new minimum density standards.
After discussion, Commissioner Kirian moved that the commission recommend the City Council adopt the draft amendments (dockets O‑4 and O‑5) as presented; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with no recorded dissents.
The commission’s recommendation is advisory; the City Council will consider the staff proposal and commission recommendation in a future meeting. Staff said the legislative deadline for implementing statutory changes was December 2025 and the city is proceeding with urgency to finish local code updates.
What happens next: the Planning Commission forwarded the recommendation to City Council for further review and formal adoption consideration.
