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Council moves to renew interim middle‑housing and ADU regulations; second reading set
Summary
CPD staff presented renewal of interim rules implementing House Bills 1110 and 1337 (middle housing and ADUs). Council scheduled a June 16 second reading; staff reported one duplex permit and one single‑family permit with two ADUs since adoption.
The Mercer Island City Council agreed to schedule a second reading on June 16 to renew interim regulations implementing state middle‑housing and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) laws.
CPD Director Jeff Thomas and Senior Planner Molly Maguire briefed the council on Ordinance 2605, which would renew for six months the interim standards adopted last year to comply with House Bill 1110 (middle housing) and House Bill 1337 (ADUs). The renewal retains minimum requirements, adds parking rules to the general development standards, removes owner‑occupancy for ADUs, and increases the minimum ADU size to 1,000 square feet.
Maguire told council the interim regulations were adopted in a two‑phase approach: Phase 1 set the minimum requirements; Phase 2 will include community engagement and tailoring to local conditions. She reported that since last June the city has had one duplex application and one single‑family application proposing two ADUs, plus several pre‑application conferences and inquiries.
Council members approved placing the ordinance on the June 16 agenda for a second reading. Staff said the interim regulations are necessary to maintain compliance with state law while the city completes a permanent code update and to preserve eligibility for state and local processes tied to the Growth Management Hearings Board outcome.
Next steps: Second reading scheduled June 16; effective dates and any changes will be resolved through that process.
