Mason County lowers minimum densities in Allen and Belfair urban growth areas to increase development flexibility

Mason County commissioners on June 9 approved amendments to Title 17 that reduce minimum densities in portions of the Allen and Belfair urban growth areas.

Kell Rowan of the Community Development Department said the change responds to developer feedback and acknowledges that detached single‑family construction makes it difficult to hit a 10‑unit‑per‑acre minimum in some zones. The proposal lowers the minimum to five units per acre while keeping existing higher maximums in place to allow multifamily development where appropriate. The Planning Advisory Commission recommended approval.

Public testimony included practical cautions. Jeff Kerry, a former Planning Advisory Commission chair, supported the changes but urged staff to preserve flexibility so developers can revert to higher densities for multifamily projects where warranted. Ken Bambuskerk of Belfair asked staff to revisit the purpose statement for Belfair, arguing older development nodes and assumptions in the subarea plan no longer reflect current infrastructure and critical‑area realities.

Commissioners approved the amendments and staff committed to follow up with planning staff and the commission to ensure development‑level changes remain consistent with the comprehensive plan and infrastructure commitments.

Why it matters: Lowering minimum densities can make small‑lot single‑family development and lot‑by‑lot infill easier while preserving options for higher‑density multifamily projects. The change shifts how developers may approach housing in two of the county’s urban growth areas.

Next steps: Community Development staff will work with the planning commission and interested stakeholders to refine implementation details and reconcile density changes with broader comprehensive plan elements as needed.