Council reviews zoning changes to allow 'missing middle' housing and comply with state step-housing rules

City staff presented a suite of proposed zoning changes on June 16 aimed at increasing housing options and meeting state requirements for step housing. The package would consolidate several residential zoning districts into a single, clearer residential standard, allow two principal residences on a lot (beyond accessory dwelling units) to encourage smaller 'missing middle' homes, and permit emergency shelters, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing in all zoning districts as required by recent state legislation.

Staff said the changes seek to remove regulatory barriers and provide flexibility for future affordable housing development, and to update parking rules to allow reductions tied to project type, step-housing and affordability programs. The presentation also described a mapped set of sites being considered for upzoning and protections for existing manufactured-home parks.

Council members asked about the technical capacity analysis used to demonstrate the city’s ability to accommodate required growth (the Burke analysis submitted earlier in the year). Staff explained that rezoning establishes capacity — “making the bowl big enough” — but does not guarantee specific projects will be built, and that producing affordable units typically requires separate programs, incentives or partnerships with nonprofits or the county.

Council asked staff to circulate the Burke memo and to include an expanded discussion of incentives and outreach to developers as the zoning work continues. Staff said more detailed conversations about the city’s affordable-housing program and incentive tools will follow in July.