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Olivia lowers minimum lot sizes, widths and setbacks in R1 and R2 zones
Summary
Ordinance 2026-04 reduces minimum lot sizes, lot widths and side-yard setbacks in R1 and R2 residential zones (e.g., R1 single-family from 12,000 ft² to 8,000 ft²; R2 single-family from 8,000 ft² to 4,000 ft²), a change staff and council said aligns with the 2023 comprehensive plan to encourage development.
The Olivia City Council adopted Ordinance 2026-04, which amends Chapter 152 to reduce minimum lot sizes, lot widths and side-yard setbacks in R1 and R2 residential zones.
During the staff presentation, Elizabeth listed the principal numeric changes: in the R1 zone, single-family minimum lot area was reduced from 12,000 square feet to 8,000 square feet, two-family from 13,000 to 10,000 square feet and other uses from 20,000 to 12,000 square feet. In the R2 zone, single-family minimum lot area was reduced from 8,000 square feet to 4,000 square feet, two-family from 10,000 to 6,000 square feet, and multi-family and other categories were consolidated and reduced (examples cited in the presentation included reductions to 8,000 or 8,500 square feet depending on use). Lot-width and side-yard setback minimums were also relaxed (single-family lot width from 45 ft to 40 ft; side-yard setbacks from 10 ft to 5 ft in affected areas).
A council member noted the changes align with the 2023 comprehensive plan to promote development and make building easier; no public comments were received. The ordinance passed by voice vote and Resolution 10 to authorize summary publication was approved.
Council and staff said the changes are intended to make development more feasible and to clarify the code charts for property owners and applicants. The council directed staff to implement the code amendments and update public-facing materials.
