Council approves missing-middle housing code package, delays driveway-width decision

The Airway Heights City Council voted 4–0 on April 21 to adopt a multi-ordinance "missing middle" package that updates zoning, definitions, ADU rules, subdivision options and parking requirements to accommodate smaller housing types and improve housing choice. Planning Director Heather Troutman told the council staff had prepared a matrix summarizing 22 related ordinances and said staff and stakeholders had reached consensus on most items after two weeks of additional work. "We were able to go through the testimony... and as a result of that, the staff has put together a summary in the form of a matrix for the city council," Troutman said.

The package includes updated definitions (including accessory dwelling units), revised site-coverage and height recommendations (staff recommended 40 feet in some zones after stakeholder input), changes to parking requirements tied to state law for ADUs, and provisions to allow unit-lot subdivisions consistent with state statute. One outstanding issue remained driveway width and fire access. Staff outlined three options tied to fire apparatus access and Department of Commerce guidance: keep the 16-foot public-works unobstructed width; allow 12-foot paving with 16-foot unobstructed clear area; or permit 12-foot width where all structures are within 100 feet of a street. The council approved the package but asked staff to return with a focused discussion on driveway-width language before finalizing that detail.

Developer and housing-provider representatives at the meeting expressed support. Jim Frank, representing housing developers, thanked the council and staff for months of work and said the ordinance would enable smaller, more affordable home types. The council directed staff to bring refined driveway-width language and any related technical clarifications back for decision at an upcoming meeting.