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Quadplexes and cottage clusters spur split opinions over denser housing
Summary
Staff proposed allowing cottage clusters in more medium-density zones and permitting quadplexes where appropriate; commissioners split — some favored limited expansion into RM zones, others opposed adding cluster or quadplexes in established single-family neighborhoods over parking and compatibility concerns.
The joint session turned to triplexes, quadplexes and cottage clusters, with staff proposing cottage clusters be allowed in R10 and RM zones and quadplexes in RM and RH zones as options for expanding housing choice.
Heather Austin said the change trades a 4-unit/multifamily threshold into a quadplex classification and noted she has seen four-unit structures in Warrenton previously: "I've seen it there, 4 units on 1 lot," she said, explaining that quadplexes would be treated as a distinct housing type with dimensional and parking standards. Several commissioners supported allowing cottage clusters in RM and R10 where lot sizes and on-site parking make sense, arguing clusters can be more visually compatible and foster shared open space. Other commissioners opposed broad permission for quadplexes or clusters in established single-family neighborhoods because of parking strain and perceived mismatch with rural character; one commissioner urged focus on higher-density zones rather than blanket allowances across the city.
Staff said they will return with options focused on limiting quadplexes to higher-density zones and adding site-size, parking and setback standards to ensure new development fits the character and infrastructure capacity of the chosen zones.
