Planning staff proposes townhome and cottage housing rules, commission weighs density and affordability options

Anita, a staff member presenting proposed middle‑housing ("bridal") amendments, told commissioners the package would allow townhomes in R7, cottage housing in all residential zones, duplexes in R15 and triplexes/fourplexes in residential zones; it would create cottage housing standards, middle‑housing design standards and reference the city’s affordable housing chapter for covenant and income‑limit requirements. "The proposed amendment for Monroe is at 1,400 square feet right now," Anita said when discussing a maximum cottage unit size.

Anita described proposed density changes: townhomes in R7 would be eligible for a two‑to‑one bonus (raising the base 7 units/acre to 14 units/acre), and initial drafts had allowed cottage housing up to 30 units/acre in R15. Commissioners debated whether 30 units/acre is feasible and whether to standardize cottage density at 14 units/acre across residential zones; several commissioners favored keeping the proposed 1,400‑square‑foot cottage maximum as consistent with a "cottage" product.

Kate and Anita noted utility and comprehensive‑plan constraints: the city’s 2024 sewer/water/stormwater plan assumed certain densities for a 20‑year buildout, and staff are coordinating with Public Works to ensure higher densities would not exceed capacity. Anita said she will return with additional affordability income‑band details and examples from peer cities before the Aug. 24 public hearing; commissioners asked for one more study session and clearer packet materials prior to that hearing.