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Commissioners debate townhouse vs. duplex classifications and minimum-unit thresholds
Summary
The commission discussed striking and restoring unit-count language for townhouses, the distinction between duplexes and townhouses under state law, and whether to permit townhouses in higher-scale districts (HSMU) with minimum unit requirements.
Commissioners examined proposed edits to Appendix C and the residential uses table that affect how townhouses are defined and where they are permitted. Staff said removing the '3–4 units' reference could collapse duplexes and townhouses, which have different state-law protections; staff proposed restoring a minimum of three units for townhouses to preserve that distinction.
"Duplexes have different state law protections than multifamily," staff member Kelsey said, explaining why keeping duplexes and townhouses separate in the code matters. Commissioners discussed district-specific approaches: one option would permit townhouses in the highest-scale district (HSMU) with a minimum unit threshold to ensure scale compatibility, while another would keep small multiunit housing allowances to preserve infill opportunities. Staff agreed to restore a minimum of three units in the townhouse definition for clarity and to reflect policy choices about scale and where longer townhouse forms are appropriate.
