Olympia Council to vote on ADUs, duplexes, triplexes and more on Tuesday

OLYMPIA - Revisiting the controversial "Missing Middle" disputes last year, the Council is set to vote on Tue., Dec 8 for or against new recommendations of the Olympia Planning Commission.

Officially called the "Housing Options Code Amendments related to the Council Referral to the Planning Commission (2019-0036)," the Council will decide whether to permit increased density housing in residential zones.

Based on a Sep. 23 hearing and previous public meetings, the Commission has recommended to the Council (see attachment) that it approve the following:

1. Increase the maximum size of ADUs [Accessory Dwelling Units] to 850 square feet. The increase in size is proposed in order to align with the size allowed by the City of Lacey and to help in the sharing of pre-approved ADU plans between the Cities of Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater.
2. During its deliberations, the Planning Commission noticed differences in the way the term
   multifamily is used. The Commission recommends the City review its use of the term multifamily and make changes, if necessary, to the Unified Development Code (OMC Title 18).
3. In addition to the R6-12 zone as recommended by staff, the Commission recommends allowing triplexes in the R4-8 Zoning District.
4. Allow fourplexes in the R 4-8 and R 6-12 zones.
5. Allow sixplexes in the R 6-12 zone

Two of the members of the Commission recommend against approving items 4. and 5. above, suggesting to the Council "these two options need more review before authorizing their development across low-density neighborhoods at this time."

The City Council Meeting is set for Tue., Dec. 8 starting at 5:30 pm.  Here is the link to register to attend remotely.