Drafter
Clerk 09/16/2022
Title
A MOTION requesting the executive complete a code study related to expanded multifamily housing types in low- and medium-density urban residential zones.
Body
WHEREAS, single-family and low-density residential zoning exist in many communities across the United States, including in urban unincorporated King County, and
WHEREAS, this zoning practice restricts not only residential density, but minimum lot sizes and setbacks, maximum height, and other bulk and dimensional standards, resulting in exclusively single-family neighborhoods, and
WHEREAS, the historic practice of zoning for exclusively single-family and low-density residential housing has excluded low-income families and community of color, and
WHEREAS, the double-digit increase in housing prices in King County year-over-year and the loss of one hundred twelve thousand units of housing affordable to those making eighty percent area median income or less since 2012 has led to increasing unaffordability and ultimately displacement of low-income families and communities of color, and
WHEREAS, the regional affordable housing task force's five-year action plan, accepted through Motion 15372, includes a goal to promote greater housing growth and diversity to achieve a variety of housing types, and
WHEREAS, moderately scaled housing types, such as those that provide two to twelve units within a building or small homes centered around shared common spaces, can fit into a low-density community's character while increasing housing supply and providing market-rate housing that is more affordable when compared to single-family housing, and
WHEREAS, King County has classified some of these moderately scaled housing types as apartments, townhouses or cottage housing, which are permitted or conditional uses in some residential zones in unincorporated King County, and
WHEREAS, the King County council passed Motion 16142, adopting the scope of work for the 2024 update of the King Co...

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