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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/18/2025 Public Comment of''44 t) ; •4O„ro..rw 40 REQUEST FOR APPEARANCE BEFORE CITY COUNCIL SOLICITUD PARA COMPARECER ANTE EL CONCEJO MUNICIPAL REQUIRED (OBLIGATORIO) (, NAME (Nombre): k tom. LC'>" , Z NUMBER(S) OR CITY TOPIC Y0U WISH TO SPlTO (Numero(s) del tema de la agenda o asunto de la ciudad que desea hablar sobre): AGENDA ITEM - -- rl CITY OF YAKIMA RESIDENT (Residente de la Ciudad de Yakima):— YAKIMA COUNTY RESIDENT (Residente del condado de Yakima) OTHER RESIDENT (Otro Residente): ❑ ABOVE INFORMATION MUST BE FILLED OUT IN ORDER TO SPEAK DURING PUBLIC COMMENT LA INFORMACION ANTERIOR DEBE COMPLETARSE PARA HABLAR DURANTE EL COMENTARIO PUBLICO OPTIONAL (OPC/ONAL) HOW WOULD YOU PREFER THE CITY CONTACT YOU IF NEEDED (6Como prefiere que la ciudad se ponga en contacto con usted si es neces rio?): - PHONE (Numero de telofono) ( rr-/ 7 c: --7 -ADDRESS (Domicilio) - E-MAIL ADDRESS (Direccion de correo electrOnico) Please complete this form prior to the start of Public Comment and submit it to the City Clerk (who sits on the left end of the Council table). Por favor complete este formulario antes del inicio de los Comentarios PUblicos y entrOguelo a la Secretaria Municipal (que se sienta en el extremo izquierdo de la mesa del Concejo) When addressing the City Council, state your name and whether you live inside or outside City of Yakima limits. Al dirigirse al Concejal, diga su nombre e indique si vive dentro o fuera de los limites de la Ciudad de Yakima. Additional guidelines for addressing the City Council are on the reverse side of this form. Directrices adicionales para dirigirse al Concejal se encuentran al reverso de este formulario. Please note that the Council meeting is being televised on Y-PAC, cable channel 194. Tenga en cuenta que la reunion del Concejo Municipal esta siendo televisada por Y-PAC, canal de cable 194. Dist ibu ed at Meeting: Item# 2/18/2025 City Council Public Remarks: Good Evening. I'm Shelley White, a lifelong Yakima resident, a mostly retired Realtor and before RE, a former Director of Sales for the Convention Bureau under Kathy Coffey. And although I am a member of the Planning Commission, I am appearing tonight as a Private Citizen. Last week,Trevor Martin, Senior Planner, came to do a Study Session with you concerning Land Use and Zoning and he briefly touched on the new MIDDLE HOUSING laws. I'm here to begin to give you more information on those new laws. In the future, I will return to share a series of educated `opinions'based on the deeper research dives I've done into these new laws and what I have come to believe are the REAL reasons behind them. So tonight, let me start by saying that the State has declared an official `Housing Crisis'and has set a goal of building 1 million new homes by 2044. The State cites "affordable"and "fair"housing as primary motivations for these new laws...which are THE most sweeping Land Use/Zoning reform laws in Washington State History. BUT: I believe another agenda ENTIRELY is at work here...and I feel it's imperative to WAKE US UP!!! These new laws REMOVE MUCH LOCAL CONTROL over zoning and land use from cities and counties - and seriously diminish and disregard THE RIGHTS OF EXISTING LAND OWNERS. Although these laws cannot be altered by this Council, it is my opinion that you need to be thoroughly aware of them...and their implications. The Yakima City Council previously voted to allow up to 2 ADUs to be built on any city lot that could accommodate them - considering normal building codes. However, House Bills 1110 and 1337 BLOW past your earlier decision and now allow 4 housing units PER CITY LOT in cities of Yakima's size- and only partially apply current building codes and permit oversight. This means that instead of an average of 5 homes per acre,you now can have 20 homes per acre! In fact, the new Housing Bills COMPLETELY ELIMINATE MOST SINGLE FAMILY ZONING in the majority of Washington Cities and Urban Growth boundaries. EXTREME Multi-family housing is now allowed on most city lots... for ALL NEW DEVELOPMENT AND EXISTING LOTS. So, tonight, if you would like one, I'm going to hand out packets for each of you containing the MRSC easy to read versions of 1110 and 1337. I sincerely ask you to PLEASE take the time to familiarize yourself with this information before I return next week. Thank you for your time and consideration. Major Changes to Washington's Housing Laws July 19, 2023 by Steve Butler Category: Housing, New Legislation and Regulations ik3 , 1 I ! 1 % ;) `' r .., r r r. ` 1 �IHSN � t( . i1 { . 1 i T`w -- t �. New townhomes I Photo: Steve Butler Several significant housing and land use bills were passed by the Washington State Legislature during this year's legislative session and signed into law by Governor Inslee, causing some observers to call 2023 "the Year of Housing" in our state. These bills are intended to expand the state's housing supply and help address the ongoing affordable housing crisis. Two of the more significant bills deal with "missing middle" housing (E2SHB 1110) and accessory dwelling units (EHB 1337). In short, these two bills require many local governments to revise their regulations to allow for a greater number and increased types of housing in areas traditionally dedicated to single-family detached housing. Both bills take effect on July 23, 2023, but local governments are not required to update their local regulations to be in compliance until six months after their periodic comprehensive plan update. However, local government may revise its regulations sooner than the statutory deadline if desired. This blog post will summarize those two bills. Middle Housing Bill — E2SHB 1110 Middle housing(also called "missing middle" housing) refers to those housing types between single- family residences and mid-rise, multi-family development. Middle housing types included in the new state law are duplexes up to sixplexes, townhouses, stacked flats, courtyard apartments, and cottage housing. rt ,a 4:� .S � _ Missing Middle Housing — 1,4 oreci Image © Opticos Design, Inc. I For more information visit www.missingmiddlehousing.com. E2SHB 1110 requires designated Growth Management Act(GMA) planning cities, within 6 months after their periodic update due date, to allow certain minimum densities for middle housing. It does not apply to counties or unincorporated areas. The Department of Commerce's E2SHB 1110 fact sheet identifies 77 cities that this legislation applies to currently, based on 2020 U.S. Census data and Commerce's best understanding, divided into three tiers. The fact sheet outlines the requirements as follows: NEAR A MAJOR WITH AFFORDABLE TRANSIT STOP• HOUSING: Minimum Minimum number Minimum number•of number of middle housing of middle housing middle housing units units that must be allowed per units that must be that must be allowed per lot with affordable housing in Table Header 1 predominately residential allowed per lot in lot within /4 mile predominately walking distance of zones where density in residential zones major transit stop in applicable zone does not predominately otherwise allow this number residential zones (See also E2SHB 1110, Sec. 3(2)) TIER ONE: Cities 4 du/lot, unless 6 du/lot if at least 2 units are with population of at zoning permits 6 du/lot, unless zoning affordable, unless zoning least 75,000 E2SHB higher densities permits higher densities permits higher densities 1110, Sec. 3(1)(b) NEAR A MAJOR WITH AFFORDABLE TRANSIT STOP: HOUSING: Minimum Minimum number Minimum number of number of middle housing of middle housing middle housing units units that must be allowed per units that must be that must be allowed per lot with affordable housing in Table Header 1 predominately residential allowed per lot in lot within mile zones where density in predominately walking distance of applicable zone does not residential zones major transit stop in otherwise allow this number predominately (See also E2SHB 1110, Sec. residential zones 3(2)) TIER TWO: Cities with population of at 2 du/lot unless 4 du/lot, unless zoning 4 du/lot if at least 1 unit is least 25,000 but less zoning permits affordable, unless zoning than 75,000 E2SHB higher densities permits higher densities permits higher densities 1110, Sec. 3(1)(a) TIER THREE: Cities with population under 25,000 that are contiguous with a 2 du/lot, unless UGA that includes zoning permits N/A N/A the largest city in a higher densities county with a population over 275,000 E2SHB 1110, Sec. 3(1)(c) Middle housing types: City zoning codes must allow at least six out of the nine of listed types of middle housing: 1. Duplexes 2. Triplexes 3. Fourplexes 4. Fiveplexes 5. Sixplexes 6. Townhouses 7. Stacked flats 8. Courtyard apartments 9. Cottage housing Other major provisions of the new missing middle housing bill include: • Alternate density requirement: A city may choose to limit implementation of the density requirements to 75% of lots that are primarily dedicated to detached single-family houses, subject to specific conditions included in the new state law. • Exceptions to density requirements: There are a very limited number of exceptions where a municipality does not need to accommodate middle housing, such as for lots designated with critical areas and their buffers. • Adequate water and public sewer: Density requirements can be reduced in lots within a city that don't have adequate water supply or public sewer service. • Required parking: There are restrictions on how much on-site parking can be required, with a sliding scale for smaller-sized lots. No on-site parking standards may be applied to middle housing located within a half-mile of a major transit stop. • Design review: If design review for residential development is required locally, it can only be administrative review(i.e., conducted by staff, and not by an appointed design board) for middle housing, with the use of clear design standards that are not more restrictive than those required for detached single-family houses. Please note that ESHB 1293 establishes a requirement for clear and objective design review standards for the exterior design of new development(beyond that covered by E2SHB 1110). • SEPA exemption: A State Environmental Policy Act(SEPA) categorical exemption is established for regulations that remove parking requirements for new middle housing development projects. • Implementation extensions: This bill provides process and criteria for extensions of implementation when requested by a local government. • Technical assistance: The Department of Commerce is tasked with providing guidance, a model ordinance, and other related assistance to local governments. Commerce has begun by publishing a Fact Sheet for Implementing E2SHB 1110, which includes answers to local government questions and will be updated over time. ADU Bill - EHB 1337 Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are small, self-contained residential units located on the same lot as an existing single-family home.An ADU has all the basic facilities needed for day-to-day living, such as a kitchen, sleeping area, and a bathroom, and may be either attached to or detached from the primary residence. Examples of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) ADUs in blue; main residence in white a Attached ADU (internal) --- --- a a 1111 ------- \ .IR r0.,._,, t____.__ _ . \ . _,_,..: _,__ _ ____ , _ . _ ___., _____ ________ w .� Attached ADU (via addition) - \ .,. : . , Detached ADU ' . 1 ; n i/! A. ii tin T. ______ __,., . _____ 0 isti _,,-; ___-.--- -_,-- _----- _____ _ _ _._ . . \-\\.:.__________ ...______________-------- Image credit: City of Saint Paul, MN EHB 1337 requires all GMA-planning local governments-regardless of population and including counties (unincorporated urban growth areas) as well as cities-to revise their regulations as needed to conform with the following new requirements, within 6 months after their periodic update due date, as follows: • Minimum number of ADUs per lot: Two ADUs per lot must be allowed in all GMA urban growth areas, in addition to the principal unit, for lots that meet the minimum lot size required for the principal housing unit. Local regulations must permit ADUs to be attached, detached or a combination of both types. In addition, a conversion of an existing structure, such as a detached garage, must be allowed. • Maximum ADU size standard: Local governments may not require ADUs to be smaller than 1,000 gross square feet in size. • Dimensional standards: A local government may not impose setback requirements, yard coverage limits, tree retention mandates, or restrictions on entry door location that are more restrictive than those required for the principal unit. • Street improvements: A local government may not require street improvements as a condition of permitting accessory dwelling units. • Owner occupancy: A local government may not require owner occupancy for a principal unit or ADUs. • Condominium sales: Local governments may not prohibit the sale or other conveyance of a condominium unit independently of a principal unit solely on the grounds that the condominium unit was originally built as an ADU. • Design review: Local governments may not impose aesthetic standards or requirements for design review that are more restrictive for ADUs than those for principal units. Please note that ESHB 1293 establishes a requirement for clear and objective design review standards for the exterior design of new development (beyond that covered by EHB 1337). • Required parking: There are restrictions on how much on-site parking can be required, with a sliding scale for smaller-sized lots. No on-site parking standards may be applied to ADUs located within a half-mile of a major transit stop. • Impact fees. Impact fees for ADUs are limited to no more than 50% of those assessed to the principal housing unit. • Common Interest Communities: After July 23, 2023, new "Common Interest Communities" (for example, a new subdivision with a homeowners association) are prohibited from adopting covenants, conditions, and restrictions (commonly called"CC&Rs") that would limit the construction of ADUs on any lot. Existing CC&Rs, however, are not impacted by the new law and may remain in effect. Conclusion If you are subject to the requirements of one or both bills, it is highly recommended that you start early to develop your development standards. It could likely take nine to twelve months to create and adopt the necessary changes to your middle housing and ADU regulations, so do not wait until your comprehensive plan has been adopted before starting work on any required land use regulatory revisions. The summaries included in this blog post do not cover every aspect of the two bills. More details may be found in the resources linked below. There were also a number of other significant housing and land use bills that were recently passed and signed into law, including 2SSB 5412. MRSC will be writing blog posts that summarize those bills over the next few weeks. I would like to thank Anne Fritzel and Dave Osaki with the Washington Department of Commerce for their assistance with this blog post. Other Resources Middle Housing • Department of Commerce: Middle Housing in Washington—includes E2SHB fact sheet • MRSC: Missing Middle Housing • Makers Architecture + Design: How Washington's Middle Housing Legislation Applies in Your Community—Very detailed article about HB 1110. ADUs • Department of Commerce: Guidance for Accessory Dwelling Units in Washington State (September 2023) • MRSC: Accessory Dwelling Units MRSC is a private nonprofit organization serving local governments in Washington State. Eligible government agencies in Washington State may use our free, one-on-one Ask MRSC service to get answers to legal,policy, or financial questions. Ms.T t\) About Steve Butler Steve joined MRSC in February 2015. He has been involved in most aspects of community planning for over 30 years, both in the public and private sectors. He received a B.A. from St. Lawrence University (Canton, New York) and a M.S. in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Steve has served as president of statewide planning associations in both Washington and Maine, and was elected to the American Institute of Certified Planner's College of Fellows in 2008. Ir of.Y,g4- tip ... Oro■„Tw' REQUEST FOR APPEARANCE BEFORE CITY COUNCIL SOLICITUD PARA COMPARECER ANTE EL CONCEJO MUNICIPAL REQUIRED (OBLIGATORIO) NAME (Nombre): O 0 n a_i'l i C., LS AGENDA ITEM NUMBER(S) OR CITY TOPIC YOU WISH TO SPEAK TO (Numero(s) del tema de la agenda o asunto de la ciudad que desea hablar sobre): 1 I( J I 1 C CITY OF YAKIMA RESIDENT (Residente de la Ciudad de Yakima):2_ ' YAKIMA COUNTY RESIDENT (Residente del condado de Yakima): l✓J OTHER RESIDENT (Otro Residente)4 ABOVE INFORMATION MUST BE FILLED OUT IN ORDER TO SPEAK DURING PUBLIC COMMENT LA INFORMACION ANTERIOR DEBE COMPLETARSE PARA HABLAR DURANTE EL COMENTARIO PIJBLICO OPTIONAL (OPCIONAL) HOW WOULD YOU PREFER THE CITY CONTACT YOU IF NEEDED ( COmo prefiere que la ciudad se ponga en contacto con usted si es necesario?): V , - PHONE (Numero de telefono) ( ) A - ADDRESS (Domicilio) - E-MAIL ADDRESS (DirecciOn de correo electronico) Please complete this form prior to the start of Public Comment and submit it to the City Clerk (who sits on the left end of the Council table). Por favor complete este formulario antes del inicio de los Comentarios Publicos y entreguelo a la Secretaria Municipal (que se sienta en el extremo izquierdo de la mesa del Concejo) When addressing the City Council, state your name and whether you live inside or outside City of Yakima limits. Al dirigirse al Concejal, diga su nombre e indique si vive dentro o fuera de los limites de la Ciudad de Yakima. Additional guidelines for addressing the City Council are on the reverse side of this form. Directrices adicionales para dirigirse al Concejal se encuentran al reverso de este formulario. Please note that the Council meeting is being televised on Y-PAC, cable channel 194. Tenga en cuenta que la reunion del Concejo Municipal esta siendo televisada por Y-PAC, canal de cable 194. of Yi taiki •,�ero•tso � REQUEST FOR APPEARANCE BEFORE CITY COUNCIL SOLICITUD PARA COMPARECER ANTE EL CONCEJO MUNICIPAL REQUIRED (OBLIGATOR/O) NAME (Nombre): AGENDA ITEM NUMBER(S) OR CITY TOPIC YOU WISH TO SPEAK TO (Numero(s) del tema de la agenda o asunto de la ciudad que desea hablar sobre): f9(417//C )2Q 4-0v`72--7 CITY OF YAKIMA RESIDENT (Residente de la Ciudad de Yakima): YAKIMA COUNTY RESIDENT (Residente del condado de Yakima): ❑ OTHER RESIDENT (Otro Residente): El ABOVE INFORMATION MUST BE FILLED OUT IN ORDER TO SPEAK DURING PUBLIC COMMENT LA INFORMACION ANTERIOR DEBE COMPLETARSE PARA HABLAR DURANTE EL COMENTARIO PUBLICO OPTIONAL (OPCIONAL) HOW WOULD YOU PREFER THE CITY CONTACT YOU IF NEEDED (e;C6mo prefiere que la ciudad se ponga en contacto con usted si es necesario?): - PHONE (NUmero de telefono) O —O/ - ADDRESS (Domicilio) - E-MAIL ADDRESS (Direcci6n de correo electrOnico) Please complete this form prior to the start of Public Comment and submit it to the City Clerk (who sits on the left end of the Council table). Por favor complete este formulario antes del inicio de los Comentarios PUblicos y entreguelo a la Secretaria Municipal (que se sienta en el extremo izquierdo de la mesa del Concejo) When addressing the City Council, state your name and whether you live inside or outside City of Yakima limits. Al dirigirse al Concejal, diga su nombre e indique si vive dentro o fuera de los limites de la Ciudad de Yakima. Additional guidelines for addressing the City Council are on the reverse side of this form. Directrices adicionales para dirigirse al Concejal se encuentran al reverso de este formulario. Please note that the Council meeting is being televised on Y-PAC, cable channel 194. Tenga en cuenta que la reunion del Concejo Municipal esta siendo televisada por Y-PAC, canal de cable 194.