HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCD 2023-07-17 Item 1B - Discussion - Proposed Accessory Dwelling Units and Miscellaneous Code UpdatesCity of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning and Community Development Committee
FROM: Nora Gierloff AICP, Community Development Director
BY: Neil Tabor, AICP, Senior Planner and
Nancy Eklund, AICP, Long Range Planning Manager
DATE: July 17, 2023
SUBJECT: Proposed Code Amendment Package
ISSUE
Staff has identified code amendments required to comply with existing or upcoming changes to
state law, as well as several additional amendments suggested previously to improve
processes, or correct areas of the code that are out of date.
BACKGROUND
The Washington State Legislature passed a number of bills in the 2023 session regarding
housing and development regulations. Many of these changes are not required to be adopted
by jurisdictions until June 1, 2025, or six months after the December 2024 Comprehensive Plan
update deadline. Because of limitations on staff capacity, and the volume of work anticipated to
complete all necessary code updates, staff would like to spread out this work over time to better
align with the overall Comprehensive Plan update process. Staff foresees that other mandatory
code amendments, not included in this memo, will require more analysis and discussion, on
topics that are generally less prescriptive than these requirements.
The amendments recommended also include previous state law updates that have not yet been
integrated into the Tukwila Municipal Code, and other suggestions for overall process
improvements, as shown below:
Process Improvements and Clarifications
1. Zoning Code and Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Clarify that the Zoning Code
amendment process does not need to follow the same process as amendments to the
Comprehensive Plan, making the second public hearing held by Council optional, and
other elements that are more burdensome and require more time than other peer cities
(TMC 18.80).
This proposed amendment topic is similar to the proposal discussed at the August 29,
2022, PCD meeting.
2. Variance Requirements for Substandard Lots: Amend substandard lot provisions to
allow housing development on legal lots not meeting the minimum lot size, without
having to first complete a variance if all other development standards can be met.
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Proposed Code Amendment Package
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3. Amend Code Sections for Clarity or Compliance With State Law.
These sections include:
o Home Occupation: Remove restriction of home occupations to occur in
accessory structures, either specifically for group homes and adult -family homes,
or broadly to all home occupations, to comply with state law. (TMC 18.06.430
Home Occupation)
o Tukwila South Overlay: Remove reference to future adoption of residential
design manual in Tukwila South Overlay in Table 18-6: Land Uses Allowed.
Ordinance 2661 has already adopted these standards.
o Wireless Code: Amending error in wireless code to clarify process required for
certain wireless facility which is currently contradictory.
2023 Legislative Session Requirements Forthcoming
4. Amending Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Standards to comply with HB 1337.
o This would include changes to TMC 18.50.220, 18.50.230, 17.14.060 and
amendments to parking standards for ADUs near a major transit stop to comply
with RCW 36.70A.698.
o Must allow two ADUs of at least 1,000 square feet per residential lot. The ADUs
may be attached, detached, or a combination of both, or may be conversions of
existing structures.
o Amend standards such as height, setbacks, and other regulations, per the
legislation.
o May not require the owner to occupy the property, and may not prohibit sale as
independent units.
o May not charge more than 50% of impact fees charged for the principal unit.
o Other miscellaneous provisions.
Requirement From 2020 Legislative Session
5. Parking Standards Near Major Transit Stops: These parking standards must comply with
RCW 36.70A.620 (This previous legislative requirement has not yet been adopted by the
City).
6. ADU Parking Standards Near Major Transit Stops: These parking standards must
comply with RCW 36.70A.698 (This previous legislative requirement has not yet been
adopted by the City).
Options
The PCD is asked for direction on how to proceed with this potential code amendment package.
Options include:
• Proceed with all of the code amendments as presented;
• Remove part or all of the optional amendments;
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Proposed Code Amendment Package
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• Do not proceed with code amendment package at this time, though those needed for
consistency with State law will need to proceed eventually; or
• Discuss topic again at subsequent PCD meeting.
RECOM M EN DATION
Forward the full set of code amendments to the Planning Commission for a hearing and
recommendation. Return to PCD and Council with a draft ordinance.
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