Other ways to go beyond the state minimum

The tree code currently expects fewer trees to be retained if the parcel is multifamily than if it is a SFH.

We are choosing not to count ADUs as part of the unit density, though that was clearly not the intent of our state legislators, who  included wording that ADUs could be counted as part of unit density in both HB 1110 and HB 2321.

We are choosing not to include ADUs and DADUs in FAR calculations; currently each of these are allowed to be 1200 sqft, sometimes more, on top of the FAR limit for the primary residence(s).

Maximum cottage size in the March draft has been expanded to 1750 sqft, before the 250 square feet of garage/unfinished space. (As of April, the bonus area for Garage/unfinished space is 300 sqft).

The March strike-draft allows a FAR exemption for ADU and Middle Housing garages, so that you don’t have to make the rest of the house smaller because you built a garage. If a parcel has six units of middle housing and two ADUs, that could be 2000 square feet of additional garage/storage space. (This is referring to the same provision as the paragraph above, but would now be 1800 sqft for six units and 2400 sqft for eight units.)

Consider potential usefulness of stacked/mechanized car storage – will this need more than 18′? – suggestion by Commissioner Vilaveces

Setback reductions for heat pumps, when they are quiet enough (could apply to all types of housing) – suggestion by Commissioner Lu.

Ensure the eaves are not counted toward house size – builder suggestion. (Eaves were temporarily given an exemption in the version that the Planning Commission considered, but in the draft sent to Council, this part was removed. Since eaves count toward the lot coverage and the lot coverage [not FAR] is the limiting factor for many/most middle housing projects, it is unlikely that builders will put eaves on the buildings if they are trying to maximize their financial returns.)

Count public access paths that can be used by residents to reach Major Transit stops within 1/4 mile, when creating the zoning map. Allow developers to have sixplex density where they create such pedestrian connections to serve the new buildings and 1/4 mile walking distance can be achieved – my suggestion