SHORELINE — There is one way to prevent certain types of housing without calling on the huffing and puffing tactic used by the wolf in The Three Little Pigs — amend the city code.
Council members voted 6-1 in favor of repealing the cottage housing code at the Feb. 13 Council meeting. The decision comes after a moratorium was enacted in August 2004 to prevent cottage housing developments in the city while the Council deliberated the issue.
Many residents have publicly opposed cottage housing, which is generally defined as a grouping of small, detached single-family dwelling units clustered around a common space.
Three weeks ago, the Council directed staff to return with draft ordinances for two options: one to repeal the cottage housing code and another that would enhance the design of such projects.
“People expect us to legislate and pass ordinances that give them certainty,” Councilwoman Cindy Ryu said in support of the repeal. “This is the right thing to do.”
Ryu said that although she is a proponent of affordable housing, cottage housing no longer seems affordable.
Councilman Rich Gustafson supported the motion, saying he was once in favor of cottage housing, but now supports reviewing the issue.
“We need to look at a larger housing strategy for the city and put a plan together,” Gustafson said.
Councilwoman Janet Way agreed with the repeal, saying it is essential to be fair to residents who have invested in their neighborhoods. Cottage housing strikes a fundamental uncertainty with people, she said.
“Now we have to tear it down to the studs and start over,” Way said, “and rebuild and come up with housing structures that won’t undermine the fabric of the community.”
Councilman Keith McGlashan did not support the motion, saying he believes there is a need for cottage housing in the city. He said he gets upset when he hears people say there is overwhelming opposition against cottage housing, or that it not affordable housing.
Councilwoman Maggie Fimia supported the motion, saying the goal of providing more housing is a good goal, but unfortunately cottage housing is not the best alternative.
“We do need to start over,” Fimia said. “We need to clean the slate and not have increased density allowed under a conditional use (permit).”
Mayor Bob Ransom said he originally voted in favor of cottage housing in 1998 because he thought it was affordable for elderly who appreciate smaller housing, but said his opinion has changed because many residents oppose cottage housing.
The moratorium should not have lasted 18 months, he said, but six months would have sufficed.
“The majority of the public is very much opposed,” Ransom said. “The public greatly does not want it.”
Fimia then proposed a motion that the Council work with the planning commission, city staff and citizens to develop a comprehensive housing plan for the city. The motion passed unanimously.
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