MOUNTLAKE TERRACE
In a 5-2 vote, the City Council Monday, May 19 approved new regulations that will allow a wider variety of residential lot sizes in certain areas and cottage housing developments that meet specific conditions.
The city says the new rules will encourage a wider variety of housing options.
Under the new rules, property owners could assemble smaller lots together to build houses up to two stories high in three older neighborhoods from Cedar Way to the east to I-5 on the west side.
To use the new options, a property owner or builder would need to meet design standards. Those standards require sidewalks with green space by the street curb, lower height limits than would otherwise be allowed and architectural features that emphasize residential character. New homes must also meet stringent energy-efficiency standards.
Another option allows cottage homes that are grouped around a common green space, provided that parking requirements and special design standards are met. This option would require a residential lot of at least 28,800 square feet; up to eight cottages could be accommodated on such a lot.
In the existing multi-family district north of 216th Street Southwest, multi-family development up to four stories would be allowed. In all other multi-family districts, development would stay at a maximum of three stories.
The changes had been recommended by the Planning Commission after a public hearing on April 28. The City Council held a May 5 public hearing to consider the recommendation.
Resident Ed Mauer told the council he disagreed with the plan.
“I don’t like the small lots,” he said. “I don’t’ like the multiple level houses. If this community has got a lot of seniors in it, we need ramblers rather than multi-level houses.”
Council members Laura Sonmore and Michelle Angrick voted against the ordinance.
“I recognize the need for housing options, Mountlake Terrace is a very diverse community,” she said. ” But I do feel that Mountlake Terrace already does have a lot of housing options.”
Sonmore, the mayor pro-tem, said she agrees some of the city’s houses are getting old, but said she’s concerned there’s no provision for ensuring the impacts from the resulting density increases won’t harm the city’s natural areas and existing neighborhoods.
More information about the new housing choices ordinance is available online at www.cityofmlt.com/homes or by contacting the City’s Planning Division at 425-744-6266.
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