Proposed Housing Code Changes - Amending WSMC 17 Zoning

Please find in the supporting document the Draft Zoning Ordinance that is slated for its first reading during the upcoming City Council meeting on December 20.

Link: Visual Preference Survey for Code Reform 12/06/2023

This document encompasses proposed updates and changes to our local zoning regulations, aiming to address current needs and future growth while ensuring responsible development.

Your review and valuable input during the upcoming session will contribute to shaping the final ordinance.

We look forward to a productive discussion as we work together to enhance the livability and sustainability of our community.

To dive deeper into the specifics, stay tuned for a detailed presentation by the Housing Action Plan consultant on December 6. For even more details, check out the red-lined draft ordinance for a comprehensive view of the proposed changes.

• Remove single-family residential minimum width requirement.
• Remove all proposed height increases, except an increase from 28’ to 35’ for multi-family in R-3 (a standard multi-family zone height).
• Accessory Dwelling Units only require one space.
• Remove the 3-foot side yard setback and keep the current 5-foot setback. (Keep the 3-foot setback on alleys)
• Remove the “conditional use” requirement for ADU approval (left in the current draft inadvertently). Strike all of 17.64.040.
• Delete the allowance of row homes in R-L and R-1.
• Reduce the number of allowable Accessory Dwelling Units to 1 in R-L and R-1, 2 in R-2, and 3 in R-3 zones.
• Require 100% ground floor commercial where fronting a commercial street in zones C and RD, except for entrances to residential above or behind.

Follow-up Action: The second reading and council action are tentatively scheduled for December 20, 2023.

Thank you for your attention to this matter!

Link: December 20 City Council Meeting Information

Link: Housing Horizons: Proposed Housing Code Changes, Learn more here!

Link: White Salmon's Housing Action Plan Information Center

Link: Visual Preference Survey for Code Reform 12/06/2023