Issaquah Council Moves Forward with Middle Housing Design Standards

During a meeting on March 27, the Issaquah Planning Policy Commission discussed proposed amendments to the city’s design standards, particularly regarding middle housing and cottage housing. This move aligns with the requirements of House Bill 1110, which mandates the integration of middle housing types into residential zones. Key topics included updates to the parking code and the establishment of open space requirements for cottage housing, with discussions led by Associate Planner Valerie Porter emphasizing the necessity for these standards to maintain consistency with single-family homes. The commission also debated the application of design standards citywide, with some members expressing concerns about potential over-regulation of subjective design elements. Ultimately, the commission unanimously recommended approval of the Title 18 middle housing amendments, which will be forwarded to the Planning Development Environment Committee for further discussion on April 1.

The ongoing dialogues reflect a commitment to engage with community members while ensuring compliance with state mandates and preserving the unique character of Issaquah neighborhoods. The City Council is set to address these issues further on April 7.