Sammamish City Council Discusses Middle Housing and Affordability Challenges

The city of Sammamish is seeing a significant increase in interest in middle housing projects, particularly smaller-scale developments such as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and duplexes. According to city planning officials, navigating inclusionary affordability requirements is becoming a key focus for both developers and homeowners considering these projects. Community Development Director David Pyle is leading efforts to clarify these often-complex regulations. The city is developing materials aimed at addressing common questions regarding affordability mandates, which are essential for ensuring diverse housing options. City staff have noted a 'sweet spot' for three-unit structures, allowing for units to be approximately 2,900 to 3,000 square feet.

With a 40% hardscape limit in place, the city is working to balance development size and impervious surfaces. Future steps include creating a dedicated middle housing page on the city's website, which will serve as a resource for residents and developers alike. These initiatives are expected to streamline the permitting process and promote a clearer understanding of the affordability components driving housing development in Sammamish.