Table of Contents

Group Housing

The city's zoning and development code defines group living facilities as residential housekeeping units for five or more unrelated persons receiving on-site treatment; they are categorized as small (up to 9 residents), large (10 to 16 residents), and unlimited (17 or more residents) (§21.04.030.p.2).

The code provides standards that include a spacing requirement of 750 feet in lower-density residential districts and a neighborhood meeting with property owners within 1,000 feet of the facility. Small group living facilities are allowed in all residential zoning districts by right, while large and unlimited facilities are allowed by right in higher-density residential zoning districts (§21.04.010).

Group living facilities require 1 parking space per 4 beds and 1 per each 3 employees (§21.06.050.c).

Short-Term Residential Rentals

The city’s zoning code addresses short-term residential rentals. They are an allowed commercial use in all districts except C-2, CSR, and the industrial districts (§21.04.030).

Standards address permit requirements, maximum occupancy limits, designated local responsible party, general safety and compliance requirements, posted notice, and application and inspection requirements. The code also offers a list of reasons for permit revocation and brief information on enforcement and appeals.

Zoning Reform and Code Writing

The city adopted a new zoning code in 2010 (Title 21). It includes a mix of use-based and form-based zoning standards. It also includes a mix of form-based and conventional zoning districts. It defines and regulates uses based on broad categories, with select specific use types, and includes use-specific standards to minimize reliance on discretionary use permits. It is richly illustrated and uses tables to organize use permissions and dimensional standards.