01-22-18 City Council Agenda Packet

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Although the general intent of the new law is evident (cities must allow accessory dwellings), the direction provided within the text is vague. As written, it does not provide clear direction as to which zones accessory dwelling should be allowed in, nor does it provide any guidance as to what "reasonable regulations relating to siting and design" might be or not be. As noted at the work session, staff have been monitoring how other jurisdictions are interpreting and considering implementation of the requirement related to accessory/secondary dwellings. We've also had informal conversations with several interested parties, including Housing Policy Board and Sustainability Commission members on subcommittees looking at alternative housing types, members of Walkable Eugene Citizen's Advisory Network, and neighborhood advocates. The City Council has also been hearing from numerous interested parties at public forums and via email and letters. From these communications, we've heard a range of perspectives, which were covered at the work session. Based on our analysis, we believe it is prudent for the City to take some action to implement SB 1051 before the legislative deadline. At the same time, we are also aware that our community highly values both housing affordability and neighborhood livability, and that community conversations around these topics are evolving. Next Steps As discussed at the January 17, 2018 work session, to implement SB 1051 in a way that is both responsible and responsive to diverse interests, staff is recommending a phased approach. This approach would allow the land use changes to be completed in two phases, as further described below. Phase 1: The first phase would begin immediately following City Council initiation and consist of limited changes solely aimed at compliance with the bill's requirement to allow secondary dwellings in areas zoned for detached single family homes by the July 1, 2018, deadline. The existing development standards (height, setback, etc) would remain in effect for all zones. Phase 2: This phase would begin following adoption of Phase 1 and consist of a review and potential update of our existing development standards for secondary dwellings through an inclusive community process. This would allow for the emerging community conversations around housing affordability and neighborhood livability to inform potential changes. Any updates to the City's land use code require City Council to initiate the process. Council initiation only begins the public process through which the Planning Commission and City Council will consider the merits of the changes, and does not infer support for any proposed changes. The formal adoption process for an amendment to the land use code includes notice to DLCD and interested parties, a public hearing before the Planning Commission which provides a recommendation to City Council, a public hearing before the City Council, and action by the City Council. RELATED POLICIES There are two pertinent pillars from Envision Eugene: "Provide Housing Affordable to all Income Levels" and "Protect, Repair and Enhance Neighborhood Livability." Both will be important considerations in this effort.