5. LAND USE

The Market Neighborhood is a well established neighborhood that contains a mix of old and new housing stock. There is a diversity of housing styles which contributes to the character of the neighborhood. The homes vary in size, although growth and price increases are causing smaller homes to be replaced by larger homes. A growing number of homes have accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that provide a more compact living option. Retail, commercial, office, multifamily and mixed uses are located in the Market Street Corridor. For more information about land use in the Market Street Corridor see the Market Street Corridor Plan Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan.

Market Neighborhood home with ADU

Policy M-10:

Retain and enhance the residential character of the Market Neighborhood while accommodating smaller housing options for downsizing adults, young families, and single households.

Extensive growth presents challenges to providing a range of housing sizes in the neighborhood. Aging residents, young families, and single households would like to see smaller homes available for moderate prices, but growth and increasing market values have caused many of the smaller older homes to be replaced by large homes.

The Market Neighborhood contains an increasing number of ADUs that provide smaller housing options at a more moderate cost. Other smaller housing types, such as duplexes, triplexes, and cottages, are allowed in low-density residential areas per the Kirkland Zoning Code. These other housing types, if well designed, could expand housing options in the neighborhood. Designs with features including the following would enable such housing to be compatible with the neighborhood: varied architectural styles and roof angles, proportional building mass to allow for substantial light and privacy between structures, tree retention, generous setbacks from the street, well maintained landscaping and sufficient off-street parking. New housing development should continue these desired architectural and site plan characteristics.

For more information about ADUs and smaller home options, see the regulations for both single-family and multifamily development in the Kirkland Zoning Code and the Design Guidelines for Residential Development (adopted by reference in the Kirkland Municipal Code Section 3.30.040 and available on the City of Kirkland Planning and Building Services webpage).

Housing diversity could also be achieved by allowing properties to subdivide into lots that are smaller than the minimum lot size allowed in the zone if at least one of the lots contains a small home. Development on smaller lots can add diversity of housing types to provide more housing choice, although good design is essential to ensure compatibility with existing development.

Example of small compact housing

Figure M-3: Market Neighborhood Land Use