20C.30.70 Multiplex Housing.

20C.30.70-010 Purpose.

The purpose of the multiplex provisions described in this section is to: (1) enhance opportunities for ownership housing; (2) reduce development costs related to construction and the provision of utilities which in turn may help to reduce housing prices; (3) more effectively set aside sensitive areas and natural resources as open space than would otherwise be allowed through the subdivision process; and (4) achieve the planned density for a site that may not otherwise be met due to environmental and other physical constraints. (Ord. 1901)

20C.30.70-020 Applicability.

Unless otherwise specified in a neighborhood plan, multiplex housing is allowed through a special development permit process in new long subdivisions in zones R-4 through R-6. Multiplexes are allowed outright in zones R-8 through R-20, and triplexes and fourplexes are allowed outright in the R-30 zone unless otherwise regulated through neighborhood plans. (Ord. 1901)

20C.30.70-030 Requirements.

Multiplexes are subject to all of the land use, density, site requirements and development standards of the underlying zone with the following exceptions:

(1)    Minimum Lot Size. The minimum lot size for multiplex housing in R-4, R-5 and R-6 zones shall be based on a percentage of the average lot size of the underlying zone as presented in the Site Requirements Chart, RCDG 20C.30.25-140.

(a)    The minimum lot size for a duplex structure is equal to 150 percent of the average lot size for the underlying zone.

(b)    The minimum lot size for a triplex structure is equal to 200 percent of the average lot size for the underlying zone.

(c)    The minimum lot size for a fourplex structure is equal to 250 percent of the average lot size for the underlying zone.

(2)    Lot Division.

(a)    For ground-oriented, side-by-side multiplexes, a single lot that meets the minimum lot size requirement of this section may be divided into separate lots and ownerships as part of the approval process. If separate lots are created, interior side setback standards no longer apply.

(b)    Where structures are built over property lines, or property lines are created which divide structures, and ownership is or can be divided, the entire structure shall meet the requirements of the Redmond Fire Code, Chapter 15.06 RMC, based on the gross square footage of the structure before division. A perpetual joint ownership and management agreement shall be created to manage contracts for the monitoring, maintenance, and emergency repair service for all fire protection systems for the entire structure.

(3)    Design.

(a)    New subdivisions or developments containing multiplexes in R-4, R-5 and R-6 zones must have access directly onto an arterial.

(b)    Multiplexes in R-4, R-5 and R-6 zones shall be visually separated from existing single-family uses located outside of the proposed subdivision. Visual separation shall be achieved through a combination of site planning, landscaping, fencing and natural screening.

(c)    All multiplexes in the R-4, R-5, and R-6 zones shall have the following design features in addition to those required by the City’s adopted design standards:

(i)    A pitched roof covered with nonmetallic material.

(ii)    An entry which can be seen from the street and is noticeable from the street.

(iii)    A chimney form. A functioning chimney is not required, but is allowed.

(iv)    Frames around each window. For structures which meet the requirements of RCDG 20C.30.70-030(4), the frames may be painted around the windows as a substitute to providing actual window frames.

(v)    The height, bulk, and scale shall be consistent with the nearby residential uses.

(4)    Affordable Housing Exception. In order to meet the City’s objective of providing opportunities for the ownership of affordable family-size housing, the following exceptions to the requirements of RCDG 20C.30.70 and some other requirements specifically provided for in this section apply:

(a)    Duplexes made affordable to households earning 80 percent or less of King County median income are allowed on individual lots in R-4, R-5 and R-6 zones through the special development permit process unless otherwise provided by a neighborhood plan or neighborhood specific regulations.

(b)    Duplexes meeting the affordability requirements of this section shall not be subject to the density requirements of RCDG 20C.30.25-140 or the minimum lot size requirements of RCDG 20C.30.70-030(1), but shall be subject to the minimum lot size requirements of the underlying zone as defined in RCDG 20C.30.25-140, Site Requirements Chart.

(c)    Each duplex unit meeting the affordability requirements of this section must include at least three bedrooms.

(d)    No more than two duplex structures meeting the affordability requirements of this section may be sited adjacent to each other in the same development.

(e)    Duplexes meeting the affordability requirements of this section shall not be subject to the multiplex design requirements of RCDG 20C.30.70-030(3), with the exception of RCDG 20C.30.70-030(3)(c) which has standards requiring that multiplexes shall be of a similar design and appearance to single-family homes located in the area.

(f)    A covenant agreement, in a form to be approved by the City, must be recorded for all duplexes allowed under this section and meeting the affordability requirements of this section. This covenant agreement shall appear on the deed to the property requiring all affordable housing units created under this section to remain as affordable for a 30-year period. This covenant agreement shall run with the land, binding on the assigns, heirs and successors of the applicant. (Ord. 1901)

20C.30.70-040 Supplemental Requirements for the Overlake Neighborhood.

Repealed by Ord. 2540. (Ord. 2385; Ord. 2027. Formerly 20C.70.35-030)