Mill Creek plans new design standards for cottage housing and courtyard apartments

The Mill Creek Planning Commission meeting on March 20, 2025, focused on the development of new design standards for cottage housing and courtyard apartments. The discussions highlighted the need for specific guidelines to enhance the quality and orientation of these housing types within the community.

Commission members expressed the importance of establishing common area requirements, suggesting that these spaces should be centrally located and surrounded by residential units. This approach aims to ensure that utilities do not interfere with the communal areas, promoting a more cohesive living environment.

While the state has provided the city with the opportunity to develop additional design standards for cottage housing, the commission decided to prioritize the immediate implementation of existing regulations to meet a June deadline. Acknowledging the need for higher quality design, they plan to revisit and refine these standards in a future code update scheduled for the fall.

The current definitions for cottage housing and courtyard apartments are tied to the broader category of middle housing but do not yet influence what can be constructed under existing codes. The commission clarified that any new design standards would be essential for future developments, particularly to maintain Mill Creek's commitment to quality design.

Questions arose regarding the application of these design standards, especially in relation to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and other residential structures. The commission noted that while ADUs cannot be subjected to stricter aesthetic requirements than single-family homes, middle housing types, including cottage housing, can have specific design standards.

The meeting underscored the commission's commitment to balancing regulatory requirements with the community's desire for high-quality residential development. As the city prepares for upcoming code updates, the focus remains on ensuring that Mill Creek's housing reflects its standards for design and livability.