Kirkland City Zoning Code
113 Middle
Housing
113.05 User Guide.
This chapter provides standards for developing middle housing, including Cottages, Carriage Units, two- to six-unit buildings, Townhouse, or Stacked Flats in residential zones. If you are interested in proposing middle housing you should read this chapter. (Ord. 4905 § 9 (Exh. I), 2025; Ord. 4717 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4152 § 1, 2008; Ord. 4120 § 1, 2007)
113.10 Provisions and Intent.
The provisions of this chapter are designed to diversify the range of available housing options in residential neighborhoods. In the event of a conflict between the standards in this chapter and the standards in Chapters 15, 20, and 25 KZC, the standards in this chapter shall take precedence.
These standards are intended to address the need for more housing choices by adding diverse and often affordable housing types, in primarily residential neighborhoods. Providing for a variety of housing types in primarily residential zones also encourages innovation and variety in housing design and site development, while ensuring compatibility with surrounding residential uses. (Ord. 4905 § 9 (Exh. I), 2025; Ord. 4717 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4152 § 1, 2008; Ord. 4120 § 1, 2007)
113.15 Housing Types Defined.
The following definitions apply to the middle housing types allowed through the provisions in this chapter:
1. Cottage. A dwelling unit that is detached and is 1,700 square feet or less of gross floor area.
2. Carriage Unit. A dwelling unit, not to exceed 800 square feet in gross floor area, located above a garage structure in a cottage housing development.
3. Multiplex. A residential building that contains two to six Attached Dwelling Units.
4. Townhouses. Residential buildings that contain three or more Attached Dwelling Units that extend from foundation to roof and that have a yard or public way on at least two sides.
5. Stacked Flats. Stacked Dwelling Units in a residential building of no more than three stories. (Ord. 4905 § 9 (Exh. I), 2025; Ord. 4717 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4152 § 1, 2008; Ord. 4120 § 1, 2007)
113.20 Applicable Use Zones.
The housing types described in this chapter are allowed in residential zones as defined in KZC 5.10.785.
This chapter is not applicable for properties with a Goat Hill (GH) Overlay, properties zoned RSA 1, or those located within the jurisdiction of the Shoreline Management Act regulated under Chapter 83 KZC. (Ord. 4905 § 9 (Exh. I), 2025; Ord. 4879 § 2, 2024; Ord. 4717 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4196 § 1, 2009; Ord. 4152 § 1, 2008; Ord. 4120 § 1, 2007)
113.25 Development Standards Chart.
Please refer to KZC 113.30, 113.35 and 113.40 for additional requirements related to these standards.
Multiplex, Townhouses, Stacked Flats | ||
|---|---|---|
A development more than a quarter-mile walking distance of a major transit stop may have the greater of: Four units per lot; or Twice the maximum number of Detached Dwelling Units allowed in the residential zones. A development within a quarter-mile walking distance of a major transit stop may have the greater of: Six units per lot, or Twice the maximum number of Detached Dwelling Units allowed in the residential zones. | ||
Development Size | There is no minimum or maximum number of units. | |
Review Process | Before applying for a permit or approval under this chapter, the applicant shall attend a pre-submittal meeting with the Planning Official consistent with the provisions of KZC 145.12. | |
Land Division | Subdivision8 Condominium | |
Minimum Lot Size | Beyond density restrictions, there is no required minimum lot size for lots created through the subdivision process. (The number of allowed units on the middle housing project site is determined by the density provision of this chart.) | |
Minimum Required Yards (from exterior property lines of the middle housing project site) | Side: 5' Rear: 10' | |
Maximum Unit Size | 800 square feet for Carriage Units, 1,700 square feet for Cottage units 11, 12, 13 | None |
Maximum Floor Area Ratio 14, 15 | For development in low density residential zones, the maximum F.A.R. is equal to the base zoning allowance for Detached Dwelling Units in the zone within which the property is located. | |
Equal to the base zoning allowance for Detached Dwelling Units in the zone within which the property is located. | ||
Height | Equal to the base zoning allowance for Detached Dwelling Units in the zone within which the property is located. | |
Tree Retention | The tree retention plan standards contained in KZC 95.30 shall apply to development approved under this chapter. | |
Community Buildings | See KZC 113.30. | |
Design Standards | See KZC 113.35. | |
Parking | 0.5 on-site space per unit. No on-site space is required if: • Unit is within one-half mile of a major transit stop; or • Unit is 1,200 square feet or less; or • Unit is an Affordable Housing Unit; or • Unit is an Accessory Dwelling Unit. | |
Affordable Housing | See Chapter 112 KZC. | |
1Multiplexes containing more than four units are not permitted in low density zones.
2Existing Detached Dwelling Units may remain on the middle housing project site and will be counted as middle housing units.
3Attached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are allowed as an accessory use to middle housing and will not count towards the density allowance. The maximum number of ADUs is two per middle housing project site. Each ADU must meet the requirements of KZC 115.07.
4In low density zones:
To calculate the allowed density for lots in zones where minimum lot size is required, divide the site’s lot area by the minimum lot size, multiply by two, then round down to the nearest whole number.
For lots in zones where units per acre is applied to calculate the maximum density for a site, divide the square footage of the subject lot by 43,560 (the square footage of one acre) then multiply by the zone’s maximum units per acre, round up if the fraction is 0.50 or greater, and multiply by two.
5Road dedication and vehicular access easements or tracts may be included in the density calculation.
6Medium and high-density zones have a minimum density that is 80 percent of the maximum allowed density. Middle housing projects must provide no fewer than the minimum number of units established by the base zoning before this chapter’s density calculations are applied.
7See KZC 90.170 for density calculation on site which contains a wetland, stream, minor lake, or their buffers.
8Units may be subdivided via the subdivision process in KMC Title 22. Units may only be subdivided if they are not stacked.
9On corner lots, only one front yard must be a minimum of 20 feet. All other front yards shall be regulated as a side yard (minimum five-foot yard). The applicant may select which front yard shall meet the 20-foot requirement.
10On lots with two front yards that are essentially parallel to one another, only one front yard must be a minimum of 20 feet. The other will be regulated as a rear yard (minimum 10 feet).
11Maximum size for a cottage is 1,700 square feet. A cottage may include an attached garage, not to exceed an additional 250 square feet, which is not included in the maximum square footage limitation.
12A covenant restricting any increases in unit size after initial construction shall be recorded against the property. Vaulted space may not be converted to habitable space.
13See KZC 113.35(2)(b) for how to calculate unit floor area.
14F.A.R. regulations:
aF.A.R. shall be calculated using the entire middle housing project site, except as provided in subsection (b) of this footnote.
bFor Cottage projects proposed to undergo subdivision pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, F.A.R. for individual lots may vary, but in no case shall the aggregate F.A.R. exceed the allowance for the middle housing project site.
cAll structures on site, other than Affordable Housing Units and any attached garages for the affordable units provided under Chapter 112 KZC, shall be included in the F.A.R. calculation for the development.
15KZC 115.42 does not apply to Cottage developments, or Cottages that are part of a development with other middle housing types. F.A.R. shall be calculated using the sum of the floor area of all Cottages and accessory structures, including any attached garages. See KZC 113.35(2)(b) for how to calculate Cottage floor area.
16Lot coverage is calculated using the entire middle housing project site. Lot coverage for individual lots may vary.
(Ord. 4905 § 9 (Exh. I), 2025; Ord. 4811 § 1, 2022; Ord. 4781 § 1, 2022; Ord. 4749 § 1, 2021; Ord. 4717 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4551 § 4, 2016; Ord. 4238 § 2, 2010; Ord. 4196 § 1, 2009; Ord. 4152 § 1, 2008; Ord. 4120 § 1, 2007)
113.30 Community Buildings and Community Space in Cottage Developments.
Community buildings and community space are encouraged in Cottage developments.
1. Community buildings or space shall be clearly incidental in use and size to the dwelling units.
2. Building height for community buildings shall be no more than one (1) story. Where the community space is located above another common structure, such as a detached garage or storage building, standard building heights apply.
3. Community buildings must be located on the same site as the cottage housing development, and be commonly owned by the residents. (Ord. 4717 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4152 § 1, 2008; Ord. 4120 § 1, 2007)
113.35 Design Regulations.
1. All Middle Housing Developments.
a. Vehicle Access, Garages, Driveways, and Surface Parking.
1) For lots abutting an improved alley that meets the City’s standard for width, vehicular access shall be taken from the alley. Lots without access to an improved alley and taking vehicular access from a street shall meet the other standards of subsections (1)(a)(2) and (1)(a)(3) of this section.
2) Roadway Widths. For vehicular access minimum standards for widths are established as follows:
a) When no Fire Department access road is required, and the access will service one to four dwelling units, including Accessory Dwelling Units, the minimum standard is 16 feet of unobstructed pavement. The Public Works Department may reduce the standard to 10 feet of unobstructed pavement if the access and abutting driveways are located to allow for safe ingress and egress.
b) When an access road is required by the Fire Department, the following standards shall apply:
i) The access road shall extend full width from the public right-of-way to the point at which the distance to the most distant point of the property line of the furthest lot is within 150 feet. Required pavement width shall be unobstructed;
ii) If accessing no more than two dwelling units, including Accessory Dwelling Units, from the access road;
A) If the total length of the access road is less than 150 feet, the minimum pavement width shall be 16 feet and no Fire Department vehicle turn-around is required;
B) If the total length of the access road is less than 200 feet but greater than 150 feet, the minimum standard is either:
i. Sixteen feet of pavement with an appropriate Fire Department vehicle turn-around; or
ii. Twenty feet of pavement with no Fire Department vehicle turn-around;
C) If the total length of the access road is greater than 200 feet, the minimum pavement width shall be 20 feet, with an appropriate Fire Department vehicle turn-around;
iii) If accessing three or more dwelling units, including Accessory Dwelling Units, from the access road, the minimum standard is 20 feet of unobstructed pavement.
c) A greater pavement width may be required by the Department of Public Works, Fire Department, or Planning and Building Department as determined on a case-by-case basis.
d) The Public Works Department may require a dedicated and improved public right-of-way to serve 13 or more dwelling units as determined on a case-by-case basis. See Chapter 110 KZC for the required improvements.
3) Parking areas and driveways may be located within required yards, but except for the portion of any driveway which connects with an adjacent street, not closer than five feet to any property line.
Public Works driveway policy requirements for driveway separation, vehicle turn-around, and access standards shall apply.
b. Low Impact Development (LID). Projects constructed under this chapter shall include low impact development techniques when feasible, pursuant to the adopted City of Kirkland Surface Water Manual.
2. Cottage Projects.
a. Each unit must have a covered porch with a minimum area of 64 square feet per unit and a minimum dimension of seven feet on all sides.
b. The gross floor area of a Cottage or Carriage Unit shall not include the following:
1) One exemption of 25 square feet if the Cottage has an internal staircase.
2) Uncovered rooftop decks and uncovered at-grade patios.
3) Sixty-four square feet of the required covered porch.
4) The shared wall between the garage and the Cottage.
c. Required Common Open Space.
1) At least one outdoor common open space is required for developments containing five or more units.
2) For Cottage developments containing five or more units, provide a total of 300 square feet of common open space per unit. The total common open space area for Cottage developments of five or more units may be reduced to 200 square feet per unit if a permanent recreational/communal feature is provided.
3) Required common open space may be divided into no more than two separate areas. Each area of common open space shall be a minimum dimension of 20 feet on all sides.
4) Unless the shape or topography of the site precludes the ability to locate units adjacent to the common open space, the following standards must be met:
a) The open space shall be located so that it will be bordered by cottages on at least two sides;
b) At least 50 percent of the units in the development shall abut a common open space and have an entrance facing the common open space. A Cottage is considered to “abut” an area of open space if there is no structure between the unit and the open space;
c) Minor structures that do not create a visual or physical barrier, such as low retaining walls, low solid or permeable fencing (generally less than three and one-half feet in height, providing visual access to most children and adults) separating private open space and common open space, sidewalks, small berms, and planting beds, are permitted in between a dwelling unit and a common open space.
5) Parking areas and vehicular areas shall not qualify as common open space.
6) Pedestrian connections should link all units to common open spaces. Driveways may be used to provide pedestrian connections.
7) Critical areas and their buffers, including easements for geologically hazardous areas, shall not qualify as common open space.
8) Fences may not be located within required open space areas.
9) Landscaping located in common open space areas shall be designed to allow for easy access and use of the space by all residents, and to facilitate maintenance needs. Where feasible, existing mature trees should be retained.
10) Surface water management facilities shall be limited within common open space areas. Low impact development (LID) features are permitted, provided they do not adversely impact access to or use of the common open space for a variety of activities. Conventional stormwater collection and conveyance tools, such as flow control and/or water quality vaults, are permitted if located underground. (Ord. 4905 § 9 (Exh. I), 2025; Ord. 4717 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4152 § 1, 2008; Ord. 4120 § 1, 2007)
113.40 Additional Standards.
1. Impact fees under Kirkland Municipal Code Chapters 27.04 and 27.06 for the proposed project shall be assessed at the rates for multifamily dwelling units, as identified in Appendix A of Kirkland Municipal Code Chapters 27.04 and 27.06.
2. The City’s approval of a middle housing development does not constitute approval of a subdivision or short plat. An applicant wishing to subdivide in connection with a development under this chapter shall seek approval through the requirements of KMC Title 22. To the extent there is a conflict between the standards set forth in this chapter and KMC Title 22, the standards set forth in this chapter shall control. A middle housing project site that has existing middle housing may not be subdivided unless all of the requirements of the Zoning Code and KMC Title 22 are met. (Ord. 4905 § 9 (Exh. I), 2025; Ord. 4717 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4152 § 1, 2008; Ord. 4120 § 1, 2007. Formerly 113.50)
113.05 User Guide.
This chapter provides standards for developing middle housing, including Cottages, Carriage Units, two- to six-unit buildings, Townhouse, or Stacked Flats in residential zones. If you are interested in proposing middle housing you should read this chapter. (Ord. 4905 § 9 (Exh. I), 2025; Ord. 4717 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4152 § 1, 2008; Ord. 4120 § 1, 2007)
113.10 Provisions and Intent.
The provisions of this chapter are designed to diversify the range of available housing options in residential neighborhoods. In the event of a conflict between the standards in this chapter and the standards in Chapters 15, 20, and 25 KZC, the standards in this chapter shall take precedence.
These standards are intended to address the need for more housing choices by adding diverse and often affordable housing types, in primarily residential neighborhoods. Providing for a variety of housing types in primarily residential zones also encourages innovation and variety in housing design and site development, while ensuring compatibility with surrounding residential uses. (Ord. 4905 § 9 (Exh. I), 2025; Ord. 4717 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4152 § 1, 2008; Ord. 4120 § 1, 2007)
113.15 Housing Types Defined.
The following definitions apply to the middle housing types allowed through the provisions in this chapter:
1. Cottage. A dwelling unit that is detached and is 1,700 square feet or less of gross floor area.
2. Carriage Unit. A dwelling unit, not to exceed 800 square feet in gross floor area, located above a garage structure in a cottage housing development.
3. Multiplex. A residential building that contains two to six Attached Dwelling Units.
4. Townhouses. Residential buildings that contain three or more Attached Dwelling Units that extend from foundation to roof and that have a yard or public way on at least two sides.
5. Stacked Flats. Stacked Dwelling Units in a residential building of no more than three stories. (Ord. 4905 § 9 (Exh. I), 2025; Ord. 4717 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4152 § 1, 2008; Ord. 4120 § 1, 2007)
113.20 Applicable Use Zones.
The housing types described in this chapter are allowed in residential zones as defined in KZC 5.10.785.
This chapter is not applicable for properties with a Goat Hill (GH) Overlay, properties zoned RSA 1, or those located within the jurisdiction of the Shoreline Management Act regulated under Chapter 83 KZC. (Ord. 4905 § 9 (Exh. I), 2025; Ord. 4879 § 2, 2024; Ord. 4717 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4196 § 1, 2009; Ord. 4152 § 1, 2008; Ord. 4120 § 1, 2007)
113.25 Development Standards Chart.
Please refer to KZC 113.30, 113.35 and 113.40 for additional requirements related to these standards.
Multiplex, Townhouses, Stacked Flats | ||
|---|---|---|
A development more than a quarter-mile walking distance of a major transit stop may have the greater of: Four units per lot; or Twice the maximum number of Detached Dwelling Units allowed in the residential zones. A development within a quarter-mile walking distance of a major transit stop may have the greater of: Six units per lot, or Twice the maximum number of Detached Dwelling Units allowed in the residential zones. | ||
Development Size | There is no minimum or maximum number of units. | |
Review Process | Before applying for a permit or approval under this chapter, the applicant shall attend a pre-submittal meeting with the Planning Official consistent with the provisions of KZC 145.12. | |
Land Division | Subdivision8 Condominium | |
Minimum Lot Size | Beyond density restrictions, there is no required minimum lot size for lots created through the subdivision process. (The number of allowed units on the middle housing project site is determined by the density provision of this chart.) | |
Minimum Required Yards (from exterior property lines of the middle housing project site) | Side: 5' Rear: 10' | |
Maximum Unit Size | 800 square feet for Carriage Units, 1,700 square feet for Cottage units 11, 12, 13 | None |
Maximum Floor Area Ratio 14, 15 | For development in low density residential zones, the maximum F.A.R. is equal to the base zoning allowance for Detached Dwelling Units in the zone within which the property is located. | |
Equal to the base zoning allowance for Detached Dwelling Units in the zone within which the property is located. | ||
Height | Equal to the base zoning allowance for Detached Dwelling Units in the zone within which the property is located. | |
Tree Retention | The tree retention plan standards contained in KZC 95.30 shall apply to development approved under this chapter. | |
Community Buildings | See KZC 113.30. | |
Design Standards | See KZC 113.35. | |
Parking | 0.5 on-site space per unit. No on-site space is required if: • Unit is within one-half mile of a major transit stop; or • Unit is 1,200 square feet or less; or • Unit is an Affordable Housing Unit; or • Unit is an Accessory Dwelling Unit. | |
Affordable Housing | See Chapter 112 KZC. | |
1Multiplexes containing more than four units are not permitted in low density zones.
2Existing Detached Dwelling Units may remain on the middle housing project site and will be counted as middle housing units.
3Attached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are allowed as an accessory use to middle housing and will not count towards the density allowance. The maximum number of ADUs is two per middle housing project site. Each ADU must meet the requirements of KZC 115.07.
4In low density zones:
To calculate the allowed density for lots in zones where minimum lot size is required, divide the site’s lot area by the minimum lot size, multiply by two, then round down to the nearest whole number.
For lots in zones where units per acre is applied to calculate the maximum density for a site, divide the square footage of the subject lot by 43,560 (the square footage of one acre) then multiply by the zone’s maximum units per acre, round up if the fraction is 0.50 or greater, and multiply by two.
5Road dedication and vehicular access easements or tracts may be included in the density calculation.
6Medium and high-density zones have a minimum density that is 80 percent of the maximum allowed density. Middle housing projects must provide no fewer than the minimum number of units established by the base zoning before this chapter’s density calculations are applied.
7See KZC 90.170 for density calculation on site which contains a wetland, stream, minor lake, or their buffers.
8Units may be subdivided via the subdivision process in KMC Title 22. Units may only be subdivided if they are not stacked.
9On corner lots, only one front yard must be a minimum of 20 feet. All other front yards shall be regulated as a side yard (minimum five-foot yard). The applicant may select which front yard shall meet the 20-foot requirement.
10On lots with two front yards that are essentially parallel to one another, only one front yard must be a minimum of 20 feet. The other will be regulated as a rear yard (minimum 10 feet).
11Maximum size for a cottage is 1,700 square feet. A cottage may include an attached garage, not to exceed an additional 250 square feet, which is not included in the maximum square footage limitation.
12A covenant restricting any increases in unit size after initial construction shall be recorded against the property. Vaulted space may not be converted to habitable space.
13See KZC 113.35(2)(b) for how to calculate unit floor area.
14F.A.R. regulations:
aF.A.R. shall be calculated using the entire middle housing project site, except as provided in subsection (b) of this footnote.
bFor Cottage projects proposed to undergo subdivision pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, F.A.R. for individual lots may vary, but in no case shall the aggregate F.A.R. exceed the allowance for the middle housing project site.
cAll structures on site, other than Affordable Housing Units and any attached garages for the affordable units provided under Chapter 112 KZC, shall be included in the F.A.R. calculation for the development.
15KZC 115.42 does not apply to Cottage developments, or Cottages that are part of a development with other middle housing types. F.A.R. shall be calculated using the sum of the floor area of all Cottages and accessory structures, including any attached garages. See KZC 113.35(2)(b) for how to calculate Cottage floor area.
16Lot coverage is calculated using the entire middle housing project site. Lot coverage for individual lots may vary.
(Ord. 4905 § 9 (Exh. I), 2025; Ord. 4811 § 1, 2022; Ord. 4781 § 1, 2022; Ord. 4749 § 1, 2021; Ord. 4717 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4551 § 4, 2016; Ord. 4238 § 2, 2010; Ord. 4196 § 1, 2009; Ord. 4152 § 1, 2008; Ord. 4120 § 1, 2007)
113.30 Community Buildings and Community Space in Cottage Developments.
Community buildings and community space are encouraged in Cottage developments.
1. Community buildings or space shall be clearly incidental in use and size to the dwelling units.
2. Building height for community buildings shall be no more than one (1) story. Where the community space is located above another common structure, such as a detached garage or storage building, standard building heights apply.
3. Community buildings must be located on the same site as the cottage housing development, and be commonly owned by the residents. (Ord. 4717 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4152 § 1, 2008; Ord. 4120 § 1, 2007)
113.35 Design Regulations.
1. All Middle Housing Developments.
a. Vehicle Access, Garages, Driveways, and Surface Parking.
1) For lots abutting an improved alley that meets the City’s standard for width, vehicular access shall be taken from the alley. Lots without access to an improved alley and taking vehicular access from a street shall meet the other standards of subsections (1)(a)(2) and (1)(a)(3) of this section.
2) Roadway Widths. For vehicular access minimum standards for widths are established as follows:
a) When no Fire Department access road is required, and the access will service one to four dwelling units, including Accessory Dwelling Units, the minimum standard is 16 feet of unobstructed pavement. The Public Works Department may reduce the standard to 10 feet of unobstructed pavement if the access and abutting driveways are located to allow for safe ingress and egress.
b) When an access road is required by the Fire Department, the following standards shall apply:
i) The access road shall extend full width from the public right-of-way to the point at which the distance to the most distant point of the property line of the furthest lot is within 150 feet. Required pavement width shall be unobstructed;
ii) If accessing no more than two dwelling units, including Accessory Dwelling Units, from the access road;
A) If the total length of the access road is less than 150 feet, the minimum pavement width shall be 16 feet and no Fire Department vehicle turn-around is required;
B) If the total length of the access road is less than 200 feet but greater than 150 feet, the minimum standard is either:
i. Sixteen feet of pavement with an appropriate Fire Department vehicle turn-around; or
ii. Twenty feet of pavement with no Fire Department vehicle turn-around;
C) If the total length of the access road is greater than 200 feet, the minimum pavement width shall be 20 feet, with an appropriate Fire Department vehicle turn-around;
iii) If accessing three or more dwelling units, including Accessory Dwelling Units, from the access road, the minimum standard is 20 feet of unobstructed pavement.
c) A greater pavement width may be required by the Department of Public Works, Fire Department, or Planning and Building Department as determined on a case-by-case basis.
d) The Public Works Department may require a dedicated and improved public right-of-way to serve 13 or more dwelling units as determined on a case-by-case basis. See Chapter 110 KZC for the required improvements.
3) Parking areas and driveways may be located within required yards, but except for the portion of any driveway which connects with an adjacent street, not closer than five feet to any property line.
Public Works driveway policy requirements for driveway separation, vehicle turn-around, and access standards shall apply.
b. Low Impact Development (LID). Projects constructed under this chapter shall include low impact development techniques when feasible, pursuant to the adopted City of Kirkland Surface Water Manual.
2. Cottage Projects.
a. Each unit must have a covered porch with a minimum area of 64 square feet per unit and a minimum dimension of seven feet on all sides.
b. The gross floor area of a Cottage or Carriage Unit shall not include the following:
1) One exemption of 25 square feet if the Cottage has an internal staircase.
2) Uncovered rooftop decks and uncovered at-grade patios.
3) Sixty-four square feet of the required covered porch.
4) The shared wall between the garage and the Cottage.
c. Required Common Open Space.
1) At least one outdoor common open space is required for developments containing five or more units.
2) For Cottage developments containing five or more units, provide a total of 300 square feet of common open space per unit. The total common open space area for Cottage developments of five or more units may be reduced to 200 square feet per unit if a permanent recreational/communal feature is provided.
3) Required common open space may be divided into no more than two separate areas. Each area of common open space shall be a minimum dimension of 20 feet on all sides.
4) Unless the shape or topography of the site precludes the ability to locate units adjacent to the common open space, the following standards must be met:
a) The open space shall be located so that it will be bordered by cottages on at least two sides;
b) At least 50 percent of the units in the development shall abut a common open space and have an entrance facing the common open space. A Cottage is considered to “abut” an area of open space if there is no structure between the unit and the open space;
c) Minor structures that do not create a visual or physical barrier, such as low retaining walls, low solid or permeable fencing (generally less than three and one-half feet in height, providing visual access to most children and adults) separating private open space and common open space, sidewalks, small berms, and planting beds, are permitted in between a dwelling unit and a common open space.
5) Parking areas and vehicular areas shall not qualify as common open space.
6) Pedestrian connections should link all units to common open spaces. Driveways may be used to provide pedestrian connections.
7) Critical areas and their buffers, including easements for geologically hazardous areas, shall not qualify as common open space.
8) Fences may not be located within required open space areas.
9) Landscaping located in common open space areas shall be designed to allow for easy access and use of the space by all residents, and to facilitate maintenance needs. Where feasible, existing mature trees should be retained.
10) Surface water management facilities shall be limited within common open space areas. Low impact development (LID) features are permitted, provided they do not adversely impact access to or use of the common open space for a variety of activities. Conventional stormwater collection and conveyance tools, such as flow control and/or water quality vaults, are permitted if located underground. (Ord. 4905 § 9 (Exh. I), 2025; Ord. 4717 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4152 § 1, 2008; Ord. 4120 § 1, 2007)
113.40 Additional Standards.
1. Impact fees under Kirkland Municipal Code Chapters 27.04 and 27.06 for the proposed project shall be assessed at the rates for multifamily dwelling units, as identified in Appendix A of Kirkland Municipal Code Chapters 27.04 and 27.06.
2. The City’s approval of a middle housing development does not constitute approval of a subdivision or short plat. An applicant wishing to subdivide in connection with a development under this chapter shall seek approval through the requirements of KMC Title 22. To the extent there is a conflict between the standards set forth in this chapter and KMC Title 22, the standards set forth in this chapter shall control. A middle housing project site that has existing middle housing may not be subdivided unless all of the requirements of the Zoning Code and KMC Title 22 are met. (Ord. 4905 § 9 (Exh. I), 2025; Ord. 4717 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4152 § 1, 2008; Ord. 4120 § 1, 2007. Formerly 113.50)