The purpose of the multi-unit overlay zone (“MUZO”) is to facilitate flexible, diverse, and sustainable residential development by permitting duplex, triplex, and fourplex housing options within designated areas. This overlay zone aims to promote affordable housing opportunities, preserve neighborhood livability, and respond to evolving housing needs by encouraging multi-unit development in identified areas of the city. (Ord. 3561 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025).

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all lands, structures, and land uses within the multi-unit overlay zone. (Ord. 3561 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025).

The multi-unit overlay zone (MUZO) shall be applied to certain designated R-1 zoned areas as identified on the city’s official zoning map. Expansion or reduction of the area subject to the MUZO shall be subject to the zoning amendment provisions and process described in Chapter 19.81 LMC. (Ord. 3561 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025).

The following uses are considered permitted use on those areas subject to the multi-unit overlay zone:

(1) Any use normally permitted in the R-1 zoning designation as identified in Table 19.20.020-1;

(2) Duplex (two-family) residential development. (Ord. 3561 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025).

The following uses require a special land use permit review pursuant to LMC 19.12.050:

(1) New or converted triplex (three-family dwellings) residential development;

(2) New or converted fourplex (four-family dwellings) residential development. (Ord. 3561 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025).

The density, dimensional, development, and supplemental standards of the base R-1 zoning designation shall apply, except as modified by this section:

(1) Maximum Impervious Surface. Maximum impervious surface for areas subject to the MUZO shall be 75 percent.

(2) Off-Street Parking. Off-street parking requirements and development standards of Chapter 19.78 LMC shall apply to development within the MUZO, provided multi-unit development shall be subject to the following modifications to the standards of Chapter 19.78 LMC:

(a) Duplex/triplex: four spaces required;

(b) Fourplex: six spaces required;

(c) On-street parking may be used to satisfy up to 50 percent of the off-street parking requirements for triplex and fourplex development, subject to special land use review. The applicant shall be required to provide a parking study or similar report that demonstrates adequate on-street parking is available on a regular basis in order to utilize this provision.

(3) CPTED Requirement. Duplex, triplex, and fourplex development in the MUZO shall be subject to the crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) provisions described in LMC 19.20.060(6).

(4) Alley Maintenance. When vehicle access to a new or converted triplex or fourplex is provided via an existing alley, maintenance or upgrades to the alley may be required to ensure a safe path of travel for emergency vehicles and residents. Alley maintenance may include grading, re-rocking, resurfacing, or other repairs necessary to ensure safe access. If required, alley maintenance or upgrades shall extend across the frontage of the proposed parking spaces to the nearest public right-of-way, as determined by the city engineer. The need for alley maintenance shall be a component of the special land use review for triplexes and fourplexes, and recommendations from the city engineer and fire marshal shall be transmitted to the appeal board of adjustment for their consideration.

Maintenance, upgrades, and/or improvement to a public alley necessitated by a new development shall require a public improvement permit prior to commencing work. (Ord. 3561 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025).

If any section, subsection, clause, phrase or word in this chapter is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such section shall be deemed a separate provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter. (Ord. 3561 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025).