Monroe City Zoning Code
22.18 Multifamily
Residential Zoning District
22.18.010 Purpose.
The purpose of the multifamily zoning district is threefold: (1) to promote the small town character of Monroe by providing that new multifamily housing be developed on small lots mixed with other housing stock; (2) that development be compatible with the present housing stock; and (3) that multifamily development provides for a broad range of housing types and densities. Multifamily residential zoning districts are generally appropriate for land that is located convenient to principal arterials and business and commercial activity centers where a full range of public facilities and services to support urban development exists. Multifamily residential zoning districts are intended for areas of infill housing and housing developments for seniors and other special housing groups. (Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))
22.18.020 Applicability.
The regulations, requirements, and standards contained in this chapter apply to all properties zoned multifamily residential – 25 dwelling units per acre (R25). All properties zoned multifamily residential – 25 dwelling units per acre (R25) shall comply with all applicable provisions of this title and the Monroe Municipal Code unless otherwise specified. (Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))
22.18.030 Land use.*
A. Land Use Matrix. The following zoning matrix found in Table 22.18.030: Land Use in the Multifamily Residential Zoning District summarizes land uses permitted in the multifamily residential – 25 dwelling units per acre (R25) zoning district. A land use not explicitly permitted by Table 22.18.030 is prohibited within the multifamily residential – 25 dwelling units per acre (R25) zoning district.
Table 22.18.030. Land Use in the Multifamily Residential Zoning District
Conforming Use | Multifamily Residential – 25 Units per Acre (R25) |
|---|---|
1. RESIDENTIAL LAND USES | |
Dwelling Units, Attached | P |
Dwelling Units, Temporary Security Guard | A |
Group Homes | P |
Halfway Houses | EPF |
Home Occupations | A |
Retirement Housing and Assisted Living Facilities | P |
Co-Living Housing | P |
2. SERVICE LAND USES | |
Health Care Services | |
• Nursing and Residential Care Facilities | P |
Parking Facilities | A |
Social Services | |
• Community Food Services | C |
• Community Housing Services | C |
• Emergency and Relief Services | C |
• Permanent Supportive Housing | P |
3. INSTITUTIONAL LAND USES | |
Community Facilities | |
• Religious Institutions | C |
Educational Facilities | |
• Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Professional | EPF |
• Schools, Elementary and Secondary (K-12) | EPF |
Government Facilities | |
• Courts | C |
• Fire Stations | C |
• Government Administration Buildings | C |
• Police Stations | C |
• Public Works Maintenance and Storage Facilities | C |
• U.S. Post Offices | C |
4. PARKS, RECREATION, AND ENTERTAINMENT LAND USES | |
Parks | |
• Concessions | A |
• Nonmotorized Trails | P |
• Parks and Open Spaces | P |
Recreational Facilities, Indoor | P |
Recreational Facilities, Outdoor | A |
5. INDUSTRIAL LAND USES | |
Storage Facilities | |
• Indoor (On-Site Only) | A |
6. UTILITY AND TRANSPORTATION LAND USES | |
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (All Levels) | A |
Major and Regional Utility Facilities | |
• Regional Utility Corridors | C |
Major and Regional Transportation Facilities | |
• State and Regional Transportation Facilities | EPF |
Minor Utility Facilities | P |
Wireless Communications Facilities | P |
7. UNCLASSIFIED LAND USES | |
Accessory Structures | A |
P = Permitted Use; A = Accessory Use; C = Requires a Conditional Use Permit; See Chapter 22.38 MMC for Requirements for Essential Public Facilities (EPF) | |
Table Notes:
1A land use not explicitly permitted by Table 22.18.030 is prohibited within the multifamily residential zoning district.
(Ord. 030/2025 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 001/2025 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))
* Code reviser’s note: Ord. 030/2025, amending this section, is effective until May 26, 2026, unless terminated earlier or subsequently extended by the city council.
22.18.040 Bulk requirements.
Bulk requirements, as provided in this chapter, establish density and dimensional standards for lots within the multifamily residential zoning district (R25) in the city. Bulk requirements include maximum lot coverage, maximum building height, minimum setbacks, and other similar standards. Bulk requirements, specified in Table 22.18.040(G): R25 Residential Zoning District Bulk Requirements, apply to all lots within the residential 25 units per acre (R25) multifamily residential zoning district.
A. Maximum Residential Density. Table 22.18.040(A): Allowed Residential Density establishes the minimum and maximum residential densities for the multifamily residential zoning district. Minimum and maximum densities shall be calculated pursuant to MMC 22.16.040(B).
Table 22.18.040(A). Allowed Residential Density
Zoning District | Minimum Density | Maximum Density |
|---|---|---|
Residential 25 Units per Acre (R25) | 12 dwelling units per acre | 25 dwelling units per acre |
B. Street Frontage. Street frontage shall be in compliance with the provisions of MMC 22.16.040(C) and subject to the applicable bulk requirements found in this section, Bulk requirements.
C. Lot Dimensions. Lot dimensions shall be in compliance with the provisions of MMC 22.16.040(D) and subject to the applicable bulk requirements found in this section, Bulk requirements.
D. Yard Setbacks. Required yard setbacks shall be in compliance with the provisions of MMC 22.16.040(E) and subject to the applicable bulk requirements found in this section, Bulk requirements.
E. Lot Coverage. Lot coverage shall be in compliance with the provisions of MMC 22.16.040(F) and subject to the applicable bulk requirements found in this section, Bulk requirements.
F. Building Height. Building height and its measurement shall be in compliance with the provisions of MMC 22.16.040(G) and subject to the applicable bulk requirements found in this section, Bulk requirements.
G. Multifamily Residential – 25 Units per Acre (R25) Zoning District. The following bulk requirements in Table 22.18.040(G): R25 Residential Zoning District Bulk Requirements specifically apply to the R25 multifamily residential zoning district. General information regarding bulk requirements is found in this section.
Table 22.18.040(G). R25 Residential Zoning District Bulk Requirements
Minimum Lot Area (1) | Attached Dwelling Units | Detached Dwelling Units | Nonresidential Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
Minimum Lot Area | N/A | 1,500 square feet | N/A |
Residential Density (1) | Attached Dwelling Units | Detached Dwelling Units | Nonresidential Uses |
Maximum Dwelling Units per Lot | N/A (2) | 1 dwelling unit | N/A |
Minimum Number of Attached Units | 3 dwelling units | N/A | N/A |
Minimum Allowed Density | 12 units per acre | 12 units per acre | N/A |
Maximum Allowed Density | 25 units per acre | 25 units per acre | N/A |
Street Frontage (1) | Attached Dwelling Units | Detached Dwelling Units | Nonresidential Uses |
Minimum Street Frontage | 30 feet | 25 feet | 30 feet |
Minimum Street Frontage for Panhandle Lots | 20 feet | 20 feet | 20 feet |
Minimum Street Frontage for Cul-de-Sac Lots | 30 feet | 25 feet | 30 feet |
Minimum Street Frontage for Lots with Public Street Access from a Private Access Tract or Easement | 20 feet | 20 feet | 20 feet |
Lot Dimensions (1) | Attached Dwelling Units | Detached Dwelling Units | Nonresidential Uses |
Minimum Lot Width | 30 feet | 30 feet | 30 feet |
Yard Setbacks (1) | Attached Dwelling Units | Detached Dwelling Units | Nonresidential Uses |
Minimum Front Yard Setback Width | 10 feet | 10 feet | 10 feet |
Minimum Side Yard Setback Width | 10 feet | 5 feet | 10 feet |
Minimum Side Yard Setback Width for Attached Dwelling Units on the Attached Side(s) | 0 feet | N/A | N/A |
Minimum Side Yard Setback Width Attached Dwelling Units on a Side Abutting a ROW, Separate Detached Unit(s), or Different Zone | 10 feet | N/A | N/A |
Minimum Setback Width for Corner Lot Side Yards Abutting a Street (3) | 10 feet | 10 feet | 10 feet |
Minimum Setback Width for Corner Lot Side Yards Not Abutting a Street (3) | 10 feet | 5 feet | 10 feet |
Minimum Rear Yard Setback Width | 10 feet | 10 feet | 10 feet |
Minimum Setback from Private Access Tracts | 10 feet | 10 feet | 10 feet |
Minimum Setback from Private Access Easements | 10 feet | 10 feet | 10 feet |
Lot Coverage (1) | Attached Dwelling Units | Detached Dwelling Units | Nonresidential Uses |
Maximum Lot Coverage | 80% | 70% | 80% |
Building Height (1) | Attached Dwelling Units | Detached Dwelling Units | Nonresidential Uses |
Maximum Building Height(4) | 45 feet | 35 feet | 45 feet |
Table Notes:
1See MMC 22.16.040, Bulk requirements, for more information regarding the bulk requirements in the above table.
2The maximum number of attached dwelling units per lot is the maximum number of dwelling units permitted by the maximum allowed density for the specific zoning district in which the dwelling units are located.
3On a corner lot, the yard adjacent to the widest dimension of the lot abutting a street is a side yard. The opposite yard is also a side yard.
4Exceptions to height limitations are specified in MMC 22.16.040(G)(4).
(Ord. 001/2025 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))
22.18.050 Variances.
No administrative deviations from the provisions of this chapter shall be made unless otherwise specified in this chapter. Variances to this chapter to adjust the application of specific regulations to a particular parcel of property shall require variance approval, as regulated by Chapter 22.66 MMC. An application for a variance may be made to the Monroe community development department on forms prescribed by the city. (Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))