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Mukilteo City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 17

50 COTTAGE HOUSING

§ 17.50.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a greater variety of housing types for households of different sizes, ages, and income levels. The specific objectives of this chapter include:
A. 
Expanding the supply of affordable housing by increasing the number of small-scale, detached units;
B. 
Providing opportunities for higher-density infill development designed to be visually compatible with the existing scale, massing, and architectural character of surrounding neighborhoods; and
C. 
Creating well-designed, small-scale residential developments that foster a sense of community with shared open spaces and amenities.
(Ord. 1516 § 12 (Exh. H), 2025)

§ 17.50.020 Applicability.

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the development or redevelopment of cottage housing projects in the city of Mukilteo, whether the use is permitted outright in the zone or requires conditional use review pursuant to Chapter 17.64.
(Ord. 1516 § 12 (Exh. H), 2025)

§ 17.50.030 Density.

The maximum allowed density of a cottage housing development is fourteen units per acre.
(Ord. 1516 § 12 (Exh. H), 2025)

§ 17.50.040 Bulk requirements.

A. 
Cluster Size. Each housing cluster must have between four and twelve units. Multiple clusters are allowed; provided, that a pedestrian pathway connects the open spaces.
B. 
Setbacks. Setbacks from each property line are twenty feet for all structures.
C. 
Lot and Hard Surface Coverage. Buildings or structures may cover up to fifty percent of the lot. Up to sixty percent of the lot may be covered by impervious area.
(Ord. 1516 § 12 (Exh. H), 2025)

§ 17.50.050 Site design.

A. 
Open Space. A minimum of four hundred square feet of common open space and two hundred fifty square feet of private open space is required per unit.
1. 
Common Open Space Requirements.
a. 
Fifty percent of units must have their main entry on the common open space.
b. 
All units must be within eight feet of common open space.
c. 
Setbacks and private open space cannot be counted towards common open space.
d. 
Community buildings can be counted towards fifty percent of the common open space requirement.
e. 
The common open space area shall include usable community spaces such as lawn, gardens, patios, plazas or scenic viewing areas. Common tables, chairs and benches are encouraged. An active recreation element may be included and counts for no more than twenty-five percent of the common open space requirement.
2. 
Private open space must be a minimum of ten feet wide and five feet deep on either the front or side of the yard. Wrap-around private open space is permitted.
B. 
Parking. Parking shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 17.56.
1. 
Garages are encouraged, but not required, for mandatory parking spaces. Any parking spaces above the minimums required must be enclosed in a garage. Carports are not considered an enclosed structure.
2. 
Parking areas must not be located in the front of the property unless screened by any of Type II through V landscaping per Chapter 17.58.
C. 
Maintenance of Common Spaces. Prior to building occupancy, provisions must be made (through an established homeowners' association, recorded covenants, or other method) to ensure proper funding and maintenance of common spaces, access, stormwater facilities, and NGPA signage and fencing.
(Ord. 1516 § 12 (Exh. H), 2025)

§ 17.50.060 Building design.

A. 
Maximum Height. All structures have a maximum height of twenty-four feet.
B. 
Garages shall be no larger than six stalls.
C. 
Required Elements for All Structures (Including Garages and Community Buildings). All structures must employ at least five or more of the following as a means of achieving visual interest:
1. 
Vertical changes in building materials, excluding paint colors;
2. 
Horizontal changes in building materials, excluding paint colors;
3. 
Building modulation and articulation;
4. 
No blank walls;
5. 
Roof gables or dormers;
6. 
Bay windows or bump outs projecting no less than two feet from the structure;
7. 
Chimney or tower;
8. 
Belly bands, cornices and corbels;
9. 
Other building elements approved by the director.
D. 
Required Elements for Cottages.
1. 
Units cannot exceed one thousand two hundred square feet, excluding an optional one car garage accessed from the rear or side of the unit.
2. 
Eighty-square-foot porch serving as cottage entry.
a. 
Porches shall be a minimum of eight feet deep on the front of the building and six feet deep on a side where the porch wraps around the building.
b. 
Porches shall be oriented towards the common open space or street and designed to provide a sense of privacy between units.
3. 
Pitched roof of at least four to twelve.
4. 
Trim around all doors and windows.
E. 
Separation of Identical Buildings. To avoid repetition, each project must feature at least three distinct building designs. Adjacent units must differ in at least four of the following ways:
1. 
Roof pitch and features (gables, dormers, etc.);
2. 
Setbacks from adjacent properties;
3. 
Height difference of at least four feet;
4. 
Building elevations;
5. 
Window sizes and trims;
6. 
Porch/entry design;
7. 
Exterior building materials.
F. 
Community Trash and Recycling Container Enclosure and Screening. All community loading, trash, recycling and storage areas shall be located so they are not visible from streets and will be concealed by a six-foot fence.
(Ord. 1516 § 12 (Exh. H), 2025)