HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2006-068WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL NO. 2006 346
CLEARANCES
Initial
Date
Date Received in Council Office
Agenda Date
Assigned to:
Originator:
Brenner
9/5/2006
9/12/2006
Introduction
Division Head:
9/26/2006
P &D /Council
Dept. Head:
10/10/06
P &D /Cou.neil
Prosecutor:
10/24/06
Public Works
Purchasin /Bud et:
Executive:
TITLE OF DOCUMENT.
Resolution Supporting Incentives for Accessory Residences
ATTACHMENTS:
SEPA review required? ( ) Yes ( ) NO
Should Clerk schedule a hearing ? ( ) Yes ( ) NO
SEPA review completed? ( ) Yes ( ) NO
Requested Date:
SUMMARYSTATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE: (If this item is an ordinance or requires a public
hearing, you must provide the language for use in the required public notice. Be specific and cite RCW or WCC as appropriate.
Be clear in explaining the intent of the action.)
Resolution Supporting Incentives for Accessory Residences, Including Cottages and Carriage Houses
COMMITTEE ACTION:
COUNCIL ACTION:
9/12/06: Introduced
9/26/06: Canceled
9/26/06: Held in Committee
10/10/2006: Held in committee for two weeks
10/24/06: Amended and Approved 7 -0
10/24/2006: This item was withdrawn from
Res. 2006 -068
the agenda' moved to Planning Committee
10/24/2006: Discussed in P & D, amended
and forwarded to Council for approval
Related County Contract #.
Related File Numbers:
Ordinance or Resolution
Number: Res. 2006 -068
Please Note: Once adopted and signed, ordinances and resolutions are available for viewing and printing
on the County's website at. www.co.whatcom.wa.us /council.
2006 accessory residences resolution.912
PROPOSED BY: Brenner
SPONSORED BY: Consent
INTRODUCED: September 12, 2006
RESOLUTION NO. 2006068
SUPPORTING INCENTIVES FOR ACCESSORY RESIDENCES,
INCLUDING COTTAGES AND CARRIAGE HOUSES
WHEREAS, accessory residences have had a negative reputation based in part on
historical opposition by counties and cities, in part by a perpetuated negative reputation because
of misunderstandings of what they are, and in part by misuse; and
WHEREAS, in the right application these residences are amenities that provide comfort
and assistance to property owners; and
WHEREAS, there are many property owners who are or may be in the future in need of
providing for aging parents, for returning older children, or for more security or assistance for
themselves; and
WHEREAS, these types of residences provide valuable affordable housing; and
WHEREAS, some people fear accessory residences may negatively change the character
of neighborhoods, attract irresponsible transients, create unacceptable noise, crime, or other
negative impacts that they believe would not be as prevalent without them, or that they would be
a blight or unsightly or reduce property values and /or increase dangers and other negative
impacts; and
WHEREAS, without assurances regarding perceived or potential negative impacts it will be
difficult to obtain the many benefits these types of residences provide.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council supports
incentives to encourage property owners in appropriate zoning to use this amenity.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Council supports consideration of incentives
to relieve concerns regarding negative impacts to neighbors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these incentives shall include, but not be limited to
proposals listed in Exhibit A.
BE IT FI RLLY RESOLVED that the Council forwards this proposal to the Planning
Commis ``Rl %k%v � y�� 11"'��� 4/
day of October , 2006.
AT `! �� WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
• WH COM COUNTY, ASHINGTON
Dana roW -%74 r of ie Council curie Caskey -Sc reiber, Council Chair
APP A�S-rTO11F
11 "'�Mill1�
Deputy Prosecutor
EXHIBIT A
Proposals include:
1. Accessory residence is an attached or detached subordinate residence on a legal lot of
record where one of the residences is owner- occupied. It is visually screened and noise minimized
from neighboring properties. Screening shall be accomplished by placement of the residence itself
and /or use of plantings and /or noise reduction strategies that create a complimentary or
unnoticeable effect on neighboring properties. (New definition to replace existing language in the
county code).
Z. Appropriate zoning shall be the urban growth areas where the county encourages density
and shall be a use by administrative approval. All other areas shall be governed by existing
regulations regarding accessory dwellings, including conditional use process.
I The county will create up to six complete engineered designs of cottages /carriage
houses /residences. These finished designs will then be off the shelf at the permitting office for use
of the public. All other designs must receive administrative approval.
4. All accessory dwellings shall incorporate low impact techniques and materials where
practical.
5. The county, through the Cooperative Extension shall provide a list of desirable screening
plants for property owners' use in creating accessory residences.
6. No applications for platted development shall include covenant language prohibiting
accessory residences.