Development Regulations Update – Middle Housing

Updates to the Port Orchard Municipal Code in Response to ESSHB 1110, ESSB 2321, EHB 1337, and the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update

On June 17, 2025, the Port Orchard City Council adopted an Ordinance implementing updates to the Port Orchard Municipal Code (POMC) to comply with middle housing requirements in ESSHB 1110, accessory dwelling unit provisions in EHB 1337, and related updates from ESSB 2321. These amendments also serve to implement the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update, adopted in December 2024.

The adopted Ordinance becomes effective on July 1, 2025. The full Ordinance, in legal blackline format, is available here . Each exhibit to the Ordinance is also provided in a clean format for ease of review and reference.

These updates provide regulations for middle-housing types such as duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and other multi-unit configurations in areas where they may have previously been restricted. Additionally, the regulations streamline the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in accordance with state law. The changes also incorporate broader housing, parking, subdivision, and design standard amendments to support implementation citywide.
Amendments to the following POMC sections are included:

• POMC 20.02 - Administration and Enforcement
• POMC 20.12 – Definitions
• POMC 20.32 – Building Types
• POMC 20.34 – Residential Districts
• POMC 20.38 -Overlay Districts
• POMC 20.39 – Use Provisions
• POMC 20.68 – Accessory Dwelling Units
• POMC 20.80 - Subdivisions – General Provisions
• POMC 20.82 - Administration and Enforcement
• POMC 20.87 (new) – Unit Lot Subdivision
• POMC 20.98 – Improvements
• POMC 20.100 -Development Standards – Subdivision Design
• POMC 20.122 - Building Elements
• POMC 20.124 - Development Standards – Parking and Circulation
• POMC 20.127 – Design Standards
• POMC 20.139 – Residential Design Standards
• POMC 20.160 – State Environmental Policy Act

Public Process and Timeline

• April 2025: Planning Commission reviewed middle housing implementation approach and Commerce model code guidance.
• May 6, 2025: Staff presented draft Ordinance for Planning Commission review.
• May 20, 2025: City Council reviewed the draft Ordinance at their regular Work Study Session.
• June 3, 2025: Planning Commission held a public hearing and forwarded a recommendation to the City Council.
• June 17, 2025: City Council adopted the Ordinance.
• July 1, 2025: Ordinance takes effect.

Get Involved

Your feedback is an essential part of this process. Public comment is encouraged during the Planning Commission’s June 2025 public hearing. For questions, more information, or to submit comments please contact the Department of Community Development at planning@portorchardwa.gov.