Development Regulations Update – Middle Housing

The City of Port Orchard is updating its development regulations to support the inclusion of middle housing—including duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and other multi-unit residential types required by HB 1110, and revisions to Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations required by EHB 1337 adopted by the Washington State Legislature in 2023. These updates also support the implementation of the City’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update, adopted in December 2024.

To comply with HB 1110 and meet the June 30, 2025 deadline, the City is proposing revisions to several sections of the Port Orchard Municipal Code (POMC) in alignment with the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Model Middle Housing Ordinance for Tier 3 cities, the classification currently applied to Port Orchard. This approach ensures short-term compliance with state law while the City continues work toward permanent regulations consistent with Tier 2 standards—an effort that aligns with long-term population growth planning.

About the Interim Ordinance

The interim ordinance includes several amendments to the POMC, focusing on integrating middle housing as a permitted and practical housing option throughout the city. This Ordinance is being developed with flexibility to incorporate code amendments already in progress as part of Tier 2 planning. Many of the supporting amendments related to flexible thresholds for the State Environmental Policy Act in POMC 20.160, Parking and Circulation in POMC 20.124 and the creation of a new section, POMC 20.87, related to Unit Lot Subdivisions, are planned to be included in this process. Amendments to the following sections are linked below:

• 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 interim ordinance approach and Commerce Model Ordinance guidance.
• May 6, 2025: Staff presents draft ordinance for Commission review and feedback.
• June 3, 2025: Public hearing before the Planning Commission. Formal recommendation forwarded to City Council.
• June 24, 2025: City Council will consider the Ordinance and the Planning Commission’s recommendation.
• Post-Adoption: Staff will resume work on permanent Tier 2-compliant regulations.

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.