September 8, 2023
Many stories about Mill Creek's Middle Housing study have recently circulated throughout our community, including online and Social Media. During last Tuesday's City Council meeting, Mayor Brian Holtzclaw and others addressed questions and concerns from residents about Middle Housing and House Bill 1110. All agreed that further clarification on these matters is needed. To watch the September 5, Council Meeting, visit https://youtu.be/eqdYZYVHwdI?si=NHEpxtMB8PgSCEf7
Middle Housing Study
The Middle Housing study is a tool the City used to provide data on what housing types exist in Mill Creek, including duplexes, townhomes, cottage housing, etc., assess the current missing Middle, and identify future opportunities. The maps in the study identify parcels that, in theory, could accommodate Middle Housing due to their size or potential for redevelopment. The study expressly states that it will not result in city code or policy changes but will aid in future decision-making. Please visit our Middle Housing website at millcreekwa.gov/middlehousing to learn more about the study.
House Bill 1110
The study was conducted during the 2023 legislative session, while our City Council was actively lobbying to be exempt from the requirements of HB 1110 (Increasing middle housing in areas traditionally dedicated to single-family detached housing) and to preserve its local discretion and decision-making on how best to accommodate the growth projected for Mill Creek as required by the Growth Management Act. Click to read the final HB 1110 report.
Status
The results of the study have not been formally presented to the Council. The Council has not made any decisions whether, how, or where to allow additional Middle Housing. The City is awaiting guidance, due by the end of the year, from the Department of Commerce regarding how HB 1110 will be interpreted and applied.
Questions
If you still have questions, we have several options to help.
- Contact City staff at [email protected]
- Attend our next City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 12, at 6:00 p.m., at City Hall (15728 Main Street), participate via Zoom or watch on YouTube. Find the links at millcreekwa.gov at the top of the home page.
- Bring your questions to "City Chat," an informal chat with Mayor Brian Holtzclaw and Mayor Pro Tem Stephanie Vignal on Wednesday, September 20, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Mill Creek Library.