Connecting New Neighbors

Mountlake Terrace Middle Housing Code

Mountlake Terrace, WA

Pro-Housing Code

To help ease a regional housing crisis due to regional growth and new light rail connections, these pro-housing residential zoning and design standards are crafted to increase housing choice and livability while also making connections between neighbors.

Expanding Possibilities in Existing Neighborhoods

The code introduces five “Housing Form Types” allowing a full range of buildings between the scale of houses and larger apartments buildings. It also abolishes exclusionary single-family zoning and opens possibilities for diverse dwelling unit production and wealth building through homeownership for young families to aging Boomers.

Supporting Health and Relationships

A multi-benefit approach encourages healthier lifestyles. Development incentives are offered for breaking up superblocks with midblock pedestrian/bike connections, or for building portions of alleys that reduce the need for large driveways and garages along the street. The goal is for a human-scaled circulation network to emerge over time — encouraging walking, bicycling and personal connections with neighbors.