These guidelines apply to all cottage developments in the R-4 zones within the city. Where there is a conflict between these guidelines and guidelines in other chapters, these cottage housing guidelines shall apply. See Chapter 15.04 EMC, Definitions, for definition of "cottage housing."
(Formerly 19.40.120; Ord. 2416 § 2 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 2803 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025)
A. 
To provide a housing type that responds to changing household sizes and ages (for example: retirees, small families, and single-person households).
B. 
To encourage creation of more usable open space for residents of the development through flexibility in density and lot standards.
C. 
To ensure that the overall size, including bulk and mass of cottage structures and cottage housing developments, remain smaller and incur less visual impact than standard sized single-family dwellings, particularly given the allowed intensity of cottage dwellings.
D. 
To provide centrally located and functional common open space that fosters a sense of community and a sense of openness in cottage housing developments.
E. 
To provide private area around the individual dwellings to enable diversity in landscape design and foster a sense of ownership.
F. 
To ensure minimal visual impact from vehicular use and storage areas for residents of the cottage housing development as well as adjacent properties, and to maintain a single-family character along public streets.
(Formerly 19.40.130; Ord. 2416 § 2 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 2803 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025)
A. 
Dimensional Standards for Cottage Housing. See Table 1.
Table 1. Dimensional Standards for Cottage Housing
Standard
Requirement
Average gross floor area
1,000 square feet per dwelling (approximate)
Maximum gross floor area
1,200 square feet per dwelling
Minimum gross floor area
700 square feet per dwelling
Maximum gross floor area/ground or main floor
800 square feet per dwelling
Minimum common space
400 square feet per dwelling (See subsection B of this section)
Minimum private open space
200 square feet per dwelling (See subsection B of this section)
Maximum building height
1 story
Setbacks (to exterior property lines)
Comply with underlying zoning district
Minimum distance separating structures (including accessory structures)
10 feet from building face
Minimum roof slope of all structures
5:12
Minimum off-street parking provided
1.35 spaces per dwelling
Clustering groups
Developments shall contain a minimum of four and a maximum of 12 dwellings located in a cluster group to encourage a sense of community among the residents. A single development site may contain more than one group. Each cluster group may not be closer than 60 feet apart, measured from the building faces at the outer boundaries of each cluster group.
B. 
Open Space Design Standards (see Chapter 15.04 EMC for definitions of "common open space" and "private open space").
1. 
Common Open Space Requirements. Common open space:
a. 
Shall abut at least 50 percent of the cottages in a cottage housing development.
b. 
Shall have cottages abutting on at least two sides of the common open space.
c. 
Cottages shall be oriented around and have an entry facing the common open space.
d. 
Shall be within 60 feet walking distance of the cottages.
e. 
Shall be at least 20 feet in width.
f. 
Shall be designed and maintained as an amenity for residents of the development.
g. 
To the maximum extent practicable, common open space land shall be compact and contiguous unless the land is used as a continuation of an existing greenway, trail or other linear park, or unless specific topographic features require a different configuration.
2. 
Private open space requirements shall be adjacent to each dwelling unit and for the exclusive use of the dwelling resident(s). This may include landscaped front and/or rear yards, porches, patios and balconies. Driveways and minimum required landscape buffers may not be included in the calculations. The private space shall be:
a. 
Usable (not on a steep slope).
b. 
Oriented toward the common open space as much as possible.
c. 
Minimum depth of 10 feet as measured from the cottage face.
3. 
Alternative open space configurations may be permitted provided they provide a hierarchy of usable semi-private and public open spaces that meet the intent of the guidelines.
C. 
Cottage facades facing the common open space or common pathway shall feature a roofed porch at least 80 square feet in size with a minimum dimension of eight feet on any side, unless the cottage fronts on the street then the front porch should face the street. Porch railings are required.
D. 
Cottage off-street parking areas shall be:
1. 
Located on the same property as the cottage development.
2. 
Screened from public streets and adjacent residential uses by architectural screening or landscaping per the requirements of Chapter 19.08 EMC.
3. 
Located in clusters of not more than six adjoining spaces (except where parking areas are adjacent to an alley).
4. 
Prohibited in front yard setback areas.
5. 
A pitched roof design is required for all detached parking structures.
6. 
Garages may be attached to individual cottages provided all other design standards have been met and the footprint of the ground floor, including the garage, does not exceed 1,000 square feet. Such garages shall be located away from common open spaces to the extent possible.
(Formerly 19.40.140; Ord. 2416 § 2 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 2607 § 1 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 2803 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025)