The Newcastle Planning Commission will host a public hearing on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall to gather input on several proposed housing ordinance updates. The meeting will also be broadcast live on the City’s YouTube channel, allowing community members to participate both in person and online.

The proposed ordinances aim to address housing availability and affordability through updates concerning:
-Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
-Middle housing such as duplexes and triplexes
-Emergency housing

These updates are required to align with state law, which requires the city to permit duplexes or a single-family home with up to two ADUs in single-family zoned neighborhoods.

In addition to complying with state law, the Planning Commission is also considering the following measures:
-Allowing three-unit townhouses along key corridors like 116th Street and SE May Creek Park Drive, provided one unit is affordable for middle-income buyers.
-Requiring developments of four or more units to include affordable housing for moderate-income residents or pay into a fund to support affordable housing elsewhere.
-Relaxing setback requirements for ADUs and middle housing, allowing them to be built closer to side and rear lot lines than current single-family home standards.

Community input is encouraged. Community members can share their thoughts at the hearing or submit written comments by 4:00 p.m. on April 23 via email to [email protected] or by mail to Newcastle City Hall, 12835 Newcastle Way, Suite 200, Newcastle, WA 98056.

 Click here for the official hearing notice.