The Newcastle Planning Commission will hold a second public hearing on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall to gather input on proposed housing ordinance updates. The meeting will also be broadcast live on the City’s YouTube channel, allowing community members to participate either in person and online.

The proposed ordinances address housing availability and affordability through updates related to:
-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.

These updates are required to comply with state law, which mandates that cities allow duplexes or a single-family home with up to two ADUs in single-family zoned neighborhoods.

In addition, the Planning Commission is considering the following local measures:
-Allowing three-unit townhouses along key corridors like 116th Street and SE May Creek Park Drive, with at least one unit affordable to middle-income buyers.
-Requiring developments of four or more units to include moderate-income affordable housing or contribute to an affordable housing fund.
-Relaxing setback rules for ADUs and middle housing to allow construction closer to side and rear lot lines than currently permitted for single-family homes.

Public input is encouraged. Comments can be shared during the hearing or submitted in writing by 4:00 p.m. on May 28 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.