Unit Lot Subdivision Code Amendment

Unit lot subdivisions are a game-changer for increasing housing options and homeownership, especially for middle housing like townhomes, duplexes, and even accessory dwelling units (ADUs). They allow individual homes, even those on smaller lots, to be owned outright, meaning you own the land your home sits on. This also provides flexibility for current homeowners, letting them sell off parts of their property, like a backyard, for new housing while keeping their existing home. A key benefit is that while the entire property must meet general zoning rules, individual unit lots within it don't have to, making infill development much easier. Finally, each unit lot gets its own parcel number, making it a distinct and sellable property.

To start, all unit lot subdivisions require a preliminary project review. After this preliminary review is complete, you'll need to submit an application for a land surface modification permit (or building permits for individual units if applicable) either at the same time or before your subdivision application. This ensures that the overall design for both the original property (the parent lot) and the new, smaller unit lots aligns with the approved plans for how the land will be shaped and developed.

If you're creating nine or fewer lots, the application, review, and approval process is the same as a short subdivision. However, if your project involves ten or more lots, it will go through the more extensive subdivision process.

To learn more about these processes contact the Planning & Building Department at 425-587-3600.

A unit lot subdivision permit fee depends on how many units you are creating. A short subdivision (nine or fewer lots) uses a Process I fee, while a subdivision of ten or more lots uses a Process IIA fee. All subdivisions require a preliminary project review. Some additional permit fees may apply depending on a site’s location, site conditions, and environmental review. A separate recording review fee is applied to all subdivisions. These fees are available to view on the Land Use Permit Fee Schedule webpage.

To learn more about project fees contact the Planning & Building Department at 425-587-3600.

A unit lot subdivision is tied to the permits for any construction on or changes to the land. This ensures that the entire project – both the original property (parent lot) and the new, smaller unit lots – follows an approved design.

Before these new unit lots can be officially recognized or "recorded", either the homes on the original property must already be built, or the permits for any new homes must be approved and ready for issuance.

You also can't get the final approval to move into (or "occupy") any of the new homes until the unit lot subdivision itself has been approved. Most importantly, you cannot sell, transfer, or move into any of the new unit lots until the subdivision is officially approved and recorded with the King County Recorders Office.

To learn more about permit review processes and timelines contact the Planning & Building Department at 425-587-3600.

May 22, 2025, Planning Commission public hearing meeting materials, presentation(PDF, 602KB).

June 17, 2025(PDF, 101KB), City Council meeting material, draft ordinance(PDF, 107KB), presentation(PDF, 429KB).