City of Fircrest

The Comprehensive Plan at the City of Fircrest guides housing development in the City.

Here are policies that guide design standards in the City of Fircrest:

• Form-Based Code
• 19^th & Mildred Form-Based Code
• Design standards and guidelines for small lot and multi-family development
• Cottage Housing

From Comprehensive Plan – Community Character:

RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER

Much of the City’s projected housing unit and population growth over the next couple of decades may be accommodated through construction of higher density housing in commercial mixed-use areas and redevelopment of existing multifamily neighborhoods.

Additional growth will occur in the form of infill development in established single-family residential neighborhoods. Today, factors such as an aging population, changes in family size and composition, and shifting generational preferences for different housing types and neighborhood designs and functions are contributing to changes in the social and economic factors relating to housing choices. These factors have the potential to influence greatly the character of the community.

As such, it is important that the City guide future residential development in a manner that will be compatible with surrounding areas and build upon the positive aspects and character of the neighborhood.

GOAL CC8 Support residential infill development and redevelopment that responds to local preference and demand for innovative, high-quality housing, that is sensitive to surrounding residential areas, and that supports community character goals and objectives.

Policy CC8.1 Periodically review and update design standards and guidelines and other zoning provisions that apply to commercial-residential mixed-use development, multifamily redevelopment, and single-family infill housing to assess their effectiveness in accomplishing design objectives and community character goals, and to assess the extent to which they successfully respond to neighborhood compatibility issues and concerns. Discussion: In response to changing needs and preferences for housing in the community and the likely increase in the type and number of housing units being constructed within existing neighborhoods, the City should adopt design standards and guidelines that apply to new cottage housing, small lot and multi-family development to better ensure design excellence and neighborhood compatibility. In addition, the City should refine existing design standards and guidelines to provide more beneficial and effective design direction for commercial mixed-use development that may be constructed along the Mildred Street and 19th Street corridors.

From Comprehensive Plan – Land Use Element:

LAND USE VISION Looking ahead 20 years… In the 2030s, Fircrest is treasured for its character, natural assets, friendly and welcoming atmosphere, diversity, safety, and quiet settings. Fircrest includes a broad choice of housing types at a range of prices, including affordable homes. During the past 20 years, there has been more variety in the types and prices of newly constructed homes, including more cottages, accessory dwelling units, attached homes, live-work units, and other smaller single-family homes. New homes blend with existing homes and the natural environment, retaining valued characteristics of neighborhoods as they continue to evolve. While single-family neighborhoods have remained stable, the number and variety of multifamily housing choices, including units oriented towards seniors, have increased significantly, especially in mixed-use neighborhoods within the 19th and Mildred area. Through careful planning and community involvement, changes and innovation in housing styles and development have been embraced by the community. Residents enjoy a feeling of connection to their neighborhoods and to the community.

The City of Fircrest provides these incentives for development:

• The City does not collect impact fees
• FMC 22.34.005: Density Bonuses for open and recreational space
• FMC 22.60.003: Parking reduction for the following kinds of multifamily housing: efficiency units, student housing, and affordable senior housing
• FMC 22.60.004: Parking demand reduction credit
• FMC 22.60.005: Shared parking facilities
• FMC 22.58.013: Nonprofit organizations are exempt from a home occupation permit fee

Timelines: The following chart includes typical timelines in the City of Fircrest:

• Business and Rental Assistance Programs