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A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish minimum and maximum densities in each residential zoning district. To ensure the quality and density of development envisioned, the maximum density establishes the ceiling for development in each zoning district based on minimum lot size. To ensure that property develops at or near the density envisioned for the zone, the minimum density for each zoning district is set at just above the maximum density of the next less intense zone.

B. Maximum and minimum densities. The maximum and minimum densities for the low-density residential districts are contained in Table 20.410.040-1.

Table 20.410.040-1. Minimum and Maximum Densities and Lot Sizes1, 2

Zone

Minimum Lot Size

Maximum Net Density

Maximum Average Size

Minimum Net Density

R-2

20,000 sf

2.2

30,000 sf

1.8

R-4

10,000 sf

4.4

19,000 sf

2.3

R-6

7,500 sf

5.8

10,500 sf

4.5

R-9

5,000 sf

8.7

7,400 sf

5.9

R-17

2,000 sf

21.8

4,900 sf

8.8

1The minimum and maximum density factors shall only be used for calculating densities of planned unit developments governed by Chapter 20.260 VMC, infill development, density transfer, and situations where an existing house is allowed on a larger than maximum lot size per subsection (C)(2)(c) of this section (Exceptions). Minimum and maximum densities shall be calculated based on the gross area of the site minus any public rights-of-way, street tracts, private road easements, lots for dwellings existing on December 11, 2004, or designated critical areas.

2Housing projects devoted entirely to housing affordable to households earning 80 percent or less of area median income (AMI) and providing guarantee acceptable to the planning official that such units will remain affordable at this level for 50 years may increase the maximum net density and reduce the associated minimum lot size requirement of the underlying zone by up to 50 percent in the R-2, R-4, R-6, R-9, and R-17 zones, provided this is not used to exceed underlying zoning district requirements for permitted structure or use types, building heights, or other development regulations.

C. Exceptions. The following exceptions are permitted to the lot size and density provisions for the R-2 through R-9 zoning districts contained in Table 20.410.040-1 above:

1. Minimum lot size/maximum density.

a. Lots developed or approved before March 11, 2004, are exempt from the requirements for minimum density. However, if a site is completely redeveloped, the new development must comply with the minimum density requirements contained in Table 20.410.010-1 above.

b. Nonresidential uses are exempt from minimum lot sizes.

c. Within a development of two or more lots, the minimum lot size may be averaged as long as no lot is smaller than 80 percent of the minimum required lot size.

d. Legal lots of record (lots legally created) that do not meet the minimum lot size requirement may be developed with a single dwelling unit.

e. When the maximum density contains a fraction of a unit, the applicant must round to the nearest whole unit. For calculations of X.1 through X.4, this means rounding down; for calculations of X.5 through X.9, this means rounding up to the next whole unit.

2. Maximum lot size/minimum density.

a. Nonresidential uses are exempt from maximum lot sizes.

b. On large parcels containing an existing dwelling on March 11, 2004, a lot no greater than one acre may be created around the existing dwelling with the remainder platted to create the number of dwelling units required within the range of minimum and maximum density established for the zoning district in which the parcel is located.

c. When the minimum density contains a fraction of a unit, the applicant must round to the nearest whole unit. For calculations of X.1 through X.4, this means rounding down; for calculations of X.5 through X.9, this means rounding up to the next whole unit.

d. On sites that contain sensitive environmental conditions, all or a portion of the sensitive resources areas may be deducted from the gross lot area before the minimum and maximum densities are calculated unless the applicant chooses to transfer density per the requirements of Chapter 20.940 VMC, On-Site Density Transfers.

3. Planned Developments. See VMC 20.260.060, Development Standards, Item 4 for additional exceptions to lot size requirements. (Ord. M-4377 § 2(a), 2022; Ord. M-4354 § 3(F), 2021; Ord. M-4325 § 3, 2020; Ord. M-3931 § 10, 2009; Ord. M-3701 § 13, 2005; Ord. M-3643, 2004)