Cottage Cluster Feasibility Analysis
Milwaukie, OR · 2019
Client: City of Milwaukie, Planning Department
Location: Milwaukie, OR
Year: 2019
CP Role: Lead consultant
Practice Area: Zoning Code Reform
Team: Alex Joyce, Development Strategy; Garlynn Woodsong, Project Manager; Irene Kim, Equitable Engagement; Alex Steinberger, Site Analysis; Victor Tran, Analyst
The Challenge
Milwaukie had adopted cottage cluster provisions to widen its housing choices, yet no one had proposed a cottage cluster under them.
Our Approach
We audited the code against market data and estimated returns to find the standards that made cottage clusters lose money. With a design team we drew site concepts for four real properties, tested them with a stakeholder advisory group and public open houses, and drafted new development and design standards to replace the existing code.
Outcome
City Council received the study well, and the City planned to carry the code amendments into its 2021 Comprehensive Plan update.