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# 14_11_2025_criddle@ci.moscow.id.us_Draft Memo-Duplex Reviews.pdf
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## Page 1
Sent: 11/14/2025 11:33:36 AM
From: Cody Riddle <criddle@ci.moscow.id.us
To: "Michael Ray" , "Justin Goodwin" , "Lucy Falcy" , "Corey 
O'Brien" , "Rob Bafus" , "Rob Devoe" 
Cc: 
Bcc: 
Importance: Normal
Subject: Draft Memo-Duplex Reviews
Attachments
: Interim Policy Memo on Duplexes 11-2025.docx 
Hi All,
 
Please take a look at the attached, first draft, of a policy intended to guide our review of duplexes as a permanent 
code amendment is processed.  From my perspective, the current code can be interpreted to apply the items listed.  I 
would appreciate any feedback you have, ahead of a follow-up meeting with Bill and Mia Monday afternoon.
 
Thanks,
 
Cody
## Page 2
City of Moscow
Community Development
Mem o
To:Community Development Department 
Cc: Bill Belknap, City Administrator
From:Cody Riddle, Community Development Director & Deputy City Administrator
Date:November 15, 2025
Re:Duplex Development Regulations
BACKGROUND
In recent years, duplex construction and their use have evolved to function more like 
multi-family development in many instances.  While this has the benefit of increasing 
housing stock, the intensity of development is beyond what is envisioned for duplexes 
and will significantly impact neighborhood character.  There are also concerns about life-
safety and accessibility in these projects.  Many of the issues arise through conversions 
and modifications that occur after permitting, construction, and occupancy.  However, 
there are design features apparent at the time of review that can also lead to problems.  
This policy document is intended to guide Staff in the review, permit issuance, and 
inspection of duplexes while a comprehensive code amendment is processed.
In reviewing duplexes, it is imperative that Staff keep a few definitions in mind.  Moscow 
City Code defines a duplex (Dwelling, Two (2) Family as follows:
A building containing two (2) kitchens and designed to be occupied by two (2) families 
living independently of each other.
A dwelling unit is defined as:
A building or portion thereof providing complete housekeeping facilities for one (1) family. The term 
"dwelling" shall not be deemed to include motel, hotel, tourist home, bed and breakfast inn, or 
boarding house.
And finally, regardless of the type, a dwelling unit is to include only a single housekeeping 
unit, accessible by all occupants, defined as follows:
Living together as a single housekeeping unit shall mean where all occupants of the dwelling unit 
enjoy a common right to use the entire dwelling, despite informal arrangements among members 
to designate certain areas as individual sleeping spaces, and where such persons share household 
living arrangements, including, but not limited to, rental or mortgage payments, utility payments, 
groceries, chores, maintenance of the premises, and common sanitary, living, and cooking supplies 
and/or facilities.
While Staff cannot monitor living arrangements, we have a responsibility to review plans 
and inspect construction to ensure duplexes are designed to function as a single unit, 
where all occupants have access to the entire dwelling. 
POLICY GUIDANCE
## Page 3
To ensure duplexes are consistent with the purpose and intent of Moscow City Code, 
effective immediately, and until adoption of a code amendment, the following standards 
shall apply:
1. If more than a single duplex is proposed on a lot or parcel, all standards for multi-
family development apply.  This includes, but is not limited to, density limits, 
setbacks, parking, and landscaping.  This applies to any situation where a duplex 
is added to a lot where existing residential units are to remain, including single-
family homes.
2. Only one kitchen, with appliances permanently installed, is allowed per unit.  The 
kitchen shall be located and designed so all occupants have access to the space.  
It shall not be isolated from other portions of the unit by doorways.
3. Sinks, microwaves, refrigerators, and other moveable appliances are prohibited 
in all other spaces within units.  This includes bedrooms, offices, dens, etc.  Plans 
shall not be approved with counter and cabinet space designed to accommodate 
these appliances.
4. For the purposes of parking requirements and occupancy limits, any room other 
than common space (living room, kitchen, bathrooms, and closets) shall be 
considered a bedroom.  This includes, but is not limited to offices, dens, and 
unfinished basement or attic space that could be used for sleeping quarters.
5. Only one washer and dryer is allowed per unit.  They shall be located and designed 
so all occupants have access.
6. Each unit shall be designed so all occupants have access to the entire building.  
Private exterior entrances, hallways and stairs with doors to restrict access to 
select areas are prohibited.
***
The policies listed above shall be applied immediately, and remain in effect until a 
permanent, comprehensive code amendment is complete.