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# 17_11_2025_criddle@ci.moscow.id.us_Duplex Documents.pdf
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## Page 1
Sent: 11/17/2025 11:27:23 AM
From: Cody Riddle <criddle@ci.moscow.id.us
To: "Bill Belknap" 
Cc: 
Bcc: 
Importance: Normal
Subject: Duplex Documents
Attachments
:
Duplex Code Amendment Outline 11-2025.docx ,Interim 
Policy Memo on Duplexes 11-2025.docx 
Hi Bill,
 
Attached is an initial draft of a policy to guide staff in reviewing duplexes, while we work through a code 
amendment.  I also jotted down a handful of ideas for the larger amendment.  I would consider the second document 
more of an outline to help generate thought and debate.  Mike’s still reviewing himself. I just wanted to keep the ball 
rolling, so I thought I would get it in front of you.
 
I’m going to go rest a bit ahead of our meeting this afternoon.  See you in a bit.
 
Thanks,
 
Cody
## Page 2
POTENTIAL CODE AMENDMENTS FOR DUPLEXES
1. Clarify that only one duplex is allowed per lot, without being subject to all 
multi-family development standards.  This would include density, setbacks, 
parking, accessibility, etc.
2. Clarify that only one kitchen is allowed per unit and that appliances, sinks, and 
accommodations that would support later installations are prohibited.  In short, 
no sinks and kitchen counters in individual units.
3. Like kitchens, clarify that one washer/dryer combo is allowed per unit.  It could 
be that one “housekeeping unit” per unit is allowed.
4. Eliminate the allowance for tandem parking for duplexes.  An alternative could 
be that it is only allowed for a single duplex, as the sole use of a property.
5. Clarify that all rooms, other than common space (kitchen, living room, and 
bathrooms) shall be considered bedrooms for the purposes of parking and 
occupancy limits.
6. Require a minimum of 150 sq. ft. of open space per unit.  This would be in 
addition to any required setbacks.
7. Consider requiring an increased setback for any duplex exceeding two stories 
in height.  For example, a 5’ setback for the first two stories, and 10’ for 
additional.
8. Consider a requirement for a front door, with covered porch (establish min. 
size) oriented to each street frontage.  Specify one primary entrance allowed 
per unit.
9. In new construction, where alley access is available, require all parking come 
from the alley.  New driveways are prohibited.  
10.In new construction, establish a maximum driveway width, and require a 
minimum separation (7’?) between individual driveways.  Also, include a 
minimum landscaped setback between driveways and the property line.  
11.Provide specific requirements for right-of-way improvements.  Curb, gutter, 
sidewalk, street widening, and alley paving.
12.Consider requiring a deed restriction, similar to the approach taken with ADUs 
for any new duplex.
## Page 3
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.
## Page 4
2
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
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.