Public records library › 26-555 › 17_11_2025_mray@ci.moscow.id.us_RE_ Duplex thoughts code amendments.pdf

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# 17_11_2025_mray@ci.moscow.id.us_RE_ Duplex thoughts code amendments.pdf
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## Page 1
Sent: 11/17/2025 10:43:06 AM
From: Michael Ray <mray@ci.moscow.id.us
To: "Lucy Falcy" 
Cc: 
Bcc: 
Importance: Normal
Subject: RE: Duplex thoughts code amendments
Attachments
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Thanks Lucy. As you point out, there are many situations that we deal with and whatever we come up with will need 
to consider the impacts on all types of development. I’ll let you know the outcome of the meeting today. 
Mike
 
Mike Ray, AICP
Planning Manager
City of Moscow
504 S. Washington Street
Moscow, ID 83843
mray@ci.moscow.id.us
(208) 883-7008
 
From: Lucy Falcy <lfalcy@ci.moscow.id.us> 
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2025 9:36 AM
To: Michael Ray <mray@ci.moscow.id.us>
Subject: Duplex thoughts code amendments
 
Mike,
Here are thoughts on this portion of Cody's collection to compile and present as you wish.  I would dig 
more if given more time.
Lucy
 
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.
 Could expand this to more than one structure. In R-3, R-4, and RO zones, some lots have 
numerous buildings.
## Page 2
1.      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.
 Many bedrooms have attached baths and accommodations need to be made for these.  The 
language changes suggested below are rough. I appreciate that the City has gone around 
numerous times trying to limit casual kitchens.  
                     
2.      Like kitchens, clarify that one washer/dryer combo is allowed per unit.  It could be that one 
“housekeeping unit” per unit is allowed.
Yes.  How to keep them roughing in plumbing for more? 
 
3.      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.
 Some duplexes are legitimate and we wish to encourage them.  Not allowing tandem parking 
would require 2 car garages that would make the units less affordable. Even multiple duplexes 
on a single lot (most recently 999 Lauder- 3 duplex sets with tandem parking off of Lauder) can 
use this legitimately.  Maybe change it to allow it as tandem parking only  if the garage is one of 
the required spaces? 
4.      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.
How to do this just for duplexes? Many houses have legitimate bonus space.  
5.      Require a minimum of 150 sq. ft. of open space per unit.  This would be in addition to any 
required setbacks.
 Current standard is 75 sq feet and is allowed to be in setbacks.  Requiring more per unit would 
not help with the problem of misrepresenting number of units. Do not allow rooftop common 
space. Define common open space to not include parking, required sidewalks, landscaping and 
garbage areas. 
6.      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.
 Why not apartment complexes? Prohibit rooftop gathering areas.
7.      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.
## Page 3
What is a primary entrance? Maybe have exterior entrances for duplexes permitted  only to 
common areas. 
8.      In new construction, where alley access is available, require all parking come from the 
alley.  New driveways are prohibited. 
All new construction? This is a big one.
9.      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. 
 Would this apply to parking off of alleys? 
10. Provide specific requirements for right-of-way improvements.  Curb, gutter, sidewalk, street 
widening, and alley paving.
Is this not already required? 
 
11. Consider requiring a deed restriction, similar to the approach taken with ADUs for any new 
duplex.
 I am not convinced that this does much good if not followed up with enforcement.
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