Public records library › 26-598 › Interim Policy Memo on Duplexes 11-2025.docx

Extracted text

Machine-extracted text layer of the file above, shown verbatim for search and reading. Tables and slides lose their layout. The original file governs.

# Interim Policy Memo on Duplexes 11-2025.docx
- path: - path: Interim Policy Memo on Duplexes 11-2025.docx
- type: docx
- size: 30442 bytes
- extraction method: docx (python-docx)

Memo
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
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:


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.

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.

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.

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.

Only one washer and dryer is allowed per unit.  They shall be located and designed so all occupants have access.

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. 

[Table 1]
 | City of 
Community Development