Twisp Council Gives Preliminary Approval for Co-Housing Development

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Twisp Town Council gave preliminary approval for a market rate co-housing development that includes seven freestanding homes, a community house and a courtyard. The vote was unanimous, but not without sentiment about the impact to the town.

The development is slated for the northeast corner of Twisp Avenue and Methow Street next to Jamie’s Place.

In its application to the town, Stonefly Community LLC, which owns the parcel, said the development “blends private living with communal spaces designed to encourage connection and meaningful participation. Our primary objective is to build a community based on mutual support, shared responsibility, and a structure that welcomes new members as the community evolves.”

Stonefly Community LLC is owned by three local couples who plan to live in the development. The other four buildings will be available at market rates. The community house includes a communal dining space and two bedrooms for homeowners’ guests.

The property is zoned R-3 Residential Multifamily and would provide residence and parking for 14 people. It will have a minimum of 30% open space.

All building materials are fire resistant, said Town Planner Thom Vetter.

The property is adjacent to the Methow River. The access road is within the flood plain but the buildings are above the floodplain.

Vetter said overflow parking is allowed in the floodplain, but not on the street. Councilmember Will Menzies expressed concern that the development would compete for street parking with adjacent Jamie’s Place.

“That won’t be allowed,” said Vetter. “If they move to using street parking, they’ll be talked to about it.”

Twisp Planning Commission voted unanimously to provide preliminary approval with conditions on March 11. Vetter said during the council meeting it would have been “outright permitted” if not for the inclusion of a community center, which requires the town’s approval.

Although the application states the homes will be for people in the “middle income” bracket, the council and town planner recognized that they are for higher income brackets.

“They’re not looking at trying to be affordable. This is market rate housing,” said Vetter.

Menzies asked why then call them “middle income” on the application.

Vetter responded, “I think they’re just trying to say that we’re not going to be super high end, we’re not going to be super low end.”

Acknowledging that the development was well vetted, Menzies made a final comment about the development.

“When we’re in need of housing, it’s a completely unhelpful development, but we’re moving into a realm of a retired community. We’re going to see the effects of that. No question.”

Councilmember Tim Matsui complemented the development, saying, “For the town, from a property tax perspective, you’re getting more bang for your buck out of that. So, that can help us.”

He added that while it is not for low to middle income people, “it is creating an opportunity to view what it looks like to have cottage-style housing, something clustered around a communal space.”

Menzies responded, “When you got a grocery store full of people crossing a mountain pass to check out your groceries, I don’t need a development to show me what density looks like.”

“I understand that it’s legally sound and it will go through, but it’s just another one. They’re going to keep coming that are completely unhelpful for us. So, great. Great.” he added.

The town council unanimously passed the resolution granting preliminary approval for the planned development.

For pictures of the proposed co-housing site, visit stoneflycommunity.org.