Franklin County, WA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- R-2 and R-3 residential zoning districts only
- R-2 max reduction
- 5,000 to 3,600 sq ft per unit
- R-3 max reduction
- 3,000 to 2,000 sq ft per unit
- Screening required
- 5-foot fence on lower-density side yards
- Appeal deadline
- 10 days to Board of Commissioners
- Governing chapter
- Franklin County Code Chapter 17.62
Summary
Franklin County lets developers earn extra density in the R-2 and R-3 residential zones by meeting design standards under Chapter 17.62. The lot-area-per-dwelling-unit ratio can shrink from 5,000 to 3,600 square feet in R-2, and from 3,000 to 2,000 square feet in R-3, in exchange for open space, porches, siding upgrades and other scored features.
A density increase chapter is established to provide a means whereby an increase in the number of dwelling units may be achieved beyond that amount permitted in the base density of the R-2 and R-3 residential districts. ... The lot area per dwelling unit ratio within the R-2 and R-3 residential districts may be reduced in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The maximum available reduction is as follows: A.R-2 District. May be reduced a maximum of one thousand four hundred (1,400) square feet, from five thousand (5,000) square feet per dwelling unit to three thousand six hundred (3,600) square feet per dwelling unit.B.R-3 District. May be reduced a maximum of one thousand (1,000) square feet, from three thousand (3,000) square feet per dwelling unit to two thousand (2,000) square feet per dwelling unit.
Full Breakdown
62 of the Franklin County Code creates a voluntary density increase program limited to the R-2 and R-3 residential zoning districts in unincorporated Franklin County. 020, the maximum available reduction in the lot-area-per-dwelling-unit ratio is 1,400 square feet in the R-2 district, dropping the baseline from 5,000 to 3,600 square feet per unit, and 1,000 square feet in the R-3 district, dropping the baseline from 3,000 to 2,000 square feet per unit. 040 by choosing from a menu of design standards, each worth a set percentage: open space and sod (up to 15 percent), shade trees (8 percent), covered porches (10 percent), balconies (20 percent), patios (10 to 15 percent), and specific siding types such as lap, cedar, stucco or brick, which alone is worth up to 36 percent.
Transit-adjacent sites, solar orientation, view corridors, pedestrian walkways, landscaped parking and private open space add further percentage points. 020 is multiplied by the total percentage earned, and the result is subtracted from the base lot area per dwelling unit. 030 requires applicants to screen side yard lines abutting lower-density residential zones with a minimum five-foot site-obscuring fence or dense shrubs, and to record a covenant binding the owner to maintain every improvement used to earn the density increase for the life of the development. 080.
Violations & Fines
Building without recording the required maintenance covenant, or removing a scored feature such as required screening, siding or landscaping after occupancy, breaches the covenant and the underlying density approval. The Planning and Building Department can withhold or revoke permits tied to the density increase, and Title 17 development standard violations are enforced as code violations, with the property required to return to compliance with the approved site plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which zones qualify for Franklin County's density bonus?
How is the density bonus calculated?
What has to happen before I get a building permit for extra density?
Can I appeal a density increase decision?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Franklin County
Compare Franklin County to another location·View the Washington zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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