In a recent government meeting, city council members discussed significant zoning changes aimed at addressing residential growth targets and increasing housing affordability. The proposed amendments include the reclassification of 51 properties from Employment Park 1 to a newly named Neighborhood Mixed Use zone, which will allow for higher-value retail and the introduction of residential units on the second floor and above. This change is crucial for meeting the city's growth targets established by the Puget Sound Regional Council, particularly for affordable housing aimed at households earning below 80% of the area median income.

Another key proposal involves the Interchange Commercial zone, where the council is considering allowing residential development on the second floor and above, a move that could significantly enhance the city's capacity for multifamily housing. Currently, this zone has a height limit of 30 feet, which the council plans to increase to 35 feet, enabling the construction of typical multifamily buildings.

The council also discussed expanding the Downtown Commercial zone to include areas previously designated as low-density residential. This expansion aims to facilitate additional residential growth, although it has faced mixed reactions from the community in the past.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted a request from a property owner to rezone land near Safeway from low-density to high-density residential, contingent upon annexation into the city. This proposal is seen as a potential strategy to enhance the city's housing capacity, although it is not part of the immediate zoning changes being considered.

The council emphasized the importance of these zoning amendments in meeting legislative mandates for growth management while acknowledging the challenges of ensuring that new developments remain affordable. The discussions underscored the need for a balanced approach to zoning that accommodates growth while addressing community concerns about density and housing affordability.