[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6355430,"mediaKeyId","2218268-7b4c7a4d590c7d4c4fc74cc04d488f14","parentId",2218268,"title","Council Adds Downtown Park Rezoning to 2025 Docket and Orders Review of ADU Size Rules","audioSeconds",573,"startMs",3727000,"endMs",4300000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2218268-7b4c7a4d590c7d4c4fc74cc04d488f14&start=3727&end=4300","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2218268-7b4c7a4d590c7d4c4fc74cc04d488f14/thumbnail_3727000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6355430/Lakewood/Pierce-County/Washington/Council-Adds-Downtown-Park-Rezoning-to-2025-Docket-and-Orders-Review-of-ADU-Size-Rules","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6355430-e563071ebdefb60d72be022bae714061/orig.mp4?Expires=1775734828&Signature=FoTO6ypqyDDFAY5FBau-nR6iF5-RhdSrlKunrHnjxMU4PP-8gqyCpnlrlk3mmfVwMCGYYpCyZCJxXuNiaZLdlFqpKijyRjKbrfAf03JL~p7Wo4gPHSUP0F1ZEMx6teR1jRGUUm~97vRLYhItag2gWKt9FsxOwfnWvlLrVqvnn2MytnELbaPWcbna79UNVzQ93UIcs-MCakyXvGTrL25BFzytqiw8Md0jnTkqudcli8P98fq93GrTDsnPZ7TM0EYvVGT3qwfAaGBzPtDKMllq36DdlGV7p4Jk3HTZS~~2fO5tTbtnq6G2r6viH4Q41Qfqttfg4Q2xPxw9e20XjppJRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lakewood City, WA","date","2025-02-04T17:19:29Z","article","Lakewood — The Lakewood City Council on Feb. 3 adopted Resolution No. 2025-03 to amend the 2025 docket of comprehensive-plan and zoning-map items to include rezoning a recently acquired parcel near Colonial Plaza to Open Space–Recreation for use as a downtown park. During debate, the council also approved an amendment to add a Planning Commission review of accessory dwelling unit (ADU) size regulations to the 2025 work cycle.

Planning manager Tiffany Spear explained the proposed docket change is administrative: the city bought the parcel late in 2024 and the rezoning to Open Space–Recreation would clarify its intended park use. “This is changing the docket. This is not doing any substantive amendments at this point,” Spear said.

Council member Branstetter moved to amend the resolution to add a full review of the city’s ADU rules after public comment raised concerns that a 1,000-square-foot minimum size adopted earlier may discourage ADU construction. Branstetter proposed a timeline for review and public hearings that the council included in the motion: Planning Commission study session Feb. 19; Planning Commission public hearing April 2; Planning Commission action/recommendation April 16; council study session May 12; council public hearing May 19; council action and ordinance adoption July 2.

Branstetter framed the amendment as a chance to review whether the ADU size threshold in the recently adopted code best serves Lakewood’s goals: “I will eventually tell you that I don't know what the right number should be. ... I'm merely proposing that the number that we have put in place should be reviewed,” Branstetter said. Council members expressed concern that a 1,000-square-foot minimum can make ADUs infeasible on many lots and noted other jurisdictions allow much smaller ADUs.

The motion to amend passed and the council adopted Resolution No. 2025-03 as amended. The transcript records a voice vote approving the amendment and the resolution; no roll-call tally was recorded.

What happens next: staff will add the rezoning item to the 2025 docket and the Planning Commission will begin work on the ADU review on the schedule adopted by the council. The Planning Commission will hold public sessions and forward recommendations to the council, which has set public hearing and action dates in the draft timeline.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting of February 3, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Lakewood — The Lakewood City Council on Feb. 3 adopted Resolution No. 2025-03 to amend the 2025 comprehensive-plan docket to rezone a city-acquired parcel for a downtown park and, by amendment, directed a Planning Commission review of accessory dwelling unit size rules.","taxTitle","Lakewood, Pierce County, Washington","taxId",3978,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6355435,"Council Approves 8-Year Multifamily Tax Exemption for 15-Unit Lakewood Station Project",588,3186000,3774000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2218268-7b4c7a4d590c7d4c4fc74cc04d488f14&start=3186&end=3774","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2218268-7b4c7a4d590c7d4c4fc74cc04d488f14/thumbnail_3186000.jpg","/articles/6355435/Lakewood/Pierce-County/Washington/Council-Approves-8-Year-Multifamily-Tax-Exemption-for-15-Unit-Lakewood-Station-Project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6355435-7fdd70d3510778bd767fbf34c1b59024/orig.mp4?Expires=1775734828&Signature=NtTWEoU25SnvIkgLLwauvoMA1t9qJKsdSRhlCIBo3RFcSgb7~G81HxNnR4cpgQj6nCrb6zriRJOcEvCPzMuIm-AUSd2xMIWjvM2pESza-4mxMdnLasjLWuATDVqhpZgHTN5tD0SrNAukEdQB8rWAbYDUEJ~KZSQmgciyhIqeDdhAyQpXiW5izqirfnZLQsCwN~-tvM~AQS1gU2wRY1BO~tbxNGg8dbd6xto~C0MGlq7TGbaY29WWorMU2OlWEDrdU7Y2ECvoLVwL9cXzBP-kgu8tn0nhFe-yfWMp7HPQ7QRDRPJ79WdyeFsWyrzFgA3iq45VvlNNRT08Tnex7ywcnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lakewood — The Lakewood City Council on Feb. 3 adopted Resolution No. 2025-02, conditionally approving an eight-year multifamily property tax exemption (MFE) for 11409 Kendrick LLC’s 15-unit apartment project, Lakewood Station Apartments.

Becky Newton, economic development manager, told the council the project is located within the Lakewood Station District residential target area and meets the requirements of Lakewood Municipal Code Chapter 3.64, which governs multifamily tax exemptions. “It is recommended that the city council approve this resolution and authorize the city manager to sign the agreement regarding the residential target area development,” Newton said.

Newton said the three-story building has a total building area of about 11,763 square feet, 15 market-rate units and 16 parking spaces (including five compact spaces and one van-accessible stall). The Community Development Department approved a parking reduction based on the site’s proximity to the Sounder station under LMC 18C.600.610.B.4, Newton said. Permit fees are approximately $130,000 and estimated construction value is $4.5 million. The staff packet estimated annual property taxes after the exemption period at about $55,000, of which the city of Lakewood would receive about $47,100 annually beginning the first year after the exemption.

Council members said the exemption aligns with the Lakewood Station District plan to encourage housing near transit. “Incentivizing the construction of a multifamily structure in the Lakewood Station District and in fact in very close proximity to the station does that,” Council member Branstetter said, urging the council to use the tool in targeted areas.

The council approved Resolution No. 2025-02 by voice vote. No roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting transcript.

What this means: The exemption is conditional on the project meeting the requirements in Lakewood Municipal Code and on execution of the associated agreement; staff will return final contract documents for signature and proceed with permitting and inspections as the project advances.","The council voted to approve Resolution No. 2025-02 granting an eight-year multifamily property tax exemption to 11409 Kendrick LLC for a 15-unit market-rate apartment project near the Sounder station; staff said the project meets Lakewood Municipal Code requirements and includes a parking reduction due to transit proximity.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6355441,"Lakewood Adopts EZ Fiber Franchise to Expand Competitive Internet Service",365,2811000,3176000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2218268-7b4c7a4d590c7d4c4fc74cc04d488f14&start=2811&end=3176","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2218268-7b4c7a4d590c7d4c4fc74cc04d488f14/thumbnail_2811000.jpg","/articles/6355441/Lakewood/Pierce-County/Washington/Lakewood-Adopts-EZ-Fiber-Franchise-to-Expand-Competitive-Internet-Service","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6355441-5216fb6ba1b2b6d4234f31b19675b467/orig.mp4?Expires=1775734828&Signature=KtNPhSch6AkrWxyRW9TlJJqahrAbX~rxkIOWFfgqB74GcI830YyovTYN1wTcYs37Yp6o5M2ZJLc7X1ZiJmjiZcAKjl-pkQEvpivTc4048m7vfP3pbPUz8z5Sda-4lbbmUFLVBiJm~gvk7NsoNLFwho3ls0QEtGhPwwzbKmPJv6BagGeWymN-pWo1fN3K~tgszWahZI12y7Rerbc~gIWscxahFJH2K29OE5yGqDR0YgeOBng3e5Iz-IMPsuogLnCgmH7b9GCxlq2YizGP2Mb2JNqz4oKjHwM6l2k4QIk7hDoXKSKnbAtYjqQQsSfkBJ9FaeudG0A3oex6oUudy8-1tQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lakewood — The Lakewood City Council adopted Ordinance No. 826 on Feb. 3, conditionally granting EZ Fiber a nonexclusive franchise to install and operate telecommunications facilities in city rights-of-way.

The franchise lasts five years with up to three five-year extensions for a possible total of 20 years and includes standard provisions for relocation, pavement repair (a pavement degradation fee), and coordination on undergrounding where feasible. City staff said the agreement follows a standardized template the city has used with other providers.

City senior planner and project lead Michael Vargas reviewed the agreement before the council, calling it a standard telecommunication franchise and noting items such as the term, relocation provisions and the pavement-cutting fee. “This franchise should look very familiar,” Vargas said during the presentation.

Council members framed the ordinance as a step toward increased competition and improved service options for residents. “I’m particularly happy that this is a utility that is, in line with our desires and actually the community’s desires to underground as much as we can,” Council member Branstetter said, adding that competition could improve service in underserved neighborhoods. “I’m certainly in favor of approving” the ordinance, Branstetter said.

Council member Pearson said the company’s service offerings appear promising and urged coordination where new subdivisions or road projects are planned so EZ Fiber can route service efficiently before road construction begins. City staff confirmed coordination with permitting and construction processes will be part of implementation.

By voice vote the council approved Ordinance No. 826. The ordinance authorizes the city manager to execute a nonexclusive franchise agreement with EZ Fiber for telecommunication use of city rights-of-way. The transcript records a voice vote with no roll-call tally provided.

The franchise is designed to allow the company and the city periodic review of the agreement to reflect technology or operational changes. Council and staff said they expect the build-out to occur over multiple years and that coordination with ongoing public-works and private development projects will be important to minimize repeated pavement cuts.

What comes next: staff will proceed with the permitting and coordination steps described during the study-session review and the franchise implementation process.","The Lakewood City Council on Feb. 3 adopted Ordinance No. 826, granting EZ Fiber a nonexclusive five-year franchise to build telecommunications infrastructure in city rights-of-way, with options to extend and provisions for undergrounding and pavement-restoration fees.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6355428,"Public Comments Spotlight ADU Sizes, Neighborhood Associations and Wetland Concerns; Council Approves Consent Agenda and Rules Update",485,1642000,2127000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2218268-7b4c7a4d590c7d4c4fc74cc04d488f14&start=1642&end=2127","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2218268-7b4c7a4d590c7d4c4fc74cc04d488f14/thumbnail_1642000.jpg","/articles/6355428/Lakewood/Pierce-County/Washington/Public-Comments-Spotlight-ADU-Sizes-Neighborhood-Associations-and-Wetland-Concerns-Council-Approves-Consent-Agenda-and-Rules-Update","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6355428-e6a1dca3650ca14fe356b21a2a10067c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775734828&Signature=gRdrTiJkUsmgZC9yNEaOn-8NmSEKOtCaCpgQZFe4QGsJsTTk3W9tRHEoKltn~ucX3iihZdmIYXOHhhPFTaCOwG7xBp1sdbidhK9MTJZu3I0ycbq3XUZ0EYaBgYaNxZYwR55WEhwaIppGL8EfaQn~Pr38LiJXCt2NDqBjm2yNN6W0-UixXoPvB9w~q~u2wzvYbjPnigccg8x1uAVjSd7sLiUsE~~9HHt17JEDLqFfh1kYtQJLt1z8NPFk4qwB8iQTKHWTy~Q1b88PTNUhAgrvnBjm8ithfnWj~PfblDUAtUCjyWXt0WLHMU1fQF1DZwUvrcPZBHLQDCZ39R7dwiL3iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lakewood — During the Feb. 3 public-comment period, residents raised three recurring concerns: accessory dwelling unit (ADU) size limits, support for neighborhood associations, and environmental concerns tied to a Pierce County project.

ADU minimum size: Local architect James Guerrero told the council the city code adopted a minimum gross floor area tied to ADUs that he said reads in part as a 1,000-square-foot threshold for both attached and detached ADUs. Guerrero said other jurisdictions he reviewed commonly allow much smaller ADUs — citing examples such as 320 square feet, 300 square feet — and that a 1,000-square-foot minimum “really limits what an ADU is.” Dave Durr, a Lakewood resident who said he and his family have built and are planning a second ADU, echoed Guerrero and said a 1,000-square-foot minimum can push against setbacks and make ADUs infeasible on some lots.

Neighborhood associations: Vicky Stanich, speaking for the newly formed Fort Steilacoom Park Neighborhood Association, thanked the city’s Neighborhood Connections coordinator and asked whether the council had considered a modest, dedicated budget beyond staff time to support neighbors’ work — for example for meeting refreshments and printed handouts to increase participation. She asked council members to consider whether small operating budgets for neighborhood associations might help them engage residents.

Wetland and ARPA concerns: Christina Manetti, representing the Kario Coalition, raised concerns about an encampment/tiny-home site in Spanaway and alleged environmental impacts on a connected wetland and fish die-off. Manetti asserted the site involved unpermitted wetland work and cited private investigations that reported elevated iron and silt in fish gills; she asked the city to be careful when directing ARPA funds to outside projects. The council’s mayor later corrected a figure mentioned in public comment, noting the city’s ARPA contribution to a related regional project was $1,000,000, not $100,000,000.

Votes at a glance (formal actions recorded in the meeting):
- Consent agenda adopted by voice vote. Notable consent items included approval of claims vouchers in the amount of $5,985,299.47 and payroll checks totaling $3,408,162.31 for the reported periods; and Motion No. 2025-08 authorizing execution of an agreement with DP Excavation LLC for $357,825 for demolition of nuisance structures at 9230–9330 Bridgeport Way SW.
- Ordinance No. 826 (EZ Fiber franchise) was adopted by voice vote.
- Resolution No. 2025-02 (11409 Kendrick LLC multifamily tax exemption) was adopted by voice vote.
- Resolution No. 2025-03 (docket amendment for downtown park, adopted as amended to add ADU review) was adopted by voice vote.
- Resolution No. 2025-04 (amending city council rules of procedure to map meeting types and agenda order) was adopted by voice vote; staff noted a scrivener’s error in section numbering would be corrected.

The transcript records voice votes on the listed items; no roll-call tallies were provided in the meeting record. Public-comment claims about causes of environmental harm are reported here as statements by speakers; agencies investigating the Spanaway fish die-off were mentioned by the commenter, not confirmed in the meeting record.

What comes next: the council directed staff to incorporate the ADU review into the Planning Commission’s 2025 schedule; staff will also follow up on consent-agenda contract execution and correct minor typographical errors in the updated council-procedure resolution.","Public speakers urged changes to ADU size limits, requested modest neighborhood-association support and raised concerns about a wetland fish kill; council adopted the consent agenda (including claims and a contract), and passed Resolution 2025-04 updating council meeting procedures.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council Adds Downtown Park Rezoning to 2025 Docket and Orders Review of ADU Size Rules

Council Approves 8-Year Multifamily Tax Exemption for 15-Unit Lakewood Station Project

Lakewood Adopts EZ Fiber Franchise to Expand Competitive Internet Service

Public Comments Spotlight ADU Sizes, Neighborhood Associations and Wetland Concerns; Council Approves Consent Agenda and Rules Update