[{"_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",6268040,"mediaKeyId","3060727-aa2717e0623290840b1d4c96d7eec9bc","parentId",3060727,"title","Planning commission expands residential target areas, removes 12-year MFTE extension authorization","audioSeconds",149,"startMs",4613000,"endMs",4762000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3060727-aa2717e0623290840b1d4c96d7eec9bc&start=4613&end=4762","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3060727-aa2717e0623290840b1d4c96d7eec9bc/thumbnail_4613000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6268040/Lakewood/Pierce-County/Washington/Planning-commission-expands-residential-target-areas-removes-12-year-MFTE-extension-authorization","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268040-115ed0b9bb5b567ce42c0555507bdb8f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773775590&Signature=PLh1tEzTbP9di3eKEU5noYi7pWaIas1bCB8zk~axSTWQ-lzM6ElzKdUMq8uz~ov3XMoMsyWVPkfiRGATgRDqQnLOlA~Hxufd3UqG1Sx6Fmb~Boc2pqfPx5gptdtDMMhkpClboSj56kN3-c4exaaAEOr4UgSSf0QWE5~W20N7F42UrDh8R-hJg-xg63zHwc9BvhLmS9VFkN24QPkf8o~EtDUvVV8UkpxaUxpr9qqGXDxMJ4jCFbIvk3sO~Wy4Ft7wb4Kp8rXuk5IDn3hlBFqDGhnBocCqpKSMcLoLePOlTeANmTfEeLMyObDGAawo8m88FEqqa4GCsY6Gu~lJ0DSprw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lakewood City, WA - Board, Committee, and Commission Meetings","date","2025-04-19T12:39:17.477Z","article","The Lakewood Planning Commission voted to amend city maps that define Residential Target Areas (RTAs) and to modify the city's MFTE (multifamily tax exemption) code, adopting an amended resolution to send to City Council.

The action amended the map to add Oakbrook, Springbrook and Tilikum RTAs and to include a smaller northern portion of the Central Business District expansion that had been proposed; at the same time commissioners removed the LMC 3.64.020(g) clause that had authorized a 12-year MFTE extension in certain areas. The change was recorded in the meeting as resolution 2025-01 as amended.

The change is intended to align the RTA boundary map with areas staff and commissioners identified as appropriate for encouraging future development while restricting the code provision that would allow projects to claim the longer, 12-year tax exemption citywide. Planning staff told commissioners the 12-year extension remains available only by statute where already authorized; the amendment removed the city's local authorization language that would have allowed expansion of that 12-year option into the Central Business District.

Commissioners debated the balance between encouraging redevelopment and protecting existing commercial tenants. Commissioner Ellen Talbot argued against extending the more permissive boundary far into established commercial blocks, saying the southern portion of the originally proposed expansion \"is not blighted at all\" and noting the area contains long-standing businesses and religious uses. Commissioner Lynn Larson said he supported excluding the southern portion but backing the northern expansion to support affordable housing opportunities.

Planning staff explained how MFTE monitoring works: \"It's an annual certification. Every city's required to do it. Every year you have to go through, they have to qualify, they have to show the evidence of it. And if they don't, then they lose the benefit,\" staff member Miss Spear said during the meeting.

Commissioner remarks also noted the program's economic effects: commissioners said the MFTE is primarily an economic incentive tool to attract development. \"This is just an option for a person who owns the property when they look at it,\" a staff presenter said, describing the program as a voluntary incentive rather than a requirement.

One amendment vote was recorded in the transcript: when commissioners voted on removing subsection 3.64.020(g) the clerk recorded \"With 5 here, 3 yays, 2 nays, that amendment does pass.\" The final amended resolution was then approved by the commission and will be forwarded to City Council for its public hearing and decision.

Why it matters: The RTA boundaries determine where developers can apply for MFTE incentives; changes affect where redevelopment and new multifamily construction are most likely to be financially attractive. Removing the local authorization for 12-year extensions limits the city's ability to offer that longer incentive unless the state or other code provisions apply.

What happens next: The commission's amended recommendation will go to the City Council for a public hearing (council is scheduled to consider it beginning May 12). If Council adopts the resolution the map and code changes would become part of Lakewood's local MFTE implementation and guide which projects can access the 8- or 12-year exemptions and under what conditions.

Votes and amendments at a glance
- Amendment to remove LMC 3.64.020(g) (would have authorized 12-year extension in additional areas): passed 3–2 (recorded in transcript as 3 yays, 2 nays).
- Final amended resolution 2025-01 (RTA boundary adjustments and deletion of the local 12-year authorization) — approved by the commission and forwarded to Council (final recorded roll-call tally not specified in the transcript).

Notes and limits: The commission debated policy tradeoffs but did not change state statute; staff and the Department of Commerce guidance were cited as limiting the city\u0000s options for phased or tapered extensions. The commission's action is a recommendation to Council; Council will hold its own hearing and may adopt, modify, or reject the recommendation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Commission Meeting of April 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Lakewood Planning Commission voted to amend city maps that define Residential Target Areas (RTAs) and to modify the city's MFTE (multifamily tax exemption) code, adopting an amended resolution to send to City Council.","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},6268028,"Planning commission approves 2025 comp plan amendments, rezones a park parcel and sets 400-sq-ft ADU minimum",427,7980000,8407000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3060727-aa2717e0623290840b1d4c96d7eec9bc&start=7980&end=8407","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3060727-aa2717e0623290840b1d4c96d7eec9bc/thumbnail_7980000.jpg","/articles/6268028/Lakewood/Pierce-County/Washington/Planning-commission-approves-2025-comp-plan-amendments-rezones-a-park-parcel-and-sets-400-sq-ft-ADU-minimum","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268028-423cff47c1a3750bb28a65d9b272fb56/orig.mp4?Expires=1773775590&Signature=AKVTWzKM5cIYfN0hIvo16D8KxQwl2uxBOdYkumR6X6W6zRHeZkWAilFw9sssoGWY0flJMo9aY6UExZfdsrMkn~dPwQ9WsPte2nXUOVv-Fk-oSbMgsEA4LvpB5Qy-vSLrYKbxuOH36J1aNpy9Fo6YygRoyLbvRXV3MLVFExOjsNpH1UjDZh27dc~nVjZsZ1jxozxQz21axaPwf4jQcwWU0DnkTMgpB3Br9Dr7dBoR3JyLSa4BGbkAPrqYODvH5yaxlTeNJ3IQ0OUzANwCZTaVBKZbNnHJpWHpg3PlrfZZ3teTypOgNf5pHGWyU4SkaHXNbPlZ~bGjXfkzIq3q4syN3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lakewood Planning Commission approved a set of comprehensive-plan amendments and cleanup rezones, adopting its recommendation via resolution 2025-02 with several meeting-floor amendments.

The package included a procedural clean-up rezone of a parcel in Harry Todd Park (parcel 22000021) so the entire park parcel is zoned Open Space Recreation 1 (OSR-1). Planning staff said the change \"does not change any uses or intensity\" and is intended to align the zoning boundary with the actual park parcel.

Commissioners also approved an amendment establishing a minimum size of 400 square feet for both attached and detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as part of the 2025 housing-related amendments. Commissioner comments during the meeting referenced unit-size minimums and comparability with other living-housing proposals. The commission added updates to the city's commute-trip-reduction employer list as part of the package as well.

The resolution and the three meeting amendments were moved and seconded on the record. Staff presented the package as items 1–13 in the draft and asked to add amendment 2025-14 for the Harry Todd Park parcel rezoning; commissioners agreed. The adopted package will now go to City Council as the Planning Commission's recommendation for final legislative action.

Why it matters: The amendments are largely technical and zoning-boundary cleanups, but the ADU minimum-size change affects how small accessory units are designed and permitted in Lakewood. The park rezoning resolves an anomaly where a single park tax parcel had split zoning on map layers.

What happens next: Planning staff will forward the Planning Commission's recommendation and the amended resolution to City Council; Council will hold its own hearings and take final action on the 2025 comprehensive-plan amendment package.","Commission approved resolution 2025-02 adopting a package of comprehensive-plan amendments and minor rezones, including zoning the full Harry Todd Park parcel as OSR-1 and adding a 400-square-foot minimum for accessory dwelling units, plus updates to the city's commute-trip-reduction employer list.",{"_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},6268033,"Watershed council urges stronger groundwater and stormwater management, recommends Wauchau Lake advisory board",1730,1825000,3555000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3060727-aa2717e0623290840b1d4c96d7eec9bc&start=1825&end=3555","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3060727-aa2717e0623290840b1d4c96d7eec9bc/thumbnail_1825000.jpg","/articles/6268033/Lakewood/Pierce-County/Washington/Watershed-council-urges-stronger-groundwater-and-stormwater-management-recommends-Wauchau-Lake-advisory-board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268033-40b9fbbe37f0b7189dd4f522eabe5d76/orig.mp4?Expires=1773775590&Signature=KcQfgPnRZJBWKG5ku0rJaRCS74hqJ2E4LECASOPg4cq3TDK2Ub00czBZ19RgQ7c97Qy28RL2NANW6gvNZGuo3ConPzGcdqZ7NT8lC76TvTbseyat4DNpZ-TCJEf87f1Yqq9bFNqeYtcVw3T-a4e1OwuPF3er-v2larafRMfuKHC76iKumKTPSEqWIb6BDsLe~4b99bjuVfXCMVyGsdY6dzzHQU97oOKmO796nAhq1nVhY5wS0Ffe7PO3uef3tmpML6jIL~WZr~9zi4zMToaOtYhKT7z-tQmZOx~kF~6d2cvZ7VLUGaE93COpbWw1GLApYDwuqw9K2ZFvixdOuw2Qew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Derek Faust, vice chair of the Chambers Clover Creek Watershed Council and an environmental sciences instructor at Clover Park Technical College, presented the council's annual shoreline restoration report to the Planning Commission and outlined water-quality and quantity concerns across the watershed.

Faust told commissioners the council's mission is \"to promote the protection, and enhancement of the Chambers Clover Creek Watershed,\" and that the council convenes agencies, citizens and non‑profits to coordinate restoration and monitoring work. He said the council values information-sharing and volunteer stewardship; the city contributes $10,000 annually to the council's small-grants program, Faust said.

Presentation highlights and concerns included:
- Toxic algae monitoring: regular monitoring support ended in 2018; several lakes historically experienced annual or near-annual algal blooms that can produce toxins. Faust said recent tests \"didn't find any toxins\" in one lake sample last year but that algal growth remained visible.
- PFAS: the Lakewood Water District has detected PFAS in 13 of its 21 wells; federal funds have been used to drill deeper wells and install treatment, but groundwater contamination persists.
- Emerging contaminants: Faust highlighted 6PPD-quinone (a tire-wear product) as a new stormwater contaminant of concern that affects salmon and trout and is under active study for treatment strategies.
- Low flows and groundwater recharge: Faust and the Watershed Council emphasized that Clover Creek frequently runs dry for much of the year; the creek and lakes are strongly connected to groundwater levels and regional precipitation.

The council described local restoration activity: volunteer planting and invasive-species removal at sites including the college's 80-acre outdoor lab (10,000 square feet restored, 60+ trees planted last year), work with Pierce Conservation District at Wauchau Lake in Fort Steilacoom Park, and blackberry removal and wetland restoration at Edgewater Park and Springbrook Park.

Faust offered recommendations for city action and interjurisdictional collaboration: continue funding the small-grants program; use the new USGS groundwater/streamflow model in collaborative planning with Pierce County and Lakewood Water District; increase staff attendance at watershed council meetings; prioritize infiltration and filtration retrofits; revise critical-areas buffers where appropriate; expand toxic-algae monitoring by Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department; and form a joint city-community advisory board for Wauchau Lake to develop long-term goals and management plans.

Faust concluded: \"We are not anti development. We just want to encourage smart development and scientifically supported management practices of our water bodies.\" Commissioners thanked Faust and several expressed support for a community advisory group and increased cross-jurisdictional collaboration.

Why it matters: The watershed's health affects water supply, recreation and aquatic habitat across Lakewood. PFAS and other contaminants complicate treatment and groundwater management, while low groundwater and precipitation trends affect stream flows and lake levels.

What happens next: The council asked for continued city participation, suggested staff attendance at monthly council meetings when Lakewood-related agenda items appear, and proposed the advisory group for Wauchau Lake; staff and commissioners indicated support for further collaboration and for escalating items to Council where appropriate.","The Chambers Clover Creek Watershed Council updated the commission on shoreline restoration, PFAS contamination, low stream flows and toxic algal bloom monitoring, and proposed formation of a community advisory board for Wauchau Lake.",{"_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},6268037,"Lakewood planning staff outlines five-year CDBG/HOME plan prioritizing housing, small infrastructure projects",363,405000,768000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3060727-aa2717e0623290840b1d4c96d7eec9bc&start=405&end=768","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3060727-aa2717e0623290840b1d4c96d7eec9bc/thumbnail_405000.jpg","/articles/6268037/Lakewood/Pierce-County/Washington/Lakewood-planning-staff-outlines-five-year-CDBGHOME-plan-prioritizing-housing-small-infrastructure-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268037-14d09d7654b84b5ede541bf5bcb9072a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773775590&Signature=FRBz~minayT2YR6cnLghfaims7KWGWajRWLHHAoyyKK6UojpSAZ2plzInixU-enxo7dlKgSTDDd1XFRqCcngz6bu4KXazE~I5B4w7U5iB85dvIJKNon8N2JfAWSxvOSNwNIZ5nXCTgB-oPjFIQnf8bWWa7IFsSrirvg2W9~QL7yWstyAJOtnaU9w8uhblCXuWGLChnqU6s5zi6f2zUyeR3pXREusRFEmnft3UnNx-pt1FDzOzFW4CxLTaXz2i2cWA0i5wMHtPgHgv~cRvn2m9AF~3w7YS~VKiQSVEMq~74d9Wg~WJDQOYiCUqF-LQB32B01m9M3B5dZzNbpOK76O6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City planning staff presented the draft five-year consolidated plan that would direct Lakewood's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funds over the next five years, including a single-year action plan for the first year.

The presenter told the commission that the federal grants come through HUD and that Lakewood's available annual allocations are relatively small compared with larger jurisdictions: \"we typically get about $500,000 in CDBG funds and about $300,000 in HOME funds,\" the planning presenter said. Staff said public outreach and two public hearings contributed to the draft goals and priorities.

The draft plan proposes five overall goals: advance economic development and equity, prevent and reduce homelessness and housing instability, support diverse rental and homeownership opportunities, support public infrastructure improvements, and stabilize existing residents and neighborhoods. The presenter said the city's emphasis will be mostly housing- and infrastructure-related because of the funding scale.

Key quantitative proposals in the draft five-year plan include:
- Rehab 20 owner-occupied single-family homes for low-income homeowners.
- Provide emergency assistance to 60 households (programs to prevent displacement, move residents to safer properties, and assist with relocation expenses).
- Assist 90 individuals with emergency assistance for displaced residents.
- New HOME-funded tenant-based rental assistance focused on deposit assistance to serve about 50 individuals over five years.
- Construct 8 affordable single-family units with nonprofit partners (Habitat or local homeownership centers) and 5 affordable units inside multifamily developments.
- Infrastructure projects intended to serve approximately 20,910 residents (counted by census block groups) over five years and demolish up to 15 dangerous buildings for redevelopment.

Staff described a phased approach: year 1 emphasis on housing; year 2 on infrastructure near Edgewater Park (sidewalks, lighting) using CDBG funds in 2026; year 3 returning to housing projects; years 4 and 5 concentrating on additional infrastructure needs such as sidewalk and street lighting work near Pine Street and Seminole Road by Taie Elementary.

Commissioners asked about permitting and regulatory barriers to building housing. The presenter said permitting reform is underway: \"the director now is working on a new software system to allow easier permitting, kind of tying up some of the loose end that we had multiple different applications...\" That change is intended to streamline applications and reduce duplicative submittals.

Why it matters: CDBG and HOME funds are targeted to households at or below 80% of area median income. With Lakewood's allocations modest in size, staff emphasized targeting projects that can be completed in small phases (blocks or short sidewalk segments) where federal rules and compliance burden can be managed.

What happens next: staff continue public outreach and will take the consolidated plan through the city's advisory boards and Council for final adoption and to submit required HUD documents. The plan as presented is a draft and subject to public comment and revision.

Sources and limits: The presenter summarized outreach and draft metrics; actual funding awards, program details, and final household counts will be set in the adopted plan and annual action plans submitted to HUD.","Planning staff presented the draft five-year consolidated plan for CDBG and HOME funds, proposing homeowner rehab, emergency assistance, tenant-based rental deposit assistance, small infrastructure projects and demolition of dangerous buildings.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning commission expands residential target areas, removes 12-year MFTE extension authorization

Planning commission approves 2025 comp plan amendments, rezones a park parcel and sets 400-sq-ft ADU minimum

Watershed council urges stronger groundwater and stormwater management, recommends Wauchau Lake advisory board

Lakewood planning staff outlines five-year CDBG/HOME plan prioritizing housing, small infrastructure projects