[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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",6252993,"mediaKeyId","3184006-85447534ef823e9bfd9b94d7603618d5","parentId",3184006,"title","Council leans toward 4‑units‑per‑lot/Kent model, asks staff to draft middle‑housing and ADU ordinance","audioSeconds",1905,"startMs",1046000,"endMs",2951000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3184006-85447534ef823e9bfd9b94d7603618d5&start=1046&end=2951","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3184006-85447534ef823e9bfd9b94d7603618d5/thumbnail_1046000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6252993/Des-Moines-City/King-County/Washington/Council-leans-toward-4unitsperlotKent-model-asks-staff-to-draft-middlehousing-and-ADU-ordinance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252993-36b31194b62ccf72518f6a2b20a93218/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169315&Signature=AUQHfoEt54a5vEZFukdG62NUpuzYJXVkZt8yDh7K0AfOQjCTqtrxgKFHt86KDYeZ99U-AUNinlvwB8LB8efQuQdwvhrMz911uVdl9FnLz1GX63H2ZOTthAX2q3Fxs6TVn95vdAij7tL2ZwJsqkC0RGN-UMnKHKnnc0vClDJZGrChU4zZq5q2WwTMRi2GqwQJjDGp793aieItFLMiQMKfNVL1xIsrCrnj~dEqMPKGbRVkMaflCUmrVJFzvM-CfYmefVBiEAt6TZ0sUNUrfbPyxAlz3SJxY1FBB2dXdSh7P9ZJDVq5gudfMAbxn3gxy3jOJBBDN9ZhuEuO7LXfRz4qgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Des Moines City, WA","date","2025-05-02T14:43:15Z","article","Planning and Development Services Manager Lawrence Chico and Community Development Director Rebecca Deming briefed the Committee of the Whole on draft code changes intended to implement recent state legislation on middle housing and accessory dwelling units.

What staff said: Chico summarized the state requirement to permit a set of middle‑housing types (including duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses and cottage housing) in single‑family and lower‑density multifamily zones and noted the city must adopt regulations by June 30 or the state model ordinance will take effect. The packet presented three policy questions: (1) maximum unit density per lot, (2) minimum and maximum unit sizes for different housing types, and (3) parking requirements.

Council direction and discussion:
- Density: Staff proposed several ways to implement density limits, including the city of Kent’s approach — a flat minimum of 4 units per lot or an equivalent 24 units per acre — which several councilmembers favored. The Committee indicated consensus (head nods) to pursue the Kent model (4 units per lot / 24 units per acre) as a working policy to carry forward.
- ADUs: The state ADU bill discussed at the meeting requires at least two ADUs to be permitted per residential lot. Councilmembers directed staff to count ADUs toward a lot’s unit maximum. Staff proposed (and council discussed) capping the number of ADUs (for example, 3) so larger clusters would be developed as cottage housing rather than as many ADUs on a single lot.
- Unit sizes and parking: Staff described proposed size ranges (discussed moving ADU maximums from 800 to 1,200 square feet in the draft, and potential overlapping size bands for cottage housing) and noted parking requirements are still under review with building and transportation divisions. Councilmembers asked for clarity about how setbacks, irregular or substandard lots, and critical areas affect buildability; staff reiterated state ADU provisions allow conversions and some setback flexibility (e.g., alley access exceptions) but not wholesale setback waivers.

Why it matters: Cities must adopt implementing regulations quickly to avoid imposition of the state model ordinance. The council’s choices will affect lot capacity, housing type mix, design outcomes, and which development forms (ADUs, cottage housing, townhomes) are incented.

Next steps and timing: Staff said it will prepare a draft ordinance for public hearing; council indicated support for bringing the draft back rapidly (staff mentioned returning as soon as next week, and noted the June 30 compliance deadline).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting 5/1/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Planning staff asked the Committee of the Whole for policy direction on implementing state middle‑housing and ADU laws; councilmembers generally favored a Kent-style density approach (4 units per lot or 24 units per acre) and asked staff to count ADUs toward lot maximums while exploring a cap to encourage cottage housing.","taxTitle","Des Moines City, King County, Washington","taxId",51807,"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},6252998,"Council directs staff to draft alarm-ordinance update keeping $25 registration, tightening false-alarm penalties",548,201000,749000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3184006-85447534ef823e9bfd9b94d7603618d5&start=201&end=749","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3184006-85447534ef823e9bfd9b94d7603618d5/thumbnail_201000.jpg","/articles/6252998/Des-Moines-City/King-County/Washington/Council-directs-staff-to-draft-alarm-ordinance-update-keeping-25-registration-tightening-false-alarm-penalties","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252998-0f5b1340aeecbc4f9acb88b0cf69c38b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169315&Signature=jdxxKe531HnWZm-Wi-ioXafdKdgX0s83krgREQ6qrWka7rJP~r~ymb3iNIceY~KcnPEmB4TGbrhY7i23QqlRlbw99WXPXfdHMFGt1uFfmY0a9O9sbqTvUiLJI4~VrQbQefahNG~0O97tCg75br3KLufrmLaUC0YMkcdWTSuPjTOdvlERHY0Ttnd9maLLlHtRlm8O6VvI7LQiCjLVnfVp6kVpGQraodME43VDlvcfZSJAlmSoOg8wal1UdSUVXl-V11lX18SzrCdKPg5E-qjvBlZM7tQctWLmfE2-kJNwNDO6tAnJxO0iAcejR0wEaMElP68ol7WTAh6vTXccG6h82g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Attorney Tim George told the Des Moines City Council Committee of the Whole on April 3 that the city needs to update its alarm ordinance, last revised in February 2006, and staff is seeking policy direction on registration and false‑alarm fees.

The council indicated by head nods and comments that it supports keeping the annual alarm registration fee at $25 and asked staff to return with a draft ordinance implementing a stepped false‑alarm fee schedule and a professional third‑party manager to improve compliance and reduce officer responses. Tim George said the draft would distinguish alarm types (for example, panic codes versus basic burglar alarms) and aim to recover response costs where appropriate.

Why it matters: Police responses to false alarms use officer time and resources. Council and staff framed the ordinance update as an effort to increase registration rates, improve alarm-system maintenance and contact information, and reduce unnecessary officer responses.

Key details from the discussion:
- Current registration: George said the city’s registration fee is $25 per year and that neighboring jurisdictions’ fees vary; the city’s $25 is at the high end among those reviewed.
- Nonregistration and fines: Staff noted there is already a $200 nonregistration fine in the municipal code; enforcement has included officer discretion to issue that fee for unregistered alarms.
- False‑alarm structure: The existing code previously allowed two free false alarms before fees; George described a proposed model in which the first false alarm in a 12‑month period would generate a warning and subsequent responses would be stair‑stepped at higher penalties, with penalties tied to alarm type and level of police response.
- Compliance strategy: Council and staff discussed contracting with a specialized alarm‑management vendor to identify alarm customers, send registration notices, bill annually, and pursue late fees—actions staff said would raise registration and maintenance compliance and reduce officer responses.

What staff will do next: George said staff will prepare a draft ordinance with the proposed fee chart, legal review of statutory requirements, and implementation details, then return to the council—likely later in April or in May—for a formal council vote.

Attribution: Quotes and specific policy proposals in this item came from Tim George, City Attorney; the Committee of the Whole discussion included Councilmember Mahoney, Councilmember Ochsiger, Deputy Mayor Steinmetz, Councilmember Harris and other councilmembers who asked questions and offered direction.

Ending: The Committee of the Whole provided staff direction but took no final vote; staff will bring a formal ordinance for council action at a later meeting.","City Attorney Tim George told the April 3 Committee of the Whole that Des Moines needs to update its alarm ordinance (last amended Feb. 2006) and sought council direction on registration and false‑alarm fees.",{"_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},6252987,"Des Moines adopts blue sailboat logo after committee debate on font, color and layout",2533,3088000,5621000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3184006-85447534ef823e9bfd9b94d7603618d5&start=3088&end=5621","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3184006-85447534ef823e9bfd9b94d7603618d5/thumbnail_3088000.jpg","/articles/6252987/Des-Moines-City/King-County/Washington/Des-Moines-adopts-blue-sailboat-logo-after-committee-debate-on-font-color-and-layout","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252987-f7ef0d6ad17a26094adf148caeee6298/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169315&Signature=OM2LMGr~i2DIHpTrskZ8AGWugOduf643AOlp5zj06J8BHNf-ruXf48QpYu5rXa4lTEv~CWGHT-iuP7gbgTlp2zVIc0c6reb5eAa9gdwvAWF-jclUbQwLev186~ichjPORK8TXRIuCSrgAwqcpnaWir7mkHkWei24mc5MqhH86DsVopfjRQTUVK3wWQxdPoTIH2WRqIsfH3AV7DEz0IZFhzsyOZit2VnrFOG66xM6rrjh6~X71IPwH4Gbbp5MJSUfbpI-a7GU6msY9ORsPqoojumLiKHI2-YiYQm2bMJydjSSA4EMNzM3a8NEo1kbmovjP5UMqqzmz5mSkApr6gStrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Administrative Services Director Bonnie Wilkins presented logo concepts to the Des Moines City Council at its May 1 study session, outlining public and council input on palette, typography and motif options.

What the council decided: After discussion and several procedural votes, the council narrowed design choices to a blue sailboat motif (staff’s Concept 1 palette) with a sans/open font (staff used Concept 7 font in navy). In a final vote to select the top‑left design option presented, the council voted 4‑3 to adopt the chosen blue sailboat logo. The council asked staff and the graphic designer to finalize art files and prepare a rollout plan that retains the selected navy/blue palette and simplified motif (no sunset), and to keep the mark readable across print, web and embroidered merchandise.

Why it matters: The city’s visual identity is used across letterhead, signage, vehicles, uniforms and merchandise; the council balanced brand recognition with readability for print and embroidery when choosing color, font weight and the removal of a sunset option earlier in the process.

Key details and process notes:
- Staff recommendation: the consultant recommended a navy/light‑blue palette tied to the city’s waterfront identity; staff presented nine concepts and appendices of alternate palettes and mockups on letterhead and apparel.
- Council choices: members debated color (blue vs. alternatives), font weight (thicker vs. open sans), and whether the boat should be slightly off‑center to convey motion; several votes refined the font and color before the final logo vote.
- Final vote: Council adopted the logo (top‑left blue sailboat variant) in a 4‑3 vote; staff will finalize files and return with implementation details for signage and materials.

Attribution: Presentation and concept overview by Bonnie Wilkins, Director of Administrative Services; council input came from Councilmember Nutting, Deputy Mayor Steinmetz, Councilmember Mahoney, Councilmember Ochsiger, Councilmember Grace Matsui and Councilmember Harris.","After deliberation on color, type and layout, the City Council selected a simplified blue sailboat as Des Moines’ new logo and approved a navy/light‑blue palette and a sans/open font.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6252983,"Council reviews economic development and neighborhood chapters of comp plan; asks for maps, workforce training language and trail connectivity edits",0,6075000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3184006-85447534ef823e9bfd9b94d7603618d5&start=6075&end=6075","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3184006-85447534ef823e9bfd9b94d7603618d5/thumbnail_6075000.jpg","/articles/6252983/Des-Moines-City/King-County/Washington/Council-reviews-economic-development-and-neighborhood-chapters-of-comp-plan-asks-for-maps-workforce-training-language-and-trail-connectivity-edits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252983-780850aab38b3b127ca81490bffbfa9c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169315&Signature=Ecm1sH4SVRdYHsLmDQhXch6jqVFEreNUjQtEsHpnDdr3PGx~u8XVr~wXd4a-amFfi2uVC~LkfbDbH5vA8GEKAcEK9a5cq3P8G9UUqsDreoR-H23U0oGQnUi7LitSv~nKg9c96f-xxrOSutmIy4sfAgI1mZxCSbIb2wWX-AIPFM3ThLv1eSrAWoXIJtd93AyuW0f6z~~mT5NaBQIqdgBsF2R~a2wa6HwzPQkdcVi-Dny5LacEn-icarHOPS9hbLiQL7CAGAhimyLkRSohW7nR3fvwiQFjz9s4Z2p7I20cbgDf0knYQzxd4yab2zGpVCHHb3AJ5vpmjuTTzZWztVGruQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Community Development Director Rebecca Deming presented proposed updates to four chapters of the Des Moines comprehensive plan—Economic Development, North Central Neighborhood (Innovation District), Marina District, and Pacific Ridge—part of the 10‑year periodic review required by the Growth Management Act (GMA).

Staff overview: Deming said the comp plan update updates background data, aligns policies with recent investments, and reflects the city’s role in the regional economy; the plan must be updated periodically and land‑use, housing and transportation elements will follow on the stated schedule (land use and housing in June; transportation in July/August).

Council feedback and staff direction:
- Economic development: Councilmember Mahoney asked staff to emphasize mixed‑use redevelopment opportunities along Pacific Highway and to make the economic element clearer about integrating uses as sites redevelop. Council concurred with staff updates to employment data and policies supporting small business and mixed use.
- North Central Neighborhood / Innovation District: Council asked staff to add explicit language on workforce education and training in proximity to jobs and transit (to be added alongside workforce housing language). Councilmembers discussed clarifying that the Innovation District’s objectives include small‑business incubation and did not intend to preclude similar efforts elsewhere; staff will adjust wording and correct pluralization where needed.
- Marina District: Council asked staff to add maps and to include a policy funding projects that invite community gatherings, local business activity and tourism through walkability and multimodal access. Councilmembers requested a clause explicitly encouraging bicycle connectivity that links Barnes Creek Trail and Des Moines Creek Trail (added language to include those connections but with wording such as “including, but not limited to,” to remain flexible).
- Pacific Ridge: No major policy changes proposed; council asked only for continued attention to open space and for staff to consider opportunities where future development might provide parks or play space.

Why it matters: The comp plan sets the city’s high‑level policy framework for development, infrastructure and investments over 20 years. Council direction will shape implementation measures, zoning changes and capital investments.

Next steps: Staff will incorporate council edits (maps for chapters, added workforce training language for the Innovation District, revised Marina District connectivity and public‑space language) and return drafts in the next rounds of hearings.","At its May 1 study session the council reviewed Chapters 8–11 of the comprehensive plan (economic development, North Central Neighborhood, Marina District, Pacific Ridge). Staff sought policy direction and council asked for added maps, language linking education/train","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council leans toward 4‑units‑per‑lot/Kent model, asks staff to draft middle‑housing and ADU ordinance

Council directs staff to draft alarm-ordinance update keeping $25 registration, tightening false-alarm penalties

Des Moines adopts blue sailboat logo after committee debate on font, color and layout

Council reviews economic development and neighborhood chapters of comp plan; asks for maps, workforce training language and trail connectivity edits