Kennewick City Council unanimously adopts nine ordinances including utilities and zoning amendments

The Kennewick City Council convened on May 20, 2025, to address a series of ordinances aimed at updating the city's municipal code. The meeting began with a brief overview of the agenda, which included nine different ordinances primarily related to utilities and zoning.

The first item discussed was an ordinance concerning public water system connections. After a staff report, Mayor Pro Tem Tirelli moved to approve the ordinance, which was seconded by Councilmember McShane. The council voted unanimously in favor, passing the ordinance 7-0.

Next, the council addressed an ordinance related to sewage service. Again, Mayor Pro Tem Tirelli moved for approval, with Councilmember Millbauer seconding the motion. This ordinance also passed unanimously, with a 7-0 vote.

The third ordinance discussed involved definitions and amendments to various sections of the municipal code. Mayor Pro Tem Tirelli moved to adopt this ordinance, and Councilmember Milbauer seconded the motion. The council voted unanimously to approve it, resulting in another 7-0 decision.

The council then moved to the fourth ordinance, which was briefly out of order but ultimately addressed. It was properly moved and seconded, and like the previous items, it passed unanimously with a 7-0 vote.

Returning to the third item, the council read the ordinance title again and proceeded with a motion from Councilmember Anderson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tirelli. This ordinance also received unanimous approval, passing 7-0.

The fifth ordinance discussed related to zoning districts and standards. Councilmember McShane made a motion to adopt this ordinance, which was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tirelli. The council voted unanimously to approve it, marking yet another 7-0 outcome.

Overall, the meeting was characterized by a systematic approach to reviewing and approving multiple ordinances, all of which received unanimous support from the council members. The next steps involve implementing these changes, with particular attention to updating the permitting system and related documentation by the proposed effective date of July 1 for the middle housing ordinances.