[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-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],{"_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",6532124,"mediaKeyId","3424205-69a626098b57d84d4de6ad0a8ac14cf9","parentId",3424205,"title","Kennewick adopts middle‑housing package and related planning code updates; council debates lot‑size and parking standards","audioSeconds",2144,"startMs",4663000,"endMs",6807000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3424205-69a626098b57d84d4de6ad0a8ac14cf9&start=4663&end=6807","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3424205-69a626098b57d84d4de6ad0a8ac14cf9/thumbnail_4663000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6532124/Kennewick-City/Benton-County/Washington/Kennewick-adopts-middlehousing-package-and-related-planning-code-updates-council-debates-lotsize-and-parking-standards","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532124-1e2dde7c68b221e776a3f61f6394ebab/orig.mp4?Expires=1770443021&Signature=NvD~O7wyYnSbafIsvgMWdTUnzgStm2bnbeSnlIuL-7JCTKhUwB1ETDGR4budJlfRmGdXj7gssKyB9XvXPADqCIyttKF8A-n213aezW-OPZLEce-sv1-VcqE3PjurlN~c91ZCwtuGVFEag~CDPrimjevK1iKFN5MJHlFMJS-NMTRimNsXplbNy313RBptOmp~F3~-4qGEYaAUfxqVeMj2cmGqrOi5kdL6gqwHPstkFu9X9Ruh1h7~8sPq02MkIRP0idgawA8FEJLa6SfSPvkx8vxiSN8ELGYXJCCzVkXSgrhDZRGr2jKbK2dmDFCB6-gULIxY3WyY0RV2pkBNnYyH~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kennewick","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","Kennewick The Kennewick City Council adopted a suite of ordinances on May 20 that implement the state\u0000s middle‑housing mandate, adjust planning code language moved from the Kennewick Administrative Code into the Kennewick Municipal Code, and update rules on minor variations and planned residential developments.

The package implements House Bill 1110\u0000s requirements and local development standards

Planning director Anthony Muay told council the local ordinances implement House Bill 1110 by allowing up to four middle‑housing units on every single‑family lot in applicable residential zones; the code also provides an option for two additional bonus units if they are restricted as affordable for 50 years. \"The bill allows cities, or requires cities to, of Kennewick size to allow 4 dwelling units, 4 middle housing units on every residential lot zoned for single family dwellings,\" Muay said during the presentation.

Key implementation details adopted or discussed

- Unit density: base allowance of four units per single‑family lot; up to two additional units allowed if those units meet local affordability tests and covenants (50‑year affordability term). Affordability thresholds in the presentation: rental units affordable at no more than 60% MFI; for sale units affordable at no more than 80% MFI.
- Parking: the adopted language follows the statute\u0000s parking thresholds: lots 6,000 square feet or smaller may be required to provide one parking space per unit; lots larger than 6,000 square feet may be required to provide two parking spaces per unit. Council discussed an amendment (not adopted) to raise the Residential Low minimum lot size to 6,001 square feet so some lots would automatically require two spaces per unit.
- Lot size and setbacks: the package adjusts minimum lot sizes, lot widths and some setbacks in RS, RL and RMH zones to provide more infill flexibility and to align townhome and townhouse standards across zones.
- Driveways and shared access: the code was adjusted to allow shared driveways to serve multiple lots or units if they meet minimum width and safety requirements (20 feet preferred; 12 feet with sprinklered buildings in some cases). Length thresholds and other fire‑safety related dimensions remain in policy.
- Utilities: amendments permit two units to share one water and sewer service connection under specific circumstances; condominiums or lots subdivided for individual sale require separate connections for each unit unless waived by public works director.
- Design standards and review: the single‑family design standards manual was retitled for middle housing; the plan review process for middle housing will follow the single‑family process rather than a separate site‑plan trigger, though development thresholds (impervious area, stormwater) still trigger public‑works and stormwater requirements.

Council debate and outcome

Councilors questioned whether the city should require larger minimum lot sizes in Residential Low (RL) to ensure two parking spaces per unit on many lots. Councilmember McShane moved to amend the RL minimum lot size to 6,001 square feet (to change the trigger for two required parking spaces); that amendment failed on a 2‑5 vote.

After discussion, the council adopted the middle‑housing ordinances largely as presented, with several related planning code transfers and clarifications. The council also removed one sentence from the planned residential development (PRD) purpose section after members and staff agreed the sentence was redundant or potentially confusing.

Other planning and zoning actions

The council approved administrative changes transferring rules from the Kennewick Administrative Code into the Kennewick Municipal Code across several sections (park regulations, land‑use permit language, minor variation decision criteria). Council also adopted amended decision criteria for minor variations (10% or less) so applicants and staff have clearer standards when minor deviations are requested.

Votes at a glance (selected ordinances tied to the middle‑housing/code package)

- 6D1 Public water system connections (KMC 14.09.080): Motion to adopt as presented; moved by Mayor Pro Tem Torelli; seconded by Council member McShane; vote 7–0, passed.
- 6D2 Sewer service connections (KMC 14.22.030): Motion to adopt as presented; moved by Mayor Pro Tem Torelli; seconded by Council member Milbauer; vote 7–0, passed.
- 6D3 Definitions for middle housing (multiple KMC sections): Motion to adopt as presented; moved by Council member Anderson; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Torelli; vote 7–0, passed.
- 6D4 (Administrative code transfers and related definitions): Motion to adopt as presented; moved by Council member Milbauer; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Torelli; vote 7–0, passed.
- 6D5 Zone districts and standards (KMC sections on minimum lot sizes and unit density): An initial motion to amend the Residential Low minimum lot size to 6,001 failed 2–5. The council then voted to adopt the ordinance as presented (no lot‑size change); final vote passed (vote recorded as unanimous in the minutes after a brief voting system problem).
- 6D6 Landscaping (KMC 18.21): Motion to adopt as presented; moved by Mayor Pro Tem Torelli; seconded by Council member Milbauer; final vote 6–1 (Council member Anderson stated he would vote no), passed.
- 6D7 Off‑street parking (KMC 18.36): Motion to adopt as presented; moved by Mayor Pro Tem Torelli; seconded by Council member Anderson; vote 7–0, passed.
- 6D8 Land use permits (KMC 18.42.110): Motion to adopt as presented; moved by Mayor Pro Tem Torelli; seconded by Council member Anderson; vote 7–0, passed.
- 6D9 Residential design standards and renaming and updates (KMC 18.75): Motion to adopt as presented; moved by Mayor Pro Tem Torelli; seconded by council; vote 7–0, passed.

What council and staff said

Planning manager Steve Donovan and Director Anthony Muay emphasized that the adopted changes were drafted to meet the state law while preserving design and safety standards. Muay called the package \"an attempt to increase flexibility for infill and to align our local standards with the new state requirements.\" Councilors pressed staff on stormwater, driveway surfacing, and how the city will review impervious area and drainage for multi‑unit projects developed under the middle‑housing rules.

Councilors and staff agreed on two practical follow‑ups: (1) staff will update permitting checklists and online materials ahead of the code\u0000s effective date (the city set an effective date of July 1 for most middle‑housing ordinances to allow permitting updates), and (2) staff will track early implementation issues (parking/driveway/stormwater triggers) and return with clarifying code edits if necessary.

Ending

The council adopted the middle‑housing package and related planning updates on a series of motions. Several council members said they supported the goal of increasing housing options and flexibility while asking staff to monitor implementation to avoid unintended parking or drainage impacts in older neighborhoods.

Direct quotes

\"The bill allows cities, or requires cities to, of Kennewick size to allow 4 dwelling units, 4 middle housing units on every residential lot zoned for single family dwellings,\" Planning Director Anthony Muay said during his presentation.

\"I just have to say this was surprising that it was an issue to have confetti filled pinatas such that we had to codify it,\" Council member Anderson said during a separate parks ordinance discussion.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Kennewick - City Council - May 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Kennewick City Council adopted a suite of ordinances on May 20 implementing Washington\u0000s middle‑housing law and related planning code transfers, while debating parking triggers and minimum lot sizes.","taxTitle","Kennewick City, Benton County, Washington","taxId",5807,"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},6532129,"Kennewick contract lobbyist reviews 2025 legislative session; city wins $750,000 for Columbia Park boat launch",1037,753000,1790000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3424205-69a626098b57d84d4de6ad0a8ac14cf9&start=753&end=1790","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3424205-69a626098b57d84d4de6ad0a8ac14cf9/thumbnail_753000.jpg","/articles/6532129/Kennewick-City/Benton-County/Washington/Kennewick-contract-lobbyist-reviews-2025-legislative-session-city-wins-750000-for-Columbia-Park-boat-launch","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532129-0e710e98caf3f41452e9108ee8fbfe6a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770443021&Signature=hGE3M0-4-lNtPnqgtTjMimxheZ5rH7bTtxGZ0dJz6QcP7Yj7n8R8-o8da47T9mlNsWeQsCs9Kgu3fSWk3JxyBVA1vnUH8Depa-h8TL5gvUWzGzIZV4Lptm6bZ0FOYUJeMthc~gNV2bEba2jxea4g2vK515yYflHdRVZPnQeREVY7rYBO9Ql350XW6BS5XYUSTftAwOuQyiiI1JXETyxcv5E2eKIRVtf~cRFHrTNDXhOGdRJT3n1Gb11aINxqtWO337gJc9Y-s8P6loI1VVc2LGC~np97YMVcdVorVQ2-iymb637R3ZxaK~8rOJ7Yemkf-V48WY4tS1NHyqiBIJgrQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kennewick Contract lobbyist Brianna Murray told the Kennewick City Council on May 20 that the 2025 Washington Legislature produced mixed results for the city but secured one clear local appropriation: $750,000 in the capital budget for a Columbia Park boat launch replacement.

Murray, a partner with Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Relations, told council members the city originally requested $1.3 million and received roughly half the ask in the final capital budget. \"The final capital budget included $750,000 for that project, which is half of what we had requested,\" Murray said, adding that the award was larger than the year's average local appropriation and worth thanking the city\u0000s 8th District legislators for advancing the request.

Why it matters: the appropriation provides state capital funds that the city can use toward a high‑profile Columbia Park project. Murray said the remaining city work will focus on implementation and pursuing additional funding on future legislative cycles.

Session context and statewide impacts

Murray framed the session as the first year of Washington\u0000s two‑year biennium, noting the Legislature approved a roughly $77.8 billion combined budget with about $2.3 billion in reserves. Lawmakers generated roughly $4.3 billion in new revenue in that budget, she said, and passed just over 400 bills of the more than 2,500 introduced.

She called out major budget pressures stemming from slower revenue growth compared with earlier forecasts and rising costs tied to collective bargaining agreements. Murray also flagged a $15 billion projected four‑year shortfall that shaped budget choices.

Local requests and outcomes

- Columbia Park boat launch: $750,000 appropriation (requested $1.3 million). Murray said the appropriation should be seen as a \"strong win\" because many communities received no capital funding this year.
- At‑grade rail study: The city requested funding for an at‑grade rail safety/operations study; the transportation budget provided no new project or study funding this session. Murray said legislators expressed interest in a broader Tri‑Cities regional study and suggested the city work regionally to gain traction next session.
- Columbia Center Boulevard widening: A $14.7 million construction request did not receive final funding, though Murray said the Senate proposal had included the project on a list of new projects during negotiations.
- Public safety communications: Murray said the city\u0000s request was not advanced this session.
- Public Facility District (3 Rivers Convention Center): The Legislature approved House Bill 1109, extending the sales‑tax credit the PFD receives from 40 to 55 years, which Murray said improves the PFD\u0000s ability to bond against the revenue stream.

Policy notes and risks

Murray flagged several policy and fiscal items for council attention: proposals affecting local land‑use authority (including a state mandate to allow a one‑time lot split in certain situations), the Department of Commerce\u0000s new auditing authority over up to 10 jurisdictions a year for land‑use compliance, and a new $100 million grant program to hire law enforcement officers. She also noted a newly allowed local option: jurisdictions may increase a sales‑tax rate by one‑tenth of a percent for criminal justice purposes; Murray said there are compliance strings tied to the grant program that jurisdictions must consider.

Murray warned that federal changes to Medicaid reimbursement could prompt a special session or require the state to adjust eligibility or identify offsetting resources; she said this is a continuing risk that could affect local budgets and services.

Council questions

Council members asked about agency reductions, federal funding for salmon culvert work, and the legislative pay commission. Murray answered that most state agencies absorbed at least a 3% reduction and that some budget items and studies were vetoed by the governor. She also urged council members and staff to thank the city\u0000s 8th District legislators Senator Boehnke, Representative Connors and Representative Bernard for their work during the session.

What\u0000s next

Murray said she will provide a finalized written report reflecting the governor\u0000s actions and that staff and council will have work ahead implementing projects and state funding. She recommended beginning preparations for the 2026 session, which opens Jan. 12, 2026.

Quotes

\"The final capital budget included $750,000 for that project, which is half of what we had requested,\" Brianna Murray said of the Columbia Park boat launch appropriation.

\"I would strongly encourage you all to thank your Eighth District Legislator, Senator Boehnke, Representative Connors, and Representative Bernard,\" Murray said, calling the funding and feedback \"a team effort.\"","At the May 20 Kennewick City Council meeting, the city\u0000s contract lobbyist, Brianna Murray of Gordon Thomas Honeywell, summarized outcomes from the 2025 Washington Legislature, including a $750,000 capital appropriation for the Columbia Park boat launch and changes to public facility district financing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Kennewick adopts middle‑housing package and related planning code updates; council debates lot‑size and parking standards

Kennewick contract lobbyist reviews 2025 legislative session; city wins $750,000 for Columbia Park boat launch