The Vancouver City Council on Aug. 11 approved a rezoning that changes two parcels at Northeast 50 Ninth Street (13401 and 13309 NE 50th Ninth) from R18 to R30, clearing the way for a conceptual plan that envisions about 164 market-rate apartment units on the northern portion of the 6.2-acre site.

The applicant, represented by Jimmy Buell and an ownership group that described itself as family-run and experienced in below-market-rate multifamily management, told council the project aligns with the city’s housing needs and that the planning commission had unanimously recommended approval. Staff noted the site includes hydric soils and modeled wetlands in the southern portion adjacent to Burnt Bridge Creek; the applicant’s approved conceptual site plan leaves much of the southern area undeveloped and concentrates units in the northern portion of the parcel.

Bruce Barnes, a resident who spoke during public comment, questioned whether additional apartments would worsen traffic and stressed infrastructure concerns; council members who voted in favor noted there is existing infrastructure to serve the proposal and that the project uses density bonuses intended to support affordable housing outcomes.

Councilor Fox moved to approve the comprehensive-plan zoning change to R30; the motion passed unanimously by roll call (Harless — aye; Perez — aye; Fox — aye; Paulson — aye; Stober — aye; Hansen — aye; Mayor McInerney Ogle — aye). The council’s action amends the zoning map to allow R30 development on the identified parcels; subsequent site-plan review will determine specific design, stormwater and wetland mitigation, access and parking requirements.

Why it matters: The rezoning increases the site’s allowable density, creating capacity for hundreds of additional dwelling units citywide and applying standards (R30) that the applicant says will allow economically priced housing the owner-operator intends to self-manage at below-market rents.

Next steps: With the zoning change approved, the applicant may proceed to site-plan review and permitting, including wetland and hydric-soil studies, stormwater management, and final unit mix and parking decisions. Council and staff noted that neighborhood impacts, environmental constraints near Burnt Bridge Creek, and infrastructure capacity should be addressed in the site-plan process.

This report is based on the staff presentation, applicant testimony and council public hearing at the Aug. 11 meeting.