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Council adopts interim middle-housing rules to meet state law; staff to pursue fuller study
Summary
Puyallup council approved a six-month interim zoning ordinance to allow middle housing in residential zones under House Bill 11 10, with an amendment excluding most volcanic-hazard areas; staff said the interim ordinance can be extended while the city performs a more detailed study tied to the comprehensive plan.
The Puyallup City Council on June 17 approved the second reading of an interim zoning ordinance adopting middle-housing regulations required by "House Bill 11 10," and added an exception limiting application within the city's volcanic hazard area.
Katie Baker, the planner who introduced the ordinance, said it implements state-required middle-housing allowances in residential zones and incorporates an amendment drafted at first reading that excludes the volcanic-hazard area except on lots within one-half mile of the surrounding hillside base. "The item before you is second reading of an interim ordinance to adopt regulations that allow middle housing in residential zones in compliance with House Bill 11 10," Baker told the council.
Why it matters: The interim ordinance is a time-limited mechanism that allows Puyallup to meet the state's statutory requirements while the city completes a more thorough, local planning process tied to the comprehensive plan.
Key details
- The ordinance is interim and remains in effect for six months; staff said they expect to request an extension if a permanent ordinance is not ready when the interim period ends.
- Council discussion acknowledged remaining policy questions and the need for a more comprehensive study. Council Member Whiting expressed concern and asked for further analysis; Mayor Jim Castelman said staff will seek funding and an RFP for the study so the work is grounded in data.
- A roll-call vote recorded 5 in favor and 2 opposed (Council Member Adler and Council Member Dorr), making the ordinance effective immediately.
Discussion and next steps
Council members said the interim ordinance "bookmarks" state compliance while giving the city six months to study finer points and coordinate the permanent regulations with the upcoming comprehensive-plan amendments. The city manager and planning staff said they will pursue a formal study and community engagement and expect to return with proposed permanent code amendments.
Ending
Council approved the interim ordinance with a plan to fund and commission a more thorough analysis and public outreach before adopting permanent middle-housing regulations.
