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Puyallup adopts ADU code changes to comply with House Bill 13 37; council limits some uses in volcanic hazard area
Summary
Council adopted a permanent amendment to the city zoning code to align accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules with "House Bill 13 37," allowing up to two ADUs, removing owner-occupancy requirements and setting a 1,000-square-foot maximum while adding a three-bedroom cap and a volcanic-hazard-area restriction.
The Puyallup City Council voted 5–2 on June 17 to adopt zoning-code amendments implementing the changes required by "House Bill 13 37," updating the city’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules and removing some local barriers to ADU development.
The ordinance adopts state-mandated changes that, as described by Nabila Comstock, associate planner, include allowing up to two ADUs on lots zoned for single-family homes, eliminating owner-occupancy requirements and setting a maximum unit size of up to 1,000 square feet. "We are required to adopt these changes into our code by June thirtieth of this year," Comstock told the council.
Why it matters: The changes implement a state law intended to expand housing options and lower barriers to creating smaller, rental or family housing units. Council amendments during the process added local limits intended to address neighborhood and safety concerns.
Key points and council changes
- The ordinance aligns city code with the state law by permitting up to two ADUs on qualifying lots, removing the requirement that a property owner live on-site and allowing ADU sizes up to 1,000 square feet (state limit).
- The council amended the proposal to allow up to three bedrooms per ADU; staff had recommended removing a bedroom cap altogether to match the state’s intent.
- The final ordinance restricts ADU construction in the volcanic hazard area except for lots within one-half mile of the base of the surrounding hillside, mirroring a similar limitation added to a separate middle-housing ordinance.
- The vote was recorded as 5 in favor and 2 opposed; Council Member Adler and Council Member Dorr voted no.
Discussion and implementation
Council members debated timing, outreach and tools to ease implementation. Council Member Johnson said the changes open lower-cost home-ownership pathways and urged staff to prioritize follow-up work such as "preapproved" or permit-ready ADU plans to speed construction and reduce costs. City planning staff said the city's Housing Action Plan already lists preapproved ADU plans as a strategy and that staff can return with options for council direction.
The city will publish implementing code language and begin handling ADU permit applications under the new rules. Staff and several council members said they expect to return with additional code refinements tied to the comprehensive-plan process.
Ending
Council members split 5–2 on final passage. City staff said they will begin implementing the new standards and that other related code tasks — including exploring permit-ready ADU plans — are on the planning work program.
