The City Council on Wednesday approved Ordinance 5,512, a package of zoning code amendments that implement the recently adopted comprehensive plan. The planning commission had recommended the changes unanimously.

Planning Manager Garrett Jackson summarized the package as changes needed to carry out the plan's goals: updated mapping for Bay Vista and East Park sub area plans; a unit-lot subdivision type designed to encourage middle-housing infill; new middle-housing standards (duplexes, triplexes, townhomes) reflecting state requirements; lighting standards to reduce light spill; and targeted increases in maximum heights to keep wood-frame-over-podium construction economically feasible.

On middle housing, Jackson said the city will allow up to four middle-housing dwellings on a qualifying lot when one unit is reserved affordable and a title notice is recorded; the plan exempts critical-area buffers and shoreline jurisdictions from increased density. Jackson also described new lighting rules intended to reduce light pollution by requiring cut-off fixtures and limiting light trespass.

Height changes included raising medium-density maximum heights from 35 to 45 feet and allowing up to 65 feet in high-density and general-commercial zones; staff said the 65-foot cap accommodates wood-frame-over-podium construction and preserves lower-cost construction methods for larger multifamily projects.

The council adopted the ordinance unanimously. Public commenters again raised shoreline and process concerns; staff reiterated that the city's Shoreline Master Program and critical-area protections remain in effect and limit development in sensitive areas.