Council advances interim middle-housing ordinance, adds volcanic-hazard exemption near hillsides

The Puyallup City Council on June 3 approved first reading of an interim zoning ordinance to implement state middle-housing rules from House Bill 1110 and voted to exempt lots within a half-mile walking distance of the base of surrounding elevations from a proposed volcanic-hazard restriction.

Why it matters: the state law requires cities to allow several types of “middle housing” (duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and similar small multiunit types) in single-family residential zones to increase housing choices. The council’s action creates interim standards that must be in place before the June 30 statutory deadline and includes a locally negotiated exception for volcanic hazard areas after debate about evacuation logistics in the valley.

Katie Baker, senior planner, summarized the state requirement and the city’s interim approach, saying: “This is an interim zoning that we're requesting council take action on, so that we can get, compliant middle housing regulations in place prior to the June 30 deadline.” The draft would allow two middle-housing units…