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Council schedules second readings to renew interim temporary‑use and residential parking rules
Summary
The council voted to schedule second readings for two ordinances renewing interim regulations: one governing temporary uses and outdoor dining (ordinance 25CO7) and another updating residential parking rules to comply with Washington’s SB 6015 (ordinance 25CO8).
Mercer Island City Council on May 6 moved to schedule second readings for two ordinances that would renew interim regulations: ordinance 25CO7 (temporary uses and outdoor dining) and ordinance 25CO8 (residential parking changes responsive to Senate Bill 6015). Both items were presented by planning staff; the council scheduled second readings for May 20.
Why it matters: renewing the interim rules extends existing local requirements while permanent regulations are drafted; SB 6015 changes state law on how parking is counted and required municipalities to adjust municipal code and standards.
Details - Temporary uses and outdoor dining (Ordinance 25CO7): Jeff Thomas (Planning) and senior planner Molly Maguire briefed council. Staff said interim regulations were first adopted June 4, 2024, to establish when a temporary‑use permit is required, exemptions, approval criteria, time limits, removal standards and assurance devices, and that outdoor‑dining rules (first adopted in 2020) were folded into the interim rules. Planning staff said permanent regulations are in development and the current recommendation was to schedule a May 20 second reading with no changes to the interim text.
- Residential parking (Ordinance 25CO8) and SB 6015: staff explained that Senate Bill 6015 (state law) alters what counts as a parking space for minimum parking requirements (allowing tandem spaces to count at a ratio, changing size/material rules, etc.). Council adopted emergency interim regulations June 4, 2024, to comply with the state law; staff recommended renewal without changes while permanent updates are prepared. The Washington Department of Commerce released guidance in January that staff will incorporate as appropriate.
Council actions (motions and roll calls) - Ordinance 25CO7 (temporary uses/outdoor dining): Motion to schedule second reading for May 20 was moved (recorded as moved by Council member Andral and seconded by Council member Weicker). Roll call recorded ayes from Mayor Nees, Council member Andral, Council member Reynolds, Council member Weicker, Deputy mayor Rosenbaum and Council member Weinberg; motion passed.
- Ordinance 25CO8 (residential parking/SB 6015): Motion to schedule second reading for May 20 was moved (moved by Council member Weinberg and seconded by Council member Andral). Roll call recorded ayes from Deputy mayor Rosenbaum, Council member Weinberg, Council member Reynolds, Council member Andral, Council member Weicker and Mayor Nees; motion passed.
Quotes Molly Maguire, Senior Planner: “The recommended action here is to move to schedule the second reading of ordinance number 25CO7 for 05/20/2025.”
Jeff Thomas, CPD Director: “In order to remain in compliance with senate bill 6015, this should be renewed with no changes.”
Next steps Both ordinances were scheduled for a May 20 second reading; staff said they are working with the Planning Commission on permanent regulations and will bring the finalized code updates and any necessary changes to the council for adoption after public hearings.
Ending The council’s votes preserved the current interim regulations while staff and the Planning Commission complete permanent code updates.
