Committee considers interim rule to bar off-premises alcohol outlets within 500 feet of schools, parks and libraries

City planning staff presented an interim zoning policy that would prohibit new off-premises alcohol outlets within 500 feet of specified public assets — schools, parks, libraries, transit centers and similar facilities — to reduce potential public-safety and health impacts near those assets.

Adam McDaniel explained the interim proposal is modeled on existing zoning standards used for marijuana businesses and would protect public assets while preserving legal exceptions: grocery stores, hotels, pharmacies, supermarkets and on-premises establishments such as restaurants would not be covered. The draft also preserves existing nonconforming uses within the 500-foot buffer.

McDaniel said state law currently notifies cities when applicants apply to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and that the city may object under state rules; the interim zoning would give the city clearer front-end control over siting. Staff proposed scheduling a public hearing for June 16 if council adopts the interim approach tonight and to continue work with the Planning Commission to craft a permanent code change.

Council members raised possible additions for the permanent ordinance, including adding addiction- or recovery-service locations or homeless-shelter facilities to the protected-asset list. McDaniel said those categories could be considered for the permanent policy but that the interim draft did not include them because the city lacks a centralized database of such facilities to support an immediate regulatory step.

The committee discussed brewery practices (on-premises license with some off-site sales) and the need to clarify definitions for items such as taprooms that sell packaged product. No formal council vote was recorded during the committee briefing; staff said they will workshop permanent language with the Planning Commission.