Council adopts emergency interim controls for downtown zoning; members seek review of multifamily exemption area

The Moses Lake City Council voted to adopt emergency interim controls to reinstate several zoning and code provisions that were inadvertently omitted during a recent code rewrite.

Planning staff said the omissions include the multifamily housing tax-exemption section and exterior side-yard setbacks; staff also noted an intentional removal of the Moses Lake Industrial Park text while the map had not been updated. The staff presentation said the reinstatements are needed to honor existing contracts and to ensure the code aligns with prior policy.

Several council members raised concerns about the scope and practical effects of one part of the code related to downtown commercial and residential orientation. Citizen Debbie Doran Martinez spoke during public comment, saying she supports housing in downtown but wants ground-level retail and storefronts to remain, with housing above. “I don't think we need to pass this as an emergency ordinance tonight,” she told the council, adding concern that new multiplex units could be placed next to businesses and that the city should “do it right the first time.”

Council member Lombardi and others said the original designation and mapping predated their terms on the council and did not adequately consider the business and real estate community. Several council members asked staff to examine the mapped tax-exemption area and return with recommended changes. Staff said the emergency ordinance would be followed by a standard review process, including Planning Commission and public hearings, and that council has up to six months to consider more substantive amendments.

The council approved the emergency interim controls ordinance to restore the omitted sections and directed staff to bring back a work plan and any recommended code changes for council consideration.