Sumner council adopts 2024 comprehensive plan update and related zoning, preservation and critical‑areas ordinances

The Sumner City Council unanimously approved four ordinances on Jan. 6 that adopt the city—s 2024 comprehensive plan update and related code changes.

Ryan Windisch, Economic and Community Development director, told the council that staff had spent two years on the 10‑year update and that final action would adopt the comprehensive plan, an environmental impact statement, a transportation plan and the capital facilities plan. "Once council approves it, then it would be sent off to the state. We record it with the state within 10 days, the Department of Commerce," Windisch said. He added that the ordinance would become valid five days after adoption and then be subject to a 60‑day appeal period.

Why it matters: The package establishes the city—s policy framework and land‑use policies for the coming decade and triggers required state filing and appeal timelines. The package also contains specific code changes intended to implement the plan—s housing and preservation goals.

The ordinances approved were: - Ordinance 2906, adopting the comprehensive plan, environmental impact statement, transportation plan and capital facilities plan; staff recommended approval. The council approved the ordinance by unanimous roll call. - Ordinance 2907, zoning code text amendments addressing housing types, densities and accessory dwelling unit allowances tied to the comprehensive plan update; staff recommended approval and the council approved it unanimously. - Ordinance 2908, zoning code text amendments for historic and cultural preservation regulations focused on the town center and historic central business district; the changes include a requirement that the State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation provide recommendations for buildings over 45 years old in cases that require SEPA review. The council approved the ordinance unanimously. - Ordinance 2909, amendments to critical areas regulations. Windisch said the city completed the state required "best available science" review and proposed adjustments including buffer‑width changes for some streams and updated definitions to align with state law. The council approved the ordinance unanimously.

Council discussion on the items was brief; Windisch noted the ordinances had already received public hearings on Dec. 2 and subsequent study sessions. No additional public testimony was taken at the Jan. 6 meeting for these items.

Votes at a glance: Each ordinance passed on unanimous roll call (7–0). After five days the ordinances become valid and they will be subject to a 60‑day appeal period as described by staff.

Notes and next steps: Staff said the city will file the adopted documents with the Washington State Department of Commerce within 10 days of adoption and will monitor for any appeals during the 60‑day window.