Hearing examiner takes testimony on Habitat for Humanity rezone; decision to be recommended to Pasco City Council

The City of Pasco hearing examiner held a public hearing Sept. 10 on Z2025-008, a rezone application submitted by Tri County Partners Habitat for Humanity on behalf of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources that would rezone two parcels totaling about 20 acres south of Burton Boulevard, west of Road 68 and north of Interstate 182.

Staff presenter Ivan Berrigan, Planner III with the City of Pasco, told the hearing the comprehensive plan designates parcel 117530015 as medium‑density residential and the applicable portion of parcel 117500118 as commercial. Berrigan said staff recommended rezoning parcel 117530015 (17.19 acres) from RT (Residential Transition) to R‑3 (Medium Density Residential) and rezoning a 2.81‑acre portion of parcel 117500118 from RT to C‑1 (Retail Business) to bring both parcels into consistency with the comprehensive plan. He also said the City, as lead agency, determined the proposal is exempt from SEPA under the cited WAC provisions.

Jett Richardson, executive director of Tri County Partners Habitat for Humanity, testified under oath and said, “We completely agree with the staff report and their findings,” and made himself available for questions. He later responded to concerns about taxes and income eligibility, saying, “Habitat families, like all low income families still pay taxes,” and that Habitat homebuyers must meet minimum criteria, including stable employment, and repay a low‑interest mortgage.

Two residents who live north of the proposed site spoke in opposition or with concerns during public testimony. John Varela, of 7602 Quadra Drive, said the site supports wildlife and questioned whether DNR‑leased housing would affect local tax revenue: “My question is, that land, if it's leased, those individuals… they wouldn't pay taxes on some of those land pieces.” Varela also raised traffic and drainage worries and estimated potential population increases based on the comprehensive plan’s 6–20 dwelling units per acre density range.

Nancy Cook, who said she was speaking for family members at 7704 Quadra, described traffic and safety problems in the immediate area and asked how those would be addressed if more housing is built, noting driving behavior at the intersection of Burton and Road 76 and recurring standing water following heavy rain.

Hearing examiner Andy Kotkin closed the public record for the item and said he would issue a written recommended decision within 10 working days; that written recommendation will be forwarded to the Pasco City Council, which will hold a closed‑record hearing and make the final decision.

Why it matters: If the rezone proceeds, parcel 117530015 could allow housing types at a density the comprehensive plan lists as 6–20 dwelling units per acre; the change would also allow a small commercial zoning designation on the adjacent parcel. Neighbors raised concerns about traffic capacity, public safety at nearby intersections, stormwater drainage and the tax status of housing on DNR land—issues that would normally be addressed in later permitting and project design phases, if and when a development application is submitted.

Next steps: The hearing examiner will issue a written recommendation within about two calendar weeks; the council will then consider the record and the examiner’s recommendation in a closed‑record review to make a final decision.