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Sumner council approves town‑center and planning ordinances, rejects 30th Street rezoning
Summary
At its Nov. 24 special meeting Sumner’s council approved multiple planning ordinances (town center plan update, form‑based code, planned action ordinance, capital facilities update, compensation amendment) and rejected a rezoning for 30th Street; one map amendment passed 5–1.
Sumner — The Sumner City Council took a series of land‑use and planning votes Nov. 24, adopting several ordinances tied to the Town Center update and approving a school‑district facilities plan amendment while rejecting one applicant‑initiated rezoning.
Council members moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2939, a Town Center plan update that adds new lot types and policy language intended to promote economic development and housing flexibility. Council then adopted Ordinance No. 2940, a set of zoning code text amendments (form‑based code updates) that clarify where new uses are permitted and add definitions such as mixed‑use lots and artisan manufacturing; the staff presentation said accessory dwelling units would be allowed in the Town Center on certain lots.
The council also adopted Ordinance No. 2941, a refreshed planned action ordinance that replaces the city’s 2018 planned action and updates thresholds to match housing and employment projections through 2044. The associate planner said the planned action references the 2024 final environmental impact statement (EIS) and the adopted transportation plan mitigation measures; staff noted the planning commission recommended approval for these items.
On a separate map amendment, staff presented Ordinance No. 2942 to redesignate 14 parcels in the Southeast Urban Growth Area; 10 parcels would change to medium‑density residential and four to interchange commercial. Braden Shannon (staff presenter) said planning commission recommended approval. Council discussion included traffic and service capacity concerns; Councilmember Kenna said he would vote no because of traffic and limited services, while another council member cited tax benefits and county context. The council passed the map amendment 5–1.
Council considered Ordinance No. 2943, an applicant‑initiated rezoning of a parcel at 14616 30th Street from low‑density residential to light industrial (M‑1). The planning commission voted unanimously not to recommend approval, and staff nonetheless recommended approval; the council voted the proposal down and the motion failed on roll call.
The council adopted Ordinance No. 2944 to incorporate the Sumner‑Bonney Lake School District’s 2024–2030 capital facilities plan into the city’s comprehensive plan and capital facilities plan; staff noted an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026 for ordinances adopted that night.
In new business the council ratified a three‑year labor agreement with Teamsters Local 313 and adopted Ordinance No. 2952 to amend the 2025 compensation schedule to reflect cost‑of‑living adjustments; Deputy City Administrator Jeff Stephens said all proposed increases fall within current budget allocations. The vote on that amendment was unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at about 6:30 p.m.
