The Auburn City Council on Dec. 15 adopted a package of planning and zoning measures intended to guide downtown development and speed project review.

Council adopted Ordinance 6997 to adopt the 2024 Auburn Downtown Sub Area Plan, with associated documents and maps intended to refresh land-use and transportation direction for the downtown area. Council member Tracy Taylor said the plan provides a refreshed perspective on land use and transportation.

The council also adopted Ordinance 7006, designating a planned action for the downtown sub area under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). Tracy Taylor explained the planned action "helping to streamline and expedite the land use permit review process for future qualified projects within the downtown area." The designation is intended to reduce duplicative environmental review for qualifying projects.

Separately, Council passed Ordinance 6998 amending Auburn City Code Title 18 to create new sections and update zoning language to allow co‑living housing in multiple downtown and mixed-use zones. Council member Clinton Taylor said the change "is really about trying to increase density in our downtown core, which means having more affordable housing, more opportunities for housing." Supporters said the change is consistent with state requirements for certain multifamily housing types.

Council also passed Ordinance 6993, updating the city business and occupation (B&O) tax classification language to align with state changes referenced to Senate Bill 5814.

All measures passed by voice vote; council discussion emphasized goals of increasing downtown housing supply, streamlining review, and aligning local code with state law.