Commission approves first reading to rezone two former renewal-agency homes to R-3.5

Summary

The commission approved first reading of Ordinance 26-1003 to change the comprehensive plan and zoning for 214 Tumwater Drive and 313 S. 2nd St from institutional to R-3.5, allowing the properties to be sold as residential affordable housing units; the planning commission recommended approval 6–1.

Staff presented Ordinance 26-1003 on Dec. 17 proposing a comprehensive plan map amendment and zone change for two properties formerly owned by the urban renewal agency. The parcels, rezoned institutional in 2008 for a project that did not proceed, are now proposed to be changed back to R-3.5 residential to add them to the city’s housing stock.

Staff said the homes are preexisting nonconforming residential uses in an institutional zone and that rezoning supports the housing needs analysis and the comprehensive plan’s housing goals. The planning commission recommended approval by a 6–1 vote; no members of the public testified at the city hearing. The commission moved, seconded and approved the first reading by unanimous roll-call; second reading will be on the first January meeting agenda.

The staff report noted that zone changes and plan amendments typically are not conditioned and that any future conditions would need a clear nexus to the proposal.