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University Place council amends zoning code to align with state Growth Management Act language
Summary
The council unanimously approved amendments to Titles 17 and 19 of the University Place Municipal Code to implement the periodic update required by Washington State’s Growth Management Act, including changing chapter terminology from 'flood hazard' to 'frequently flooded' while requesting staff return in 2026 with a city‑specific definition.
The University Place City Council voted Dec. 1 to adopt updates to municipal code Titles 17 and 19 to implement the city's periodic update under the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA).
Kevin Brisky, community and economic development director, and Planning Manager Kenneth George presented the package and said changes were made to keep the city eligible for Puget Sound Regional Council and Commerce grants and to align the city’s regulations with the state’s terminology. Brisky summarized the background: the planning commission met multiple times and the council held a study session before the ordinance was brought forward.
A central point of council discussion focused on a terminology change from "flood hazard" to "frequently flooded" in chapter 17. Council Member Fleming pressed for clarity, asking how the city will interpret "frequently flooded" in practice. "Frequently means different things to different people when you're looking at specifics," Fleming said, asking whether the term refers to weekly, monthly or multi‑year events. Planning staff said the change is intended to mirror Ecology/state guidance and that the underlying regulatory definitions (for example, 100‑year flood distinctions) remain unchanged.
Council Member Fleming requested staff return in 2026 with an amendment to provide a local definition of "frequently flooded" that would be clearer to residents; several councilmembers supported matching state terminology while adding lay‑friendly clarifying language. After discussion, the council approved the ordinance by roll call, 6‑0.
The ordinance's supporters said alignment with state language reduces legal and grant risk; council members asked staff to balance statutory consistency with clear local guidance for property owners. Staff indicated they would provide the requested clarifying definition in a future amendment or explanatory material for the code and public readers.
The council vote adopts the proposed changes to Titles 17 and 19 as presented and directs staff to follow up on clarifying language for public guidance.
