Residents ask council to direct planning commission to review zoning change that affects their accessibility‑related addition

Dennis and Patty Travato of 1681 440th Avenue NE spoke during public comment asking the council to help them secure a path to a building permit for a master‑suite addition to allow them to age in place.

They said their property sits in the southeast corner of the Central Business District and described a decades‑long residence and repeated property improvements. The Travatos said a 2022 municipal‑code modification (referenced in their materials and cited in the meeting as an ordinance number) appears to have removed a footnote or allowance that would previously have permitted the addition. They asked the council to direct the planning commission to review a legislative application for a zoning text amendment, or to consider grandfathering, an exemption or a waiver so the Travatos can move forward with a wheelchair‑accessible bedroom and bath.

Council members responded by noting staff and the planning commission work plan would be before council early next year; one councilmember suggested adding review of the issue to the planning commission’s work statement. Staff said public spaces and planning commission work plans will be scheduled to come before council after the first of the year (likely February). The Travatos said they will submit a legislative application before year‑end if council agrees to a planning‑commission review.

Next steps: Council indicated willingness to add the item to a work plan for staff and the planning commission to consider during the first quarter of 2026; staff will advise on the process and on whether a code amendment, waiver, or administrative exception is the appropriate path.