Council deadlocks on interim housing ordinance after waiving second reading
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Summary
The council voted 4‑3 to waive the two‑reading rule for an interim housing ordinance but failed to adopt the ordinance itself after an adoption vote ended in a 3‑3 tie; the ordinance would have added state‑mandated step‑housing and co‑living uses to specified zones.
The Monroe City Council considered Ordinance 0012026, an interim zoning ordinance intended to bring the city into compliance with state requirements on step housing and co‑living housing (House Bill 1998 and Growth Management Act obligations).
Anita Marrero (speaker 12) presented the ordinance and said the city previously adopted an interim ordinance on Nov. 18 but must hold a public hearing within 60 days of adoption. She said using the interim ordinance process allows the city to adopt new standards now while staff finishes a permanent code amendment; if adopted tonight a public hearing would be required before April 11, 2026.
Council Member Beaumont moved to waive the council rules requiring two readings (SEG 2004); Council Member Blair seconded. After discussion, the motion to waive two readings passed 4‑3 (the mayor voted to break the procedural tie). Marrero told council that without adopting the interim ordinance tonight the city's prior interim ordinance would be invalid and required uses (including co‑living housing) would not be permitted in the specified zones.
Council Member Hanford moved to adopt Ordinance 0012026 (SEG 2116); Council Member Beaumont seconded. The adoption vote resulted in a tie among voting council members present and failed for lack of four affirmative votes (the mayor ruled the motion failed because an affirmative vote of four council members was required; one council member had entered the building but had not voted). The council did not adopt the interim ordinance at this meeting.
Why it matters: The ordinance would add state‑mandated housing uses to specified zones (multifamily, mixed‑use, tourist commercial, limited open space and general commercial) and establishes a timetable for a required public hearing. Failure to adopt leaves the city temporarily out of compliance and could affect permitting and eligibility for certain housing grants or programs until the code is updated.
What’s next: Staff said the permanent ordinance is likely to return in March after planning‑commission recommendation; a public hearing would be scheduled if an interim ordinance is adopted in time.
