Monroe council adopts interim zoning to allow STEP housing and cohousing after split vote

The Monroe City Council on Feb. 10 adopted interim zoning amendments (Ordinance 001-2026) to allow STEP housing — emergency shelters, transitional and permanent supportive housing — and to add a cohousing definition and permissions in select higher-density and mixed-use zones.

City staff member Kate, presenting the ordinance, told the council the changes are needed to bring Monroe’s Unified Development Code into compliance with state law, citing House Bill 1220 and House Bill 1998. “STEP housing stands for emergency shelters and transitional emergency and permanent supportive housing, as well as co-living housing,” Kate said, and noted the city’s land-use tables currently prohibit uses that are not listed, which would make the amendments necessary to avoid automatic state preemption.

The ordinance would add STEP housing to the zones identified by the Department of Commerce (tourist commercial, limited open space and general commercial) and introduce a cohousing definition allowed in Monroe’s R25 multifamily zone and mixed-use zones. Kate said the changes are not proposed for single-family zones and that the interim ordinance would be in place while staff completes a formal public hearing and final code update.

Council member Gamble moved first to waive the council’s two-reading requirement for ordinances, arguing the council and staff are already familiar with the proposals; the motion passed 5–1. Gamble then moved to adopt Ordinance 001-2026 as an interim zoning amendment; the motion passed 4–2 after debate.

Supporters emphasized the ordinance’s benefits for veterans, people with disabilities and seniors. Council member Beaumont thanked Kate and noted local demographics: “These are the typical populations that this housing will benefit,” referencing U.S. Census quick facts presented by staff.

Opponents said the interim adoption reduced the time for deliberation and could lock the city into regulations that council members might want to refine. Council member Walker questioned the urgency of waiving two readings and said adopting an interim ordinance effectively implements law the council will later revisit; he said he would vote no. Council member Fisher also raised concerns about provisions she characterized as allowing “housing first” low-barrier placements that she felt might not be an appropriate fit for some seniors.

Kate and supporters responded that the state bill requires allowance of these uses in certain zones and that the city’s proposal limits where cohousing is permitted. Kate clarified that cohousing would be required only in the multifamily zone with six or more units (Monroe’s R25 zone) and in mixed-use zones that allow higher-density residential.

Under the interim ordinance, the council must hold a public hearing within 60 days and the interim regulation would remain valid for six months while staff prepares the formal code amendments. The council adopted the interim ordinance and will revisit the ordinance in subsequent meetings for any amendments or final adoption.

The mayor adjourned discussion and the council moved on to other business.