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Puyallup council moves toward simplifying single-family zones, staff to refine standards
Summary
Planning staff presented Phase 2 map and code updates focused on single-family (RS) zones; after debate the council signaled a preference to consolidate existing RS categories into two low-density residential tiers (retain RS-35), directing staff to draft standards and rezones for Planning Commission review.
Puyallup planning staff asked the City Council for policy direction on Phase 2 of zoning-map and municipal-code updates, focused on simplifying the city's single-family residential (RS) zoning structure.
Senior Planner Kendall Walls (with Planning Manager Katie Baker) explained that the 2021 housing action plan recommended consolidating the city's five RS categories (RS 35, RS 10, RS 8, RS 6 and RS 4) to reduce complexity and better implement housing goals. Staff said changes in state law requiring "middle housing" and the periodic comprehensive-plan update have already altered the zoning landscape, eliminating RS 4 from the low-density RS set and requiring the city to consider how to apply new mandates.
Walls presented two main options: a two-zone approach that creates a clearer urban-versus-larger-lot distinction (retain RS 35 as rural buffer), or a three-zone approach that offers more nuance and transitional standards. The council debated tradeoffs: several members favored the simpler two-zone approach to streamline code administration and encourage infill, while others urged retaining more nuance to protect neighborhood character in some districts.
Council members repeatedly raised parking, infrastructure capacity and distribution of density across council districts. Deputy Mayor Johnson and others emphasized potential Meridian-corridor growth and the need to align zone consolidation with the city's comprehensive-plan rezones and anticipated infrastructure improvements tied to the MultiCare Good Samaritan expansion. Several councilmembers recommended staff develop hybrid standards (a blend of RS 6 and RS 10 characteristics) and to apply rezones thoughtfully rather than wholesale across the city.
The council concluded with general direction to pursue the two-zone consolidation concept (combining RS 8 and RS 10; combining RS 4 and RS 6 into a hybrid where appropriate), keep RS 35, and return with refined standards, setback and lot-size comparisons, and proposed map changes for Planning Commission review.
What's next: staff will draft code amendments and specific mapping recommendations, coordinate with the Planning Commission and return to council for additional direction and formal public hearings. No formal ordinance vote was taken at this meeting.
Speakers quoted (roles as recorded): "Two zones appears to be a simpler option, easier for applicants and staff to implement," Senior Planner Kendall Walls said. Councilmember Smolko said the tool could accelerate investment but needs guardrails; Councilmember Gilliam said she favored consolidating RS categories to reduce administrative complexity.
Ending: Staff will prepare details (standards and proposed rezones) and present them at future meetings and Planning Commission hearings.
