Ellensburg council approves Houghton preliminary long subdivision with HOA maintenance condition

The City Council adopted Resolution 2026-05 to approve the Houghton Preliminary Long Subdivision (city file P25-140), a 13-lot subdivision proposed for North Airport Road, after a closed-record hearing based on the hearing examiner's recommendation.

Mark Rudd, associate planner, briefed the council on the application, noting delineated wetlands on the western portion of the roughly five-acre parcel, FEMA 100-year floodplain coverage, proposed sidewalks, low-impact development measures, an underground stormwater conveyance easement, and an open-space tract of just over two acres to protect critical areas. Staff said the hearing examiner conducted an open-record hearing on Feb. 23, issued recommended findings on March 5, and recommended approval subject to three conditions of approval tied to city development and critical-area standards.

Council questioned how long-term maintenance of the open-space and stormwater tract would be guaranteed. Rudd said the applicant proposed formation of a homeowners association that would be responsible for permanent maintenance of the open-space and stormwater management tract; HOA documents must be submitted for city review before final plat approval.

A council member moved adoption of the resolution "approving the Houghton preliminary long subdivision pursuant to the hearing examiner's recommended findings of fact, conclusions of law, decision, and conditions of approval." The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

The action is final as a council land-use decision by resolution; staff noted required improvements and conditions that must be met before final plat application and recording.