Pasco council adopts six‑month moratorium on applications for essential public facilities

The Pasco City Council voted to adopt an ordinance imposing a six‑month moratorium on applications related to essential public facilities, including secure community transition facilities.

Council members and staff said the pause will buy time to develop a legally defensible permitting process and to solicit public input about where and how those facilities should be located. City Attorney Harold Stewart told the council staff was recommending the moratorium “while we develop an ordinance that can be in place permanently,” and stressed that state law requires such facilities to be allowed somewhere in the city.

Supporters argued the moratorium would provide time to craft procedures such as conditional‑use permitting and public hearings to ensure community notice and vetting. Council member Figueroa said a six‑month pause would allow staff and the public to “explore options and the best way to move forward,” and the council approved the measure by roll call. The ordinance number was later corrected in the minutes to ensure procedural accuracy.

The action does not bar the city from ultimately permitting these facilities; rather, it directs staff to return with draft land‑use regulations and to schedule community engagement sessions during the moratorium period. Staff said it will examine approaches used by other jurisdictions (for example, West Richland’s recent ordinance) and test options that comply with state requirements.

Next steps: staff will hold community input sessions, draft a regulatory proposal and return it to council for consideration during the six‑month moratorium.

Sources: statements and motions by City Attorney Harold Stewart and multiple council members during the Feb. 17, 2026 meeting.