Pullman planning commission forwards state-mandated code updates, vows broader review of parking policy

The Pullman Planning Commission voted unanimously at its March meeting to forward a staff-prepared package of municipal code updates to City Council, saying the changes are needed to comply with multiple recent state laws while leaving room for a fuller local discussion on parking policy.

Staff told the commission the consolidated revisions implement provisions from several Washington statutes (including changes affecting infill development, allowances for supportive housing and shelters, and updated rules for required off-street parking). Commissioners described the vote as an administrative step to align city code with state requirements, and they asked staff to make clear to City Council that the commission intends to revisit parking more comprehensively.

Commissioners pressed staff for clarifications on several drafting points during the public hearing, including where the code should reference state definitions for terms such as “affordable housing” and “senior housing.” Staff recommended cross-referencing the state definitions in the Growth Management RCWs rather than adopting new local definitions that might conflict with state language.

Parking emerged as the most contested topic. State changes shift many parking calculations from a per-bedroom basis to a per-dwelling-unit approach and set a maximum the city may require. Several commissioners and members of the public said Pullman should consider going further than the state minimum — including examples from other Washington cities that have abolished parking minimums — while others urged caution and a careful, neighborhood-tailored approach. Commissioners asked staff to prepare additional research and recommended a joint study session with City Council so the two bodies can consider developer, neighborhood and enforcement implications together.

Public commenters emphasized different priorities. A representative of Student Local Advocacy Pullman urged eliminating parking minimums citywide to reduce housing costs and car dependence, and urged adding bicycle-parking requirements. Longtime College Hill resident Allison Montro urged stronger use of site-plan processes to preserve front-yard green space and to address chronic on-street congestion in older neighborhoods.

After discussion, Commissioner Angela moved — and Lina seconded — a resolution forwarding the proposed code amendments to City Council with a recommendation of approval and a written note that the Planning Commission intends to pursue a deeper discussion of parking policy. Chair John Anderson called a roll-call vote; the motion passed unanimously.

The commission’s recommendation will go to City Council for study-session review and later adoption. Commissioners said they expect the parking conversation to return to the Planning Commission within months so the city can evaluate whether it wants to adopt code that goes beyond the state minimums.