Puyallup council approves first reading of middle‑housing code and narrows volcanic‑hazard exclusion to roughly 13% of lots

The Puyallup City Council on April 14 voted to advance a first reading of an ordinance that would bring the city into compliance with state middle‑housing law while directing staff to limit the ordinance’s volcanic hazard (LAAR) exclusion to a map that would remove about 13% of single‑family (RS) lots from the new rules.

Planning Manager Katie Baker told the council the ordinance adopts at least six of the nine middle‑housing types named in state law (duplexes, triplexes, four‑plexes, stacked flats, townhomes, courtyard apartments and cottage housing in Puyallup’s proposal) and sets minimum unit densities: two units on any lot and up to four units if a unit is affordable or if the lot is within a quarter‑mile of the Sounder station.

The central debate at the meeting focused on how much of the city’s residential map to exempt from the new middle‑housing permissions because of lahars (volcanic mudflows) and evacuation time concerns. Baker presented three options: keep the interim prohibition area in place (the largest exclusion), adopt an adjusted boundary that would exclude approximately 24% of RS lots, or adopt a reduced boundary (the option the council settled on) that excludes roughly 13% of RS lots.

Deputy Mayor Johnson said she was “kind of inclined to go with the 13%,” noting the compromise preserves some development opportunities while recognizing safety concerns. Council Member Gilliam said she was “of the mind of having the 13% with the 1 ADU,” reflecting support from multiple council members for the smaller exclusion coupled with at least one accessory dwelling allowance inside that area.

Supporters of the narrower exclusion pointed to updated U.S. Geological Survey and academic modeling showing longer arrival times for certain lahar flows and said the city can mitigate risk through preparedness, targeted infrastructure and public‑education campaigns. Other members urged caution, pointing to vulnerable populations and assisted‑living facilities inside the valley and arguing denser development could complicate evacuation in a worst‑case event.

After extended discussion the council voted to instruct staff to prepare final ordinance language reflecting the reduced exclusion (the ~13% map) and the allowance of one ADU inside that mapped area. The action was taken at first reading; final adoption will occur at a subsequent meeting after staff revises code language and returns with any technical refinements.

What happens next: staff will update the ordinance language and maps for a second reading (scheduled in the city’s calendar), return with any clarifying amendments requested by council, and continue outreach with planning commission and emergency‑management partners.