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North Bend council adopts zoning-code cleanup; reclassifies pet services and aligns with recent state law
Summary
The council unanimously approved AB 26-034, amending North Bend Municipal Code Chapters 18.06 and 18.10 to clarify land-use definitions, implement SB 5509 and HB 1757 changes, and reclassify pet daycare and similar uses into the personal services category; a local business owner told council the change was vital for her planned pet daycare.
The North Bend City Council on April 21 unanimously adopted AB 26-034, a zoning-code cleanup that updates definitions and zoning tables to reflect recent state laws and local policy changes.
The ordinance, described by staff as a technical and policy update, implements provisions of Senate Bill 5509 (requiring cities to allow child care facilities in all zones) and House Bill 1757 (allowing up to 50% more residential density in existing buildings where multi‑family housing is permitted), clarifies roughly half of the city's 270 land‑use definitions, and consolidates certain uses in the personal services category, including tattoo/piercing studios and pet services. Staff said the changes do not alter zoning designations but aim to reduce daily permitting questions.
Martin Shaw, Finance Director, provided context for the broader budget and planning calendar earlier in the meeting; the code amendments were introduced by city planning staff and had previously been recommended for approval by the Planning Commission on Sept. 15, 2025. After council feedback, staff removed a proposed allowance for additional ground‑floor residential in the NMU zone and retained a 10‑unit cap in the IMU zone.
Erin Hemmings, a North Bend resident who said she is opening a small business called Bark at the Moon Valley, addressed the council during the public hearing in support of the amendment. "This is not a kennel. It's a daytime-only care similar to child care," Hemmings said, describing the operation as a low-impact, supervised daycare and retail venture she expects will support local families and visitors.
Planning staff explained that reclassifying pet care as "personal services" removes some location-specific prohibitions and performance standards that previously limited where those businesses could locate. The staff presentation noted additional edits such as consolidating tattoo and piercing studios and allowing certain convenience/drive‑thru uses in specified EP zones with performance standards tied to the Middle Fork Master Plan area.
Councilmember Susan Torguson moved to approve AB 26-034 as a first and final reading; Councilmember Brendan Elwood seconded. Several councilmembers described the package as necessary "cleanup" after rounds of committee review. The ordinance passed on a unanimous vote.
The action takes effect according to the ordinance text; the council recorded that the revisions are consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan and that subsequent implementation steps (e.g., updated permit checklists and staff guidance) will follow in the development‑review process.
What’s next: The planning and permitting teams will apply the clarified definitions and tables in incoming permit reviews and will bring any implementation issues back to council if policy changes are needed.
