Sunnyside council adopts 6-month moratorium on applications for certain essential public facilities

Sunnyside City Council voted unanimously on an emergency motion to adopt a six-month moratorium on the acceptance and processing of applications for certain essential public facilities, including secure community transition facilities, and set a public hearing for March 23, 2026.

Council member Julie Galvan introduced the item, saying the action is intended to pause processing while the city updates zoning regulations and planning documents. Galvan said the measure was prompted by recent developments in nearby jurisdictions and the council’s desire to be “proactive and not reactive.” The council’s motion specified an immediate effective date and a public hearing on March 23 to consider continuation and public comment.

Julie, identified as the interim city manager during the meeting, clarified the moratorium does not change the city’s code immediately. "This is truly just to pause all development of this nature... for at least 6 months," she said, adding that any code amendments would follow a separate, public review process. City staff confirmed there were no pending applications of the type covered by the moratorium at the time of the vote.

The motion was moved by Council Galvan and seconded by Council Vasquez. A roll call produced unanimous support from Councilor Dolan, Deputy Mayor Hart, Councilor Galvan, Councilor Vasquez, Councilor Cesati, Councilor Chavez and the presiding mayor (recorded as voting yes), and the motion carried.

Quinn Plant, the council’s presenting attorney later in the agenda, and staff explained that state law treats certain transitional homes as essential public facilities; the moratorium pauses processing so the city can develop location and operational regulations that address community concerns without attempting to bar those facilities outright.

The council asked staff to bring zoning amendment options and recommended safeguards to the public-works subcommittee and to return proposed code language to the full council after community review. The public hearing is scheduled for March 23, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the council chambers.

Action recorded: six-month emergency moratorium on acceptance and processing of applications for certain essential public facilities; public hearing scheduled March 23, 2026; immediate effective date declared.