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Pasco readies rules and map for less restrictive alternative housing as moratorium nears end
Summary
Following regional controversy, Pasco staff briefed the commission on drafting siting rules for less restrictive alternative (LRA) housing, noted the city cannot ban such placements but can adopt buffers, and said a draft ordinance and map will go to council for public hearing June 1.
City staff briefed the Planning Commission on a draft approach to regulating less restrictive alternative (LRA) housing and secure community transition facilities after an earlier regional case prompted local concern. Matson said Pasco adopted a moratorium to pause new applications while staff drafts code and that the moratorium is scheduled to expire in August.
Matson defined LRAs as residential placements ordered by courts where individuals are conditionally released from state custody and supervised by third-party private providers, and described secure community transition facilities as state-run residential facilities. He cautioned that state law limits a city's ability to prohibit these uses outright but said the city can adopt siting regulations and buffers from "risk potential activities" such as public and private schools, daycare, parks, libraries, bus stops and community centers.
Staff previewed a draft map that marks areas where LRAs would be restricted based on buffers from listed facilities; Matson said the north end's vacant farmland looks most likely to host allowable siting under the draft buffer rules, with some potential sites in Riverview and Broadmore. He also described outreach (four events at schools and city venues with small but recurring attendance) and said the draft ordinance will be published and included in the June 1 council packet for public input; a council workshop is planned June 22 with a potential council hearing/action July 6.
Matson emphasized the city will pursue the most restrictive siting approach legally feasible and coordinate with county staff and neighboring cities; he encouraged commissioners to review the draft and send written feedback if they cannot attend council hearings. The topic drew audience and commissioner concern during discussion; staff emphasized legal limits on adding requirements above the state's operational rules for providers.
Next steps: staff will publish the draft ordinance and siting map, proceed to council public hearings beginning June 1, and work with legal counsel to ensure regulations stay within state law limits.
