Pasco staff propose major municipal code overhaul to simplify zoning and speed permitting

City planning staff told the commission they plan a multi-year municipal code modernization that aims to simplify zones, comply with state mandates and make the permit process easier for applicants and staff.

Director Matson said Pasco currently has many similar residential zones and that recent state middle-housing rules (units-per-lot) make distinctions among zones less meaningful. "We think we can condense this down to 10 or 11 zones citywide," Matson said, arguing consolidation will reduce confusion and streamline decision-making.

Staff proposed a 'neighborhood residential' approach that allows higher-density middle-housing in the largely undeveloped north end while using lower-intensity middle-housing types with larger setbacks in the Riverview and established neighborhoods. Matson also described plans to clarify permit types and decision paths so applicants know upfront which process and timeline apply to ADUs, small multifamily projects, and larger developments.

Commissioners generally applauded the effort but urged caution. One commissioner warned that consolidating zones risks losing protections for low-income neighborhoods and could create perceptions of unequal treatment; staff said design standards, buffering and geographic differentiation (north vs. south) are intended to address those concerns.

Next steps: staff will conduct outreach to the Home Builders Association, realtors and the public this summer, return to the commission in September for detailed review, and aim to bring the code package to council in October–November. The work will proceed in parallel with the comprehensive plan update and consultant review.