Ridgefield council adopts mixed‑use overlay, annexation, final plat and new administrative rule for temporary street restrictions

Ridgefield — The Ridgefield City Council on Feb. 12 adopted a package of land‑use and administrative measures and approved a local business funding waiver during a meeting at City Hall and over Zoom.

The council voted to adopt Ordinance 1462, adding a mixed‑use overlay to roughly 9.25 acres east of 65th (the MJ Bosshma site), and Ordinance 1472, annexing approximately 32.63 acres known as the Kelly Windy Hills area and assigning it Residential Low Density‑4 zoning with an urban holding overlay that remains until urban services are provided. The council also approved the final plat for Sanderling Park Phase 3, which contains 28 townhouse lots, and passed Ordinance 1473 to repeal certain temporary speed limits and create an administrative process authorizing the city manager, in consultation with the city engineer, to administratively close or restrict streets or set temporary speed limits for definite periods.

Mayor Matt Cole read Ordinance 1462 into the record after staff described the proposal as a zone change only; the applicant provided a concept plan showing commercial uses on the southern edge of the site and residential uses, including apartments and live‑work units, to the north. Planning staff told council the applicant does not anticipate full closures of 65th during construction and that any encroachment or closure would require an encroachment permit and coordination with the city engineer, city manager and CCFR (the local fire district). Planning staff said the affordable housing commitment was revised to a percentage‑of‑units approach rather than a fixed number to accommodate fluctuating unit totals.

After discussion and questions about live‑work definitions, retail frontage and traffic coordination, council adopted Ordinance 1462 on a roll call vote with all present voting yes.

On Ordinance 1472, staff said the annexation area was expanded during the intent‑to‑annex process to include six adjoining parcels; the ordinance assigns the RLD‑4 zone and retains an urban holding overlay until urban services and capital deficiencies are addressed. Council adopted the annexation ordinance on a unanimous roll call.

The Sanderling Park Phase 3 final plat was presented as 28 townhouse lots, with alleys for rear loading and pedestrian connections to open space and an eventual city park. Staff said review comments were met and that site improvements are substantially complete; the council approved the final plat by motion.

On a separate item, staff presented a petition from Cheeky Noodles for a traffic impact‑fee reduction under a neighborhood business program. The amount assessed at permit was $18,111.73. Council members expressed support for the small business and passed Resolution 672 granting the reduction.

Finally, staff proposed Ordinance 1473 to repeal temporary speed reductions enacted in 2024 and replace the prior legislative process with an administrative process enabling the city manager, in consultation with the city engineer, to set temporary closures or speed restrictions for definite periods with at least three days’ newspaper notice and on‑site posting. Council moved to waive second reading and adopted the ordinance.

Votes at a glance - Appointment: Eva Kelly to Clark County Arts Commission — moved: Chipman; second: Favlla; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Ordinance 1462 (MJ Bosshma RMU overlay) — moved: Chipman; second: Burkel; roll call: Davis (yes), Favlla (yes), Wells (yes), Burkel (yes), Hamilton (yes), Chipman (yes), Cole (yes); outcome: adopted. - Ordinance 1472 (Kelly Windy Hills annexation) — moved: Wells; second: Favlla; roll call: Wells (yes), Burkel (yes), Hamilton (yes), Davis (yes), Favlla (yes), Chipman (yes), Cole (yes); outcome: adopted. - Sanderling Park Phase 3 final plat — moved: Hamilton; second: Chipman; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Resolution 672 (Cheeky Noodles traffic impact fee reduction, $18,111.73) — moved: Chipman; second: Davis; outcome: approved (voice vote). - Ordinance 1473 (repeal temporary speed limits; administrative process) — moved: Davis; second: Favlla; roll call: Davis (yes), Favlla (yes), Wells (yes), Burkel (yes), Hamilton (yes), Chipman (yes), Cole (yes); outcome: adopted.

Why it matters The zoning overlay and annexation actions move land from commercial‑only or county status toward denser, mixed uses and future development within the city’s planning framework, potentially altering housing and commercial development patterns along 65th and in the plateau area. The administrative process for temporary speed limits is intended to streamline responses to construction and emergency needs while preserving public notice requirements. The TIF reduction is a locally funded business incentive that council said supports neighborhood economic activity.

What’s next Staff will continue permitting and follow‑up processes for any developments enabled by the zone change and annexation. The city manager and city engineer now have administrative authority to set temporary closures or speed limits under the new code provisions; the city will post notices and follow the ordinance’s public‑notice steps when such actions are proposed.

Sources: council meeting transcript; staff presentations and council roll calls.