Council adopts zoning updates, clarifies cottage‑cluster language and approves $50,000 independent review

By unanimous vote the Battleground City Council adopted Ordinance 2026‑13, a package of municipal code amendments to align zoning and parking rules with the city’s comprehensive plan and the Growth Management Act. Community Development Director Kristen Leato and Planning Supervisor Sam Kummit guided the public hearing, and staff proposed one technical wording change to residential parking design standards to match the state RCW (standard parking stall dimensions).

A developer who spoke during the hearing urged two clarifications: (1) allow multiple cottage clusters per project rather than implying only a single cluster; and (2) recognize that condominium conversion of cottage units can raise property‑tax assessments and thus affect rents. Council accepted a narrow amendment to clarify that a development may include more than one cottage cluster and left condominiumization rules in place while noting concerns about tax consequences.

Council debated a staff proposal to permit apartments outright in R‑7 residential zones (rather than by conditional use). Citing a desire for further review and additional public notice for neighbors, the council voted to retain apartments as a conditional use in R‑7 for now; the item will be revisited with additional analysis to ensure compliance with density and GMA housing targets.

In other business, council approved a $50,000 budget amendment to hire an independent investigator or reviewer to examine internal department functions and the causes of recent legal claims against the city. Staff indicated a formal budget‑amendment ordinance and scope of work will follow.

What this means: Zoning updates are in effect with the clarifying language; staff will return with the draft scope for the independent review and with any further amendments should council choose to revisit apartment rules in R‑7.