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Council advances zoning housekeeping package after debate over River Road auto uses and density
Summary
Council passed first reading of a zoning package that updates district lists, allows standalone multifamily in mixed‑use zones and removes dwelling‑unit caps in RMX/UCX; council amended the proposal after debate to clarify where auto‑oriented uses will be allowed and scheduled second reading for June 16.
The Puyallup City Council advanced a package of zoning code amendments after extended debate over where to allow auto‑oriented uses and how to implement density changes along the River Road corridor.
Associate Planner Rachel Brown described housekeeping and policy‑driven changes: align the zoning district list to the updated map, allow standalone multifamily development in mixed‑use zones, remove dwelling‑unit density caps in RMX and UCX to support housing goals, adjust incidental sign allowances in non‑residential zones, and clarify appeals for preliminary site plan review.
The most contested item was whether to allow car sales and service north of River Road (RMX). The Planning Commission recommended allowing the uses in CCX (mall area) but not in RMX. Several council members argued for concentrating auto uses in the established auto row north of River Road to support the existing tax base, while others emphasized preserving land for higher‑density housing. After debate, council amended the ordinance language and approved first reading; Council scheduled a second reading for June 16 and noted one abstention during the vote.
Council asked staff to return with clarified maps, and council members signaled they would consider housing and economic tradeoffs as the ordinance proceeds to final adoption.
