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Puallup council adopts zoning housekeeping, trims arts commission and advances budget ordinance
Summary
Council adopted a second-reading zoning amendment allowing limited auto sales in parts of the River Road RMX zone and standalone multifamily in mixed-use zones, temporarily reduced the Arts & Culture Commission to five members for one year, and approved first reading of a consolidating budget-adjustment ordinance.
On June 16 the Puallup City Council approved a set of municipal code updates and board adjustments the city described as housekeeping for phase-one zoning work and took initial action on budget consolidations.
In a second reading vote, the council adopted Ordinance 5A, which staff described as a package of adjustments aligning Title 20 to the recently adopted zoning map. Planner Kendall said the package updates the zoning district list, adds a limited allowance for motor vehicle sales in the RMX zone along the north side of River Road, permits standalone multifamily in some mixed‑use zones, adjusts density allowances in RMX and UCX, and clarifies incidental sign allowances and appeal procedures. Deputy Mayor Johnson summarized the changes in lay terms for the public before the roll-call approval.
Council also approved Ordinance 5B on its second reading to temporarily reduce the Arts & Culture Commission membership to five people for one year, with a staff report due in six months describing recruitment efforts and outreach to underrepresented communities. Council member Smallo urged a concrete recruitment plan to restore membership to seven when possible; staff confirmed the ordinance will revert automatically unless council acts.
Finance Director Barbara Lopez presented the first reading of Ordinance 5C, a consolidating ordinance that bundles 2026 budget adjustments, carry-forward items, and recent grant awards. Council asked for clarification on several line items — including a hotel-project grant and a $65,000 abatement line tied to code enforcement — and approved the ordinance on first reading to return for final adoption at a later date.
Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 5A (zoning housekeeping): adopted on second reading (roll-call majority; two members excused). - Ordinance 5B (Arts & Culture Commission membership, temporary): adopted on second reading (roll-call majority). - Ordinance 5C (2026 consolidating budget adjustments): approved on first reading; final adoption to follow.
All adopted actions were described by staff as administrative or implementation steps; council members said they sought to balance neighborhood concerns with development flexibility.
