Council holds first reading on revisions to airport zoning to shrink side setbacks

The Enumclaw City Council opened a public hearing and gave first reading to Ordinance 28-37 on May 26, setting the stage for changes to development rules near the Enumclaw Airport.

Winston Larson, the city’s senior planner, told the council the amendments would “reduce the minimum side yard setbacks in the airport zoning district from 20 feet to 10 feet” and would amend a footnote to permit “a structure up to 18 feet in height” when the airport zoning district abuts residential property. He said the changes are intended to align the code with the airport’s operational needs while preserving compatibility with adjacent uses.

Larson said the planning commission reviewed the proposal and on April 23 recommended the council approve the amendments. Staff also provided findings and conclusions in the council packet to explain how the ordinance is consistent with the city’s 2024 comprehensive plan.

The hearing record included a staff email from Beck Sessa, which the clerk noted would be included in the minutes; no members of the public spoke during the hearing before it was closed. The council did not take final action; the ordinance was given a first reading and will return for further consideration under the city’s standard ordinance process.

If adopted, the amendment would be part of the municipal code provisions that allow the Enumclaw Airport to be treated as a conforming use while applying targeted development standards in the airport zoning district. Council members may still request modifications, direct staff to continue review, or move to adopt the ordinance as amended at later readings.