Council hears first readings on airport zoning setback changes and expanded uses including animal care services

The Enumclaw City Council opened public hearings and heard staff presentations for two zoning amendments at first reading.

Senior Planner Winston Larson described Ordinance 28-37 as an amendment to reduce minimum side-yard setbacks in the airport zoning district from 20 feet to 10 feet and to allow a maximum accessory structure height of 18 feet where the airport zoning district abuts residential property. "The proposed amendments contribute to the implementation of our existing 2024 comprehensive plan by offering clearer and more adaptable development standards within the airport zoning district," Larson said, noting the planning commission voted to recommend approval.

On Ordinance 28-38, Larson said staff proposes to expand permitted uses in commercial and light-industrial districts to include arts and vocational schools, gyms and fitness centers, health studios, and animal shelters, daycare and boarding with new standards for inside pens, setbacks from residential zoning and waste disposal. The planning commission recommended approval on April 23, 2026, and staff asked council to close the hearings and give first readings.

Council opened each public hearing, received no in-person testimony on these items at the meeting, and closed the hearings. Staff noted the council has options to adopt as presented, reject and direct further review, or modify and adopt the ordinances at later readings.