Council opens first readings on airport setbacks and broader commercial-use zoning changes

The Enumclaw City Council opened public hearings and gave first readings on two zoning changes Tuesday that planners say will clarify development standards around the city's airport and expand permitted uses in commercial and light-industrial zones.

Senior planner Winston Larson presented the staff reports, saying Ordinance 2837 would reduce minimum side-yard setbacks in the airport zoning district from 20 feet to 10 feet and add a note limiting building height to 18 feet where airport zoning abuts residential areas. Larson said the change implements the city's 2024 comprehensive plan and that the Planning Commission voted on April 23 to recommend approval.

Larson also described Ordinance 2838, which would add arts and vocational schools, gyms and fitness centers, health studios and animal shelters, daycare and boarding as allowed or conditionally allowed uses in specified commercial and light-industrial districts and would create new standards for animal shelters and boarding, including indoor kennels, setbacks from residential zones and waste-disposal requirements. He said the Planning Commission recommended approval and staff advised giving the ordinance a first reading.

Mayor (speaker 1) asked for public input on both items; no members of the public spoke for either hearing, and the council closed both hearings and proceeded with first readings. The hearing record included an email from Beck Sessa regarding Ordinance 2837 that was distributed to council and placed in the minutes.

Council did not take final action Tuesday; staff said the council may adopt, reject or modify the ordinances in later proceedings as required by municipal code and further public notice.

The council packet and staff findings were cited by Larson as supporting materials for both ordinances; council members asked no substantive questions at the meeting.