Council opens first reading on airport zoning setback changes

Enumclaw — The City Council opened the public hearing on Ordinance 2837 on May 26 and heard a staff report from senior planner Winston Larson, who said the proposal would amend the Enumclaw Municipal Code to reduce minimum side-yard setbacks in the airport zoning district and to allow structures up to 18 feet where the airport zoning district abuts residential property.

"The proposed amendments contribute to implementation of our 2024 comprehensive plan by offering clearer and more adaptable development standards within the airport zoning district," Larson said, noting the Planning Commission recommended approval on April 23, 2026. He described the amendments as intended to keep future development compatible with aviation operations and surrounding uses.

Council opened the floor for public input and closed the hearing at 7:12 p.m. after no members of the public spoke. Staff recommended the council close the hearing and give first reading of the ordinance; the council proceeded with that process. The staff report included findings and conclusions demonstrating consistency with applicable plan policies, and Larson said the item was placed on the city's work plan after a request received in January 2026.

The ordinance was presented to the Planning Commission following adoption of Ordinance 2802 in February 2025, which originally established the airport zoning district regulations. Council did not adopt final changes at the meeting; the action taken was to receive the hearing and move forward with the first-reading procedural step.

If adopted, the amendment would reduce the side-yard setback requirement in the airport zoning district and align maximum accessory structure heights with nearby residential accessory structure limits. The council may consider modifications or adoption at a future meeting.