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Committee forwards parking-code changes to comply with state parking reforms; councilmembers press ADA and religious-use concerns
Summary
Staff told the committee the ordinance adopts state parking mandates for select city-center zones (multifamily 0.5 spaces/unit; senior and some affordable housing 0 required) while preserving the city's ability to require structured parking for spaces above the minimum. Councilmembers raised questions about ADA parking, treatment of religious institutions, and how senior housing needs will be handled.
The Federal Way Land Use & Transportation Committee on July 7 voted to forward a code amendment to implement parts of recent state parking reforms for specified city-center zones and to preserve the city's ability to require structured parking for parking provided above state minima.
Senior planner Evan Lewis told the committee that the ordinance applies the state ratios to the community business (BC), city center core (CCC) and city center frame (CCF) zones where the city's code currently requires structured parking. "By passing this ordinance now, it preserves our ability at this time to still require structured parking," Lewis said, noting that the state-mandated minimums (referred to in the staff packet as "Senate Bill 51 84") reduce required parking for multifamily to one-half space per unit and set 0 required spaces for senior housing and certain affordable housing categories.
Councilmembers pressed staff on implications. Councilmember Melissa Hamilton said she was "concerned" about a carve-out that could treat religious organizations differently and cited potential conflicts with the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act if similar assembly uses are treated unequally. Lewis said staff is studying religious uses and expects to include refinements in a later, citywide ordinance.
Council members also asked about ADA parking. Lewis said ADA standards still apply and that the state has a project-level variance process allowing cities to request extra ADA parking where warranted; he said the state will review ADA parking requirements more comprehensively next year.
The committee voted to forward the ordinance to first reading on July 21, 2026. The staff memo and the planning commission recommended approval; final adoption will be considered at subsequent council meetings.
