Council opens hearings and gives first readings on two zoning ordinances affecting the airport district and commercial uses

The Enumclaw City Council on May 26 opened public hearings and received staff presentations on two zoning ordinances proposed for first reading.

Senior Planner Winston Larson presented Ordinance 28-37, which would amend the Enumclaw Municipal Code's airport zoning district to reduce minimum side-yard setbacks from 20 feet to 10 feet and to allow an 18-foot maximum structure height for accessory buildings where the airport district abuts residential zones. Larson said the amendments implement the 2024 comprehensive plan and reflect work the planning commission put on the 2026 work plan; the commission voted to recommend approval at its April 23 meeting.

The council then opened the hearing on Ordinance 28-38, which would expand permitted uses in commercial and light-industrial zones to include arts and vocational schools, gyms, health studios and animal shelters, and would add definitions and standards for animal shelters, daycare and boarding (indoor pens, setbacks from residences, waste disposal requirements). Larson told council the changes aim to improve consistency across zoning districts and address compatibility concerns near residences. The planning commission also recommended approval of these amendments.

The mayor closed both public hearings after receiving no oral testimony at the meeting and directed staff to proceed with first readings. No final votes on the ordinances were recorded at this meeting; council will consider subsequent readings and any amendments at later meetings.