Mercer Island schedules second readings of GMA compliance plan and code amendments after public concern

Mercer Island city leaders on July 7 completed first readings of two Growth Management Act (GMA) compliance measures — a comprehensive plan update and companion development-code changes — and scheduled second readings for July 21 after public commenters urged protections for schools and neighborhoods.

The council heard a presentation from CPD Director Jeff Thomas and Principal Planner Adam Zach about agenda bill DB 69-60, which bundles ordinance 26-09 (a comprehensive plan update that adds a station sub area plan and two appendices: a 2026 land-capacity analysis and a barriers analysis) and ordinance 26c-10 (implementing code changes to carry out Phase 1 of the station sub area plan). Staff said the work responds to a Growth Management Hearings Board order and must be completed to meet a July 31 compliance milestone; a growth-board hearing is scheduled Sept. 15.

Why it matters: The ordinances change the town-center zoning map and related rules near the light-rail station, add an inclusionary-zoning requirement and adjust rules for emergency and permanent supportive housing. If adopted, the changes will affect how and where housing — including units subject to affordability targets — may be built near the station area.

Details and council action: Adam Zach said Phase 1 focuses on the existing town center and adjacent multifamily zones; Phase 2 covers a larger area and will not change zoning until additional outreach and analysis concludes (targeted for 2029). The proposed Phase 1 code changes would expand the town center to include adjacent MF zones, add an inclusionary requirement that 10% of new units be affordable at 50% of area median income (with a fee-in-lieu option to fund deeper affordability), and revise MICC 19.06.080 to align permanent supportive and emergency housing regulations with state law.

A council member asked whether state law requires removing Mercer Island’s existing local separation standards that keep emergency housing 600–1,000 feet away from schools, parks and shelters. Planner Adam Zach answered that the hearings-board order and state requirements mean the city must regulate emergency and permanent supportive housing consistent with how residential uses are regulated in those zones, and explained land-use notice procedures: Type 3 land-use review with notice to neighbors within 300 feet, an on-site sign and publication in the weekly permit bulletin.

Staff also noted potential sanctions for failing to meet the GMHB order, saying the consequences are often financial — for example, affecting eligibility for grants or tax revenues — and that the state could ultimately act if a jurisdiction remains noncompliant.

Public reaction: During appearances, several residents urged the council to preserve local protections. Adam Regeb said the draft changes "overachieve" state requirements in some areas, objected to reducing parking minimums for lower-income units and urged keeping the 600-foot and 1,000-foot separations from schools and parks. Isabel Perez asked, "What is the plan for residents after these changes are adopted?" warning that easier permitting could enable projects without the public hearings residents expect. Barbara Sternoff said a "homeless shelter with no safeguards in a neighborhood or near school is unacceptable." Addie Smith made allegations about past local law-enforcement and court handling of incidents involving her family; those are claims she attributed to her own experience.

Votes and next steps: The council voted unanimously (6–0) to schedule the second reading of ordinance 26-09 for July 21. For the implementing code amendments in ordinance 26c-10, the council voted 6–0 to direct staff to amend definitions so transitional housing is grouped with permanent supportive housing, per a June 23 Department of Commerce suggestion, and also voted 6–0 to schedule the second reading for July 21. Council members and staff emphasized the process will continue after the July hearings, including the city’s presentation at the GMHB hearing in September.

The council also approved a seven-item consent agenda earlier in the meeting, and scheduled the next regular hybrid meeting for July 21 at 5 p.m.