Council approves zone change for Sunrise Residential Treatment Facility with conditions

Washington City’s council voted to approve Zone Change Z‑26‑12 to revise a planned unit development review (PUDR) for the Sunrise Residential Treatment Facility after the applicant addressed several neighborhood concerns and council conditions.

Community Development Director Eldon Gibb summarized edits since the item was tabled on June 24: extension of existing Afghan pines along the north boundary for screening; plans to visually screen air‑conditioning condensers with additional landscape material where relocation was not feasible; and updated exterior renderings showing a traditional stucco finish to match adjacent buildings. The developer said the modular/mobile buildings are transported on wheels but will be installed on permanent foundations and meet foundation standards.

Several council members urged reducing the pad height so the building does not sit markedly above the adjacent parking lot; councilmember Coates suggested the applicant lower the pad one to two feet and avoid exterior stairs on the west or south sides so the finished building reads closer to surrounding grades. The applicant’s representative said they preferred to retain some pad height for drainage but could explore mitigation.

Councilmember Coates moved to approve the zone change with conditions requiring the additional tree screening, stucco exterior finish and a one‑to‑two‑foot lowering of the pad; council approved the motion on roll call. The development will proceed subject to those conditions and to building‑permit reviews that will verify foundation and grading details.