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Pasco staff outline proposed frontage‑improvement exemptions for R‑15/RS‑12 zoning; council debates 10‑year LID term
Summary
Planning staff presented draft ordinance language to again allow exemptions for frontage improvements in lower‑density R‑15 and RS‑12 zones, citing development cost relief and tradeoffs with Complete Streets policy, right‑of‑way preservation and future infrastructure needs; council asked whether a proposed 10‑year local improvement district (LID) window might be shortened.
Planning staff presented proposed amendments to the city’s frontage improvement code to allow exemptions in lower‑density zones (now R‑15 and RS‑12). Staff explained the proposed exemption would reduce upfront development costs in these low‑density areas but warned that skipping frontage improvements now could make future infrastructure upgrades—street connectivity, sidewalks, utilities—costlier.
The presentation reviewed historical context: a similar regulatory threshold was rescinded in 2019 (Ordinance 44‑54a) and the new ordinance would apply in areas rezoned to R‑15 (formerly RS‑20). Staff noted the city’s Complete Streets policy (Ordinance 4,389) and state requirements under RCW 36.70A that the city demonstrate planning accommodations for growth; staff recommended maintaining right‑of‑way dedication even if construction is deferred.
Council members concentrated on one technical detail: the draft’s 10‑year LID (local improvement district) window. A council member asked why staff selected a 10‑year window; staff responded that 10 years may be a statutory maximum under state law and said they would follow up with a legal check and additional information. A Kennewick‑area resident who works in Pasco (Christie Bariola) spoke in favor of the exemptions, noting that frontage improvements are expensive when density is low and suggesting exemptions be limited to non‑arterial streets.
Staff said the ordinance is scheduled for a public hearing on July 20; the workshop discussion provided direction for draft refinements but produced no formal action.
