Airway Heights adopts animal-code overhaul, removes a cash drawer and schedules critical-areas hearing

On July 6 the Airway Heights City Council approved several administrative and code items, including an overhaul of the city's animal code, a housekeeping resolution to remove a cash drawer from circulation, and a first reading and scheduling for critical-areas code updates.

General counsel read Ordinance C-1127, which repeals and replaces Title 6 of the municipal code relating to animals; staff said the ordinance had been briefed previously and the council adopted it unanimously on second reading. The council also approved Resolution 2026-016 to eliminate one finance cash drawer (staff said the cash was already deposited to the bank, reducing theft risk).

Planning Director Heather Troutman briefed the council on Ordinance C-1129 (Title 19, critical areas). She said the changes are required under the Washington State Growth Management Act to update rules for wetlands, aquifer-recharge areas, step prairie habitat and other critical areas. Troutman said staff will rely on federal and state mapping resources and applicant disclosures, and that the council will hold a public hearing on July 20 and consider final action at the next meeting.

What happens next: Ordinance C-1127 (Title 6) is adopted; Resolution 2026-016 is in effect; staff will return July 20 for a public hearing on Title 19 critical-areas updates and propose final action at a subsequent meeting.