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Federal Way staff weigh options after building code limits temporary Civic Plaza structure
Summary
Parks Director Jason Gerwin updated council on the Civic Plaza proof-of-concept, saying the planned temporary 'indoor' structure may trigger code requirements that would limit its temporary use to roughly 45 days; staff reported HUD and CDBG funding and asked council for direction on spending and alternatives.
Parks Director Jason Gerwin told the council July 21 that the Civic Plaza proof-of-concept has progressed since early 2026 but that the temporary community structure the city envisioned faces building-code and funding constraints.
Jason Gerwin said the siteprep, a new lawn, repurposed containers and a temporary stage were in place for recent events, but that what staff thought would be a temporary wedding-style tent can trigger requirements for foundations, sprinkler systems and full HVAC when it is hard-sided. "We still don't have a final recommendation for you," Gerwin told the council, saying staff is continuing to coordinate with the building official.
Gerwin reviewed funding that was applied to the Civic Plaza effort: he said $60,500 was penciled in for the event structure as part of the original HUD concept and that CDBG funds of $196,720 were applied to the project. He also described overall project accounting as having generated just over $1,000,000 in revenue with roughly $789,000 expended to date; Gerwin said a remaining balance was shown in the staff report but the exact transcript figure was unclear and staff committed to provide a clear number and any spending deadline when they return with a recommendation.
Council members asked whether the code's 45-day limit on temporary tents could be changed. Building-staff explained the city adopts the International Building Code and that amending code provisions is possible but requires a detailed liability and legal analysis. Councilmember Hamilton pressed for a timeline on spending any remaining funds; Gerwin said he would confirm the deadline and report back. Staff plans to continue programming the plaza, begin reservations in August and bring options to council when a recommended approach is ready.
This is an ongoing policy and implementation matter; the council asked staff for more precise financial figures and a recommendation on a structure that meets safety requirements and the expectations of HUD funding.
