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Ruston council declines 10-foot height bonus for Marina District; Ordinance No. 1604 fails
Summary
The Ruston City Council voted down Ordinance No. 1604, which would have allowed a Civic Architecture Height Bonus increasing Marina District building heights from 90 to 100 feet, after mixed public comment and split council deliberations; the ordinance failed with two yes, two no and one abstention.
The Ruston City Council voted not to adopt Ordinance No. 1604 on June 2, 2026, a legislative change that would have allowed a Civic Architecture Height Bonus in the Marina District, increasing the maximum allowable height from 90 to 100 feet when projects meet enhanced architectural and public‑realm standards.
Councilmember Hedrick moved to adopt the ordinance and Councilmember Syler seconded. Hedrick said the Planning Commission’s later review produced “a meaningful compromise” that balanced land‑use regulations, public comment, and project viability; he said he would vote in favor. Councilmember Holland likewise said he supported the ordinance as written and emphasized it was intended to serve the City rather than a single developer. Councilmember Jensen said she “fundamentally disagreed with the policy of changing the code at the request of a single developer” and announced she would vote against it. Councilmember Wilson said she would not support the ordinance, citing the Comprehensive Plan and community priorities. Councilmember Syler indicated she wanted more time and said she would likely abstain.
On the roll call, Hedrick and Holland voted yes; Jensen and Wilson voted no; Syler abstained. Mayor Hopkins does not cast votes on ordinances. With the abstention, Ordinance No. 1604 did not pass.
The ordinance had been forwarded by the Planning Commission (3‑2) after a March work session and an April public hearing. City staff reported that the City transmitted the amendments for expedited review under RCW 36.70A.106 and issued a State Environmental Policy Act Determination of Non‑Significance (DNS) that was not appealed. Proponents argued the 10‑foot increase is modest and tied to design and public‑benefit requirements; opponents warned of precedent, view impacts, and the risk of granting effectively parcel‑specific entitlements.
The Council may revisit the issue on a future agenda. In the meantime, the existing 90‑foot limit remains in effect for the Marina District.
