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Ruston council approves Civic Architecture height bonus for Marina District
Summary
The Ruston City Council narrowly approved Ordinance 1604, allowing qualifying projects in the Marina District to increase maximum building height from 90 to 100 feet above mean sea level if they meet enhanced architectural and public‑realm standards. The measure passed 3–2 after months of debate and extensive public comment.
The Ruston City Council voted 3–2 on June 16 to adopt Ordinance 1604, which creates a Civic Architecture Height Bonus framework for the Marina District that allows qualifying projects to increase maximum building height from 90 to 100 feet above mean sea level when paired with required design and public‑realm improvements. Councilmembers Hedrick, Syler and Holland voted for the ordinance; Councilmembers Jensen and Wilson opposed it.
Councilmember Hedrick said the ordinance "struck an appropriate balance" after staff, the Planning Commission and the public had additional time to refine the proposal, and he argued the change applies to multiple parcels in the Marina District rather than a single development. The ordinance adds design requirements for durable materials, façade modulation, shoreline‑oriented massing, and a menu of public‑realm improvements intended to deliver public benefits for any project using the bonus.
Opponents and many public commenters argued the change would alter neighborhood views and property values and that the timing was premature while ownership and legal questions remain for some parcels. Several residents told the Council the City should not change height limits before TerraCotta completes property transfers and presents final development plans. Supporters said modest height flexibility would help remediate and redevelop the site and generate tax revenue for Ruston.
Councilmember Jensen said rejecting the ordinance would not automatically result in annexation by Tacoma and cautioned against assuming large developments will solve structural budget issues; she said she would vote no. Jensen also disputed a claim raised during public comment that rejecting the ordinance would cause Ruston to be absorbed by Tacoma, calling that assertion inaccurate.
The ordinance is legislative, was reviewed by the Planning Commission (3–2 recommendation for approval), received a SEPA Determination of Non‑Significance that was not appealed, and was transmitted for expedited Growth Management Act review by the Washington State Department of Commerce.
The Council adopted the ordinance by roll call vote 3–2. The decision will be incorporated into the City's zoning code and the new standards will apply to qualifying permit applications going forward.
