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Council places repeal of 1977 height‑limit ordinance on November ballot
Summary
Council voted to submit a measure to Nov. 3, 2026 to repeal voter‑adopted Ordinance 12‑84, which imposes local height, density and parking restrictions; staff said state housing laws have already undercut parts of the ordinance and council authorized city members to author the city council's ballot argument.
The council voted to place a measure before voters on Nov. 3 to repeal Ordinance 12‑84, a 1977 zoning initiative that requires voter approval for building heights over three stories (50 feet), density increases, certain parking structures and certain roadway changes. Staff said state laws have preempted parts of the ordinance and that several projects have already proceeded to greater heights under state law.
"This ordinance requires a citywide public vote before the council can approve four categories of items," the assistant city manager explained, and staff argued that repealing the ordinance would remove a bottleneck that has deterred market‑rate development and revenue opportunities. Council members debated the ballot wording and asked for clarity on state law impacts and tax consequences for affordable projects; the council voted to put the full rescission on the ballot and authorized the mayor and a councilmember to author the city council ballot argument if the council wishes to present one to the voters.
