Council reviews housing-types proposal that could allow fourplexes in R-L zones

Community Development Director Curtis Lillquist guided a discussion with the East Wenatchee City Council on Feb. 19, 2026, reviewing options to allow additional housing types in Residential Low Density (R-L) District zones. The options presented ranged from maintaining existing regulations to permitting up to fourplexes on R-L lots.

Councilmembers raised concerns and comments about the potential effect on neighborhood character, housing supply, and affordability. The minutes state that comments were provided by all councilmembers present, but no motion or formal vote occurred during the workshop. The discussion was presented as part of ongoing work to align zoning options with the city’s Housing Element in the Comprehensive Plan.

The presentation establishes policy questions for future work by staff and council: whether to pursue regulatory amendments to allow higher-density housing in R-L zones, what design or siting standards to require if additional units are permitted, and how such changes would be phased or linked to infrastructure planning. Staff did not record a directive or timeline for a formal ordinance at the workshop.