In a vote of 5-1, the Bonney Lake City Council passed an ordinance adding a new chapter of the municipal code that creates a high-density residential overlay zone and applies it to the residential-zoned portion of the Washington State University Demonstration Forest.
The lone vote was offered by Councilwoman Laurie Carter. Councilman Randy McKibbin was absent from the Jan. 26 meeting.
Planning Manager Heath Stinson said the ordinance was a follow-up to the development agreement the city signed last month for the WSU Forest.
Stinson said the city’s Planning Commission reviewed a version of the ordinance with a complete changing of R-3 zoning and not the overlay.
“Overall they (Planning Commission) weren’t opposed to having single-family housing detached in the WSU Forest as long as there are design requirements,” Stinson said. “This overlay does accomplish that and for any other residential that may come into the forest.”
Under the ordinance, the overlay is available for application to properties zoned R-3 and located south of state Route 410 and east of South Prairie Road.
The ordinance provides limited variations from the existing R-3 zoning code, to allow for a mix of attached and detached residences, duplexes, townhomes, condominiums, or apartments or a combination thereof. The aim is to accommodate appropriate urban densities and to encourage clustered development in an area of the city that is deemed particularly suitable for innovative residential development techniques.
Under the ordinance, the minimum lot area is determined by setback, parking, landscaping and open space requirements and density can be between 10 and 20 units per acre for residential use. The minimum lot width is 30 feet for detached single-family homes and 20 for all other uses.
The maximum height is 35 feet provided it is in concurrence of East Pierce Fire and Rescue fire code for building up to four stories.
The ordinance also states all residences shall be protected by an approved automatic fire sprinkler system or other fire safety measures as deemed necessary by the fire marshal, consistent with fire codes in effect at the time of building permit application.
Carter inquired how extension of permits would effect the fire safety requirements.
“If a person gets their permit they get vested, but they don’t start right away; is that allow in this situation?” Carter asked. “And if the fire code changes, what happens? Is it based on what the code was at the time the permits were requested?”
Deputy Mayor Dan Swatman said the time the applicant gets the permit determines what fire code is applied.
