Puyallup Planning Commission Meeting - May 13, 2026

The Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers. Commissioners present: Chair Tracy Taylor, Vice-Chair De Groot, Commissioners Diane Washburn, Millard Barney, and Mark Crosby. Commissioners Greg Martin and Kyle Landon were excused. Staff present: Senior Planner Kendall Wals, Associate Planner Rachael Brown, and Administrative Clerk Yessenia Abarca. The meeting covered a new business item, a public hearing on Phase 1 Zoning Housekeeping Amendments, and a worksession on Design Review Standards Update.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda (5-0).
• Approved the April 22, 2026 minutes (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Valerie Dent (District 2) addressed the commission regarding the proposed zoning amendments, expressing concerns about large projects impacting infrastructure, traffic, and pedestrian safety beyond their immediate areas, particularly around major developments like the hospital. She questioned whether the city's cleanup of zoning would expand the footprint around such projects. Commissioners responded that many requirements (traffic impact fees, drainage, etc.) are already in place.
• An email from a resident adjacent to the 512 exit urged the commission to either maintain current zoning or, if changing to UCX, allow car-related services on parcels near freeways. The email was summarized by the chair.

Discussion Items

• New Business – USGS Brochure (Commissioner Washburn): Commissioner Washburn introduced a USGS brochure on Mount Rainier volcanic hazards, specifically lahar risks, published April 14-15, 2026. She suggested mailing it to every address within city limits to inform residents, noting she had never received such information in 30 years. The commission voted 5-0 to add this item to the agenda.
• Public Hearing – Phase 1 Zoning Housekeeping Amendments (DPS Work Plan Package 2): Associate Planner Rachael Brown presented amendments to implement the Puyallup 2044 Comprehensive Plan. Key proposals included:
  • Updating the list of zone districts to match the Zoning Map.
  • Allowing motor vehicle sales and auto service uses in RMX (River Road corridor) and CCX (South Hill Mall) zones (currently prohibited).
  • Permitting standalone residential units in mixed-use (MX) zones without a commercial component.
  • Removing maximum density limits (from 22 dwelling units/acre to no limit) in RMX and UCX zones, while height limits (up to 90 feet in CCX) and other standards remain.
  • Increasing exempt sign size from 2 square feet to 6 square feet (with a 4-foot height limit) for permanent signs visible from the right-of-way.
  • Adding a preliminary site plan appeal process (with language from the city attorney).
  • Public comment included the email and Valerie Dent's concerns.
  • Commission Discussion: Concerns were raised about large signs in residential zones; a consensus emerged to keep residential signs at 2 square feet. Regarding RMX zone, commissioners debated allowing auto dealerships; many felt the River Road corridor's current auto dealerships create an unattractive gateway. The motion to prohibit automotive dealerships in RMX passed 5-0. The commission also voted to approve the remaining sections (2, 3, 4, 5, and 7) as presented.
• Worksession – Design Review Standards Update (DPS Work Plan Package 5): Senior Planner Kendall Wals presented corresponding code amendments required by HB 1293 (clear, objective design standards; limit design review to one public meeting). The update consolidates three existing design standards (Chapter 20.26, MXDRO Chapter 20.52, Downtown Design Standards) into one chapter. Key components discussed:
  • Block-frontage standards (storefront, landscape, mixed, undesignated).
  • RM multifamily amendments: proposed 5-foot minimum front setback; ground-floor privacy standards (elevation or landscape buffer); ADA accessibility concerns (ramp compatibility with setbacks).
  • Updated open space definitions and a new departure process separate from PMC 20.86 adjustments.
  • The Design Review Board would remain advisory; final determinations by the director.
  • Adoption depends on Phase 2 zoning map and code amendments; commissioners will receive updates before proceeding to public hearing.

Key Outcomes

• Motion on sign sizes: Passed 4-0 (Commissioner Washburn abstained) to exempt permanent signs limited to 2 square feet in single-family residential (RS) zones, with an exception for home occupations. Staff will refine wording for the council package.
• Motion on RMX zone: Passed 5-0 to prohibit automotive dealerships (motor vehicle sales, rental, service, repair, etc.) in the RMX zone.
• Motion on remaining sections (2, 3, 4, 5, 7): Passed 5-0 to recommend approval of the housekeeping amendments as presented (including the density limit removal, standalone residential, appeal process).
• Next steps for zoning amendments: First reading before City Council scheduled for June 2, 2026; second reading June 16, 2026.
• Design standards update: No vote tonight; further discussion anticipated at a future meeting. Staff noted a potential gap between adoption of the corresponding code amendments and the design standards themselves.
• Staff report: Senior Planner Wals advised the next regular meeting may be cancelled; a June meeting will provide an overview of upcoming work. Staff will update commissioners on City Council actions regarding forwarded items.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:57 PM.