Washougal City Council Workshop - February 23, 2026

The Washougal City Council held a workshop on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 6:49 PM, with Mayor Pro Tem David Fritz presiding. The meeting focused on two main agenda items: a presentation on Community Development Code Updates (Group 1) and a request for Council support for Federal Community Project Funding for FY 2027. Public comments were also received.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Port Commissioner Larry Keister offered no formal comments but responded to Council questions about the Slough Bridge. He stated that the bridge is scheduled to be repaved this summer, requiring single-lane traffic, and that businesses leasing Port industrial property have been notified. He added that the Port continues to pursue funding for structural repairs and noted that the temporary lane closure will help illustrate the bridge's impact on the local economy.

Discussion Items

• Community Development: Code Updates Group 1 — Mitch Kneipp, Community Development Director, and Jessica Herceg of DOWL presented the first group of code updates, covering Middle Housing Definitions & Regulations, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and STEP Housing (emergency shelters, transitional housing, etc.). Key points included:
  • As a Tier 3 city, Washougal must allow up to two middle housing units on any residential lot. The Planning Commission recommends allowing additional housing types (e.g., triplexes, fourplexes) in R-175 and R-15 zones beyond state minimums to address affordability.
  • Councilmember Wagner strongly opposed the extra allowances, particularly in Woodburn Hill and R-175 zones, arguing it would disrupt neighborhoods and go beyond what the state requires. Councilmember Swofford supported the changes, stating they are necessary to meet housing and affordability targets. Student Representative Jake Larzalere emphasized that increasing housing options is essential to retain young adults in Washougal.
  • Discussion also covered minimum density requirements, parking standards, lot coverage, ADU regulations, and impacts on infrastructure. No vote was taken; the Council will revisit the topic at a future hearing.
• Federal Community Project Funding for FY 2027 — Joe Walsh, Community Services & Strategy Director, requested Council support for two federal appropriation requests: construction funding for the next phase of the PFAS Treatment Facility (approximately $2 million) and funding for an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to be added to the new fire station (amount to be determined). He noted that the city recently received $1.3 million for design of the PFAS facility and $1 million for the railroad crossing elimination. The EOC would enhance technology and training capabilities. Council expressed support, and the city will submit requests to Senators and the Congressman with a trip to Washington, D.C. scheduled for March 24.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken during the workshop.
• The Council will continue discussions on the code updates, with a public hearing expected at a later date.
• The Council unanimously supported pursuing the two federal funding requests for FY 2027.
• The next City Council Workshop is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM.