Washougal City Council Workshop

October 12, 2026 – The City Council held a workshop covering code compliance updates, zoning amendments, noise ordinance revisions, and the proposed 2027-2028 budget. Key discussions included extending lien filing deadlines, modernizing solid waste codes, addressing clear and objective standards, and funding two new police officers via a new sales tax.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A court commissioner stated they had no comments this evening and provided a brief update on a meeting with Vancouver court regarding a walking tour of a new facility.

Discussion Items

• Code Compliance: Lien Timelines – Community Development Manager Sherry Montgomery proposed extending the lien filing deadline from 30 to 90 days after fees become due, aligning with most Washington municipalities. The change aims to reduce multiple liens on a single property, saving costs for both the city and property owners, and giving residents more time to resolve violations without a lien. Council members expressed support, noting that the current 30-day window can be burdensome.
• Garbage and Recycling Code Update – Montgomery presented updates to consolidate outdated solid waste and recycling codes into a single chapter (7.40), reflecting the current franchise agreement with Waste Connections. Changes include bi-weekly recycling pickup (instead of weekly) and elimination of the three-bin requirement. The new chapter will provide consistent definitions and clear enforcement procedures. Council questioned how rates are monitored and requested a copy of the franchise agreement and an update on rate reviews.
• Clear and Objective Standards – Planner Jessica Herzik reviewed minor updates to design standards across several code sections, including removal of the subjective “template evaluation” requirement for new homes in the Northeast and Northwest UGA areas. The change aligns with state GMA requirements for measurable, verifiable criteria.
• Woodburn Hill Subarea Density – Herzik outlined updates to 18.14 residential zones, converting density from units per acre to square footage per unit to accommodate middle housing allowances (e.g., duplexes). For Woodburn Hill, density continues to be based on slope percentage, with adjusted square-foot-per-unit thresholds. Council discussed the historical rationale for the slope-based approach.
• Transportation Concurrency – Herzik reviewed updates to Chapter 18.90, adopting multimodal level of service standards using “level of traffic stress” methodology, as required by the comprehensive plan update. The code now includes more detailed evaluation criteria based on ODOT standards.
• Local Project Permit Review – Mitch (Community Development Director) presented changes to Chapter 18.94 to comply with state law on permit review timelines: 65 days (no public notice), 100 days (public notice without hearing), 170 days (public notice with hearing). The update shifts from “technically complete” to “procedurally complete” and includes partial fee refunds for missed deadlines.
• Noise Ordinance (Title 9) – Mitch introduced a citizen-requested amendment to limit construction noise: 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, and no construction on Sundays/holidays. Police Chief Zane Voeller expressed concerns about increased calls for service and potential public opposition. Council debated the impact on weekend projects and construction costs. Consensus was to send the item back to the committee for more public input and clearer definitions.
• Budget Presentations – 2027-2028 – Finance Director Daniel presented budgets for multiple funds:
  • Community Development: Proposed 13.2% decrease (to ~$1.6M) for 2027 due to completion of comp plan work. School impact fee pass-through lowered to $300,000 (2027) and $200,000 (2028). A cost-of-service analysis for permit fees ($30,000) is new. Department FTE reduced from 10 to 8 (code enforcement moved).
  • Police Department: 14.86% increase for 2027 (to ~$5.1M) driven by HB 2015 public safety sales tax. Tax expected to generate ~$390,000 annually, funding two new entry-level officers (including academy, equipment, and a UTV for park patrol). 2028 increase projected at 4.65%. Drug seizure (canine) fund remains at $2,750/year.
  • Judicial Services: Slight decrease for 2027; public defender contract expiring – new RFP coming. Increased costs for conflict attorneys and state mandates.
  • Fire/EMS: After purchasing a new fire truck in 2025, 2027 budget drops to ~$130,000 (mostly CRESA fees and bond administration). Fire impact fees ($100,000) collected and passed to regional fire authority.
  • Hotel/Motel Tax Fund: Proposed $133,000 for 2027, with revenues matching expenditures per LTAC recommendation. Five events funded (e.g., Paper Bash, Beaver Festival).
  • Affordable Housing Sales Tax: $14,500/year to Vancouver Housing Authority for rent buy-down program at Rockwood Terrace.
  • Abatement Fund: $17,000/year for legal fees and cleanup of homeless encampments.
  • Budget calendar updated: public hearings moved to November 16, budget adoption by December 31.
• School Consolidation Update – Council member provided an update on the proposed closure of Halfway Elementary (oldest school) due to low enrollment and financial savings (~$1.1M/year). Superintendent recommends closure; public hearings Oct 29 and Nov 12. Property would be retained for potential new school in 8-10 years. Council noted the impact on the community.

Key Outcomes

• Council directed staff to proceed with code amendments for lien timelines, garbage/recycling updates, clear and objective standards, Woodburn Hill density, transportation concurrency, and permit review updates; these will move toward public hearings in November as part of the comprehensive plan adoption.
• The noise ordinance amendment (Title 9) was referred back to committee for further refinement and public input; no immediate action.
• Budget discussions were informational; council will receive the city manager’s proposed budget at the next workshop (Oct 26). Public hearings for taxes and budget set for November 16; adoption by December 31.
• Council requested a copy of the waste franchise agreement and an update on rate review processes.
• Police staffing formula and level of service metrics to be reviewed; possible update to 2022 staffing analysis.