Puyallup Releases Draft Housing Plan, Seeks Public Review

PUYALLUP, WA — The City of Puyallup has released a first draft of its Housing Action Plan, and is asking the public to share their comments and feedback.

An influx of new residents have disrupted the housing market across Puget Sound, and Puyallup is no exception. According to the city, Puyallup's demand for housing has increased, but construction has been unable to keep pace with that growing demand. That, plus the fact that housing costs are rising while rages remain stagnant, mean many Puyallup residents are in danger of being displaced if the issue is not addressed.

“The population of Puyallup is anticipated to grow by a large percentage over the coming years," said Planning Manager for the City of Puyallup Katie Baker. “We also know that our population demographics are changing. As our town becomes more diverse, over time, that will change the types of housing that will be in demand. This plan will help us identify steps we can take today so that we are prepared for the housing demands of the future.”

To address these concerns, the city has been working on a Housing Action Plan since summer 2020, which has been designed to address these five goals:

1. Promote livable neighborhoods.
2. Preserve attainability and quality in existing and new housing.
3. Build a diverse range of new housing.
4. Remove barriers and constraints that limit access to housing.
5. Encourage housing for people experiencing homelessness, older adults, and people with disabilities.

Now, a first draft of that plan has been released to the public, identifying several solutions to the looming housing crisis.

Here's a look at what the plan is suggesting.

Rezoning

In particular, the plan suggests that the city upzone areas near mass transit, increasing density near the Downtown Sounder Station, in South Hill and in multifamily zones near popular bus routes.

Improving Infrastructure

Investing in sewer or water extensions and new sidewalks to better support more dense neighborhoods.

A Pilot Infill Program

Create a pilot program loosening size restrictions for developers building on vacant or underused lands.

"Pilot programs are a good way to test new housing types and to inform future Council decisions on Puyallup’s regulatory approach to these housing types," the plan explains. "It allows the City to take a phased approach to residential infill development and identify which changes would be most effective."

Tacoma recently launched a similar pilot which could be used as a model for Puyallup's program.

Incentivizing Attainable Housing

Waive fees for the construction of attainable housing developments. The city says impact fees, utility connection fees and project review fees can cost developers thousands of dollars per unit built, and that waiving those fees may encourage developers while also expediting the construction process.

Multifamily Tax Exemptions

The Multifamily Tax Exemption program makes approved project sites exempt from property taxes on the residential improvement value for up to 12 years. To be eligible for the exemption, at least one fifth of a new building's units must be affordable for households making 80 percent of the median income or lower. By expanding the program, the city hopes to incentivize multifamily developments in areas already zoned for those developments.

The city may also expand the program to allow multifamily developments in South Hill or the River Road mixed use center.

Revising Existing Zoning Provisions

The plan suggests a number of zoning changes, from consolidating single family residential zones, allowing for the construction of duplexes and triplexes on certain corner lots, updating design review standards and tinkering with parking requirements.

>> A detailed map of the proposed zoning changes can be found here.

Support Programs

The plan would expand access to several programs, including programs which:

• Help low income renters pay their first and last deposit.
• Provide down payment assistance to qualified buyers.
• Offer need-based rehabilitation for low-income, disabled or senior residents.

Supportive Housing

Finally, the plan suggests expanding supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness or people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

"Permanent supportive housing (PSH) is a combination of affordable housing units with on-site and community-based services to help individuals and families facing significant barriers to remaining safely housed," the plan reads. "This includes cognitive and physical disabilities, mental illnesses, and substance use disorder. It has been shown to be a cost-effective solution which lowers public costs associated with the use of crisis services such as shelters, hospitals, jails, and prisons."

To gather public input, the city has posted a virtual open house explaining the project in brief and gathering survey responses from community members. The survey will remain open through Friday. Comments can be sent via email to Planning Manager Katie Baker at kbaker@puyallupwa.gov.

Puyallup residents are also invited to share their comments and concerns at the upcoming Planning Commission public hearing on June 30.

The full text of the draft of the Housing Action Plan can also be found on the city's website.