Monroe staff to seek public hearing on state‑mandated step‑housing and co‑living ordinance

City staff presented an interim ordinance and options for a permanent code amendment to implement House Bill 1998 and related state requirements for 'step housing' (a spectrum including emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing) and co‑living housing. The Planning Commission indicated consensus to bring the ordinance forward to a public hearing and asked staff to prepare a formal report.

Anita, a city staffer who led the presentation, summarized the state and local context: HB 1998 requires jurisdictions planning under the Growth Management Act to allow co‑living housing where zones permit at least six multifamily units and to enable step housing in specified zones. Staff noted the city used an interim ordinance adopted by City Council on Nov. 18, 2025 to meet the statutory deadline and is now working on a permanent ordinance. Anita explained where step housing and co‑living uses would be permitted or conditional in existing city zones and said permanent supportive housing is already a permitted or conditional use in several residential and mixed‑use zones.

Commissioners expressed general support for the policy intent and discussed where these housing types should be allowed in the city. Commissioner Lipp moved to have staff move the ordinance forward for a public hearing; commissioners indicated they were ready for a public hearing and asked staff to produce a staff report and schedule appropriate notices. Staff said it will return in February for further discussion or schedule the hearing for City Council adoption in March or April if the commission so directs.

Records and legal citations: Staff referenced House Bill 1998 and cited the interim ordinance process under state law (RCW 38.63.220 and RCW 36.70A.390) that allowed the city to meet the statutory deadline. The planning manager and staff asked the commission whether they wanted additional discussion or to proceed directly to a public hearing; the commission favored scheduling a hearing.

Next steps: Staff will prepare a formal staff report, schedule a public hearing before the Planning Commission, accept public comment, and then make a recommendation to City Council on the permanent ordinance and code amendments.