Planning commission recommends accessory-use standards for council review
June 11, 2026 | Milton, Pierce County, Washington
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The Milton Planning Commission on Thursday voted to recommend that the City Council adopt draft accessory-use standards that would add rules for outdoor storage, outdoor sales, drive-through facilities and animal services in commercial zones.
Staff said the amendments revise chapter 17.44 and accompanying tables to make explicit which accessory uses are allowed in which commercial zones and to replace an older cross-reference for animal services with the city’s recently adopted animal-services code. The rules distinguish accessory uses (which require a primary business) from non-residential uses and note that residential properties remain subject to separate codes and nuisance rules.
The changes were introduced at a public hearing before the commission. A member of the public who identified himself as Keanu Keanu Sanan asked whether the proposed language applies to residential as well as commercial properties and requested any economic-impact analysis staff might have prepared. Staff responded that the draft targets accessory uses tied to commercial operations and that hazardous-materials storage and other safety requirements are generally regulated under building, fire and stormwater codes.
Commissioners pressed staff on specific provisions. Commissioner Whan asked where hazardous or flammable materials would be regulated; staff said building code and fire departments commonly address storage safety, and stormwater regulations apply when leaks occur. Commissioners also sought clarification on the treatment of walls used as fences versus actual buildings, and on the draft language limiting drive‑thru speaker sound so that it is “not audible from residentially used properties.” Staff said mitigation options could include vegetation, walls or reduced speaker volume.
On animal services, staff confirmed that animal shelters and kennels are listed in the non‑residential use category rather than as accessories and that the draft replaces an outdated external reference in the code with the city’s recently adopted animal services standards.
Commissioner Girtz moved to recommend the accessory‑use language to the City Council; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The commission recorded no roll‑call tally in the meeting minutes. The recommendation will be forwarded to council for its consideration at a future meeting.
Staff said the amendments revise chapter 17.44 and accompanying tables to make explicit which accessory uses are allowed in which commercial zones and to replace an older cross-reference for animal services with the city’s recently adopted animal-services code. The rules distinguish accessory uses (which require a primary business) from non-residential uses and note that residential properties remain subject to separate codes and nuisance rules.
The changes were introduced at a public hearing before the commission. A member of the public who identified himself as Keanu Keanu Sanan asked whether the proposed language applies to residential as well as commercial properties and requested any economic-impact analysis staff might have prepared. Staff responded that the draft targets accessory uses tied to commercial operations and that hazardous-materials storage and other safety requirements are generally regulated under building, fire and stormwater codes.
Commissioners pressed staff on specific provisions. Commissioner Whan asked where hazardous or flammable materials would be regulated; staff said building code and fire departments commonly address storage safety, and stormwater regulations apply when leaks occur. Commissioners also sought clarification on the treatment of walls used as fences versus actual buildings, and on the draft language limiting drive‑thru speaker sound so that it is “not audible from residentially used properties.” Staff said mitigation options could include vegetation, walls or reduced speaker volume.
On animal services, staff confirmed that animal shelters and kennels are listed in the non‑residential use category rather than as accessories and that the draft replaces an outdated external reference in the code with the city’s recently adopted animal services standards.
Commissioner Girtz moved to recommend the accessory‑use language to the City Council; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The commission recorded no roll‑call tally in the meeting minutes. The recommendation will be forwarded to council for its consideration at a future meeting.
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