HomeMy WebLinkAbout4828 Ordinance - 02 Text Amendments and RezoneOrdinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 1
ORDINANCE NO. 4828
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PASCO, WASHINGTON,
AMENDING AND REPEALING SECTIONS OF PASCO MUNICIPAL CODE,
IN TITLE 17 SIGN CODE, TITLE 21 URBAN AREA SUBDIVISION
REGULATIONS, AND TITLE 25 ZONING, RELATED TO CHANGES MADE
TO THE R-S-20 SUBURBAN DISTRICT AND FURTHER AMENDING THE
OFFICIAL ZONING MAP CLASSIFCATION FROM R-S-20 SUBURBAN
DISTRICT AND PARCELS 118431055 AND 118461013 (ZONED R-1) AND
PARCEL 118461031 (ZONED R-S-12) TO R-15 LOW DENSITY RESIDENTAL
DISTRICT.
WHEREAS, the City of Pasco City Council adopted Ordinance No. 4663 on April 17,
2023, amending Pasco Municipal Code 25.215.015 and Comprehensive Plan Land Use Density
Table (Table LU-1) allowing gross density range for areas designated as Low Density Residential
from 2-5 dwelling units per acre to 3-6 dwelling units per acre; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 4663 created an unintended conflict with the R-S-20 zoning
district, where minimum lot sizes and infrastructure constraints are not compatible with the higher
density minimum density requirements; and
WHEREAS, Parcels 118431055 and 118461013 (zoned R-1) and Parcel 118461031
(zoned R-S-12) will be rezoned to R-15 low density residential district; and
WHEREAS, City of Pasco Planning Staff conducted a workshop with the Planning
Commission on November 20, 2025, followed by public hearings on December 18, 2025, and
January 15, 2026 to discuss options for resolving the unintended conflict; and
WHEREAS, the City of Pasco Planning Commission at the January 15, 2026 meeting,
passed a motion recommending the City Council approve Comprehensive Plan Amendment CPA
2025-002, including the Land Use Map Amendment establishing the Low Density Residential-
Riverview designation of 2-5 dwelling units per acre; and
WHEREAS, the City of Pasco Planning Commission at January 15, 2026, Planning
Commission meeting passed a motion recommending the City Council replace/rezone the R-S-20
zone with the R-15 Low Density Residential District, along with the associated Pasco Municipal
Code changes below.
WHEREAS, the City Council held a workshop and regular meeting on February 23, 2026,
and March 2, 2026, respectively, and directed staff to include Parcels 118431055 and 118461013
(currently zoned R-1) and Parcel 118461031 (currently zoned R-S-12) in the proposed rezone to
the R-15 Low Density Residential district;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASCO,
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 2
WASHINGTON DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council finds that an emergency exists and wishes to proceed with
a comprehensive plan amendment outside of the annual cycle as allowed by RCW
36.70A.130(2)(b).
Section 2. The Zoning Map, accompanying and being part of said Ordinance shall be
and herby is changed from the R-S-20 Suburban District and Parcels 118431055 and 118461013
(currently zoned R-1) and Parcel 118461031 (currently zoned R-S-12) to R-15 Low Density
Residential District as shown in Exhibit A:
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 3
INSERT EXHIBIT A
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 4
Section 3. PMC Title 17.15.010 Sign Allowance Table, is hereby amended and shall
read as follows:
Chapter 17.15 SIGN ALLOWANCE TABLE
17.15.010 Interpretation of sign allowance table.
(1) The sign allowance table, as incorporated herein, determines whether a specific sign is
allowed in a zone district or by land use activity. The zone district or land use activity is
identified in the left column and the specific sign allowances are located in the rows of the table.
(2) If no symbol or number appears in the table box at the intersection of the column and row,
the sign is not allowed in that category or is not subject to an allowance.
(3) If a number appears in the table box at the intersection of the column and row or in the
column or row heading, the sign may be allowed subject to the appropriate requirement and
specific conditions indicated in the table footnotes.
(4) All applicable requirements shall govern a sign whether or not the requirements are cross-
referenced in the table.
Sign Allowance Table
Permit requirement
| Material restrictions
| | Number of signs
| | | Allowable surface area in sq. ft. (1)
| | | | Height in feet (2)
| | | | | Projection over ROW to curb line
| | | | | | Spacing in linear feet (3)
| | | | | | | Visible ground plane/passage area (4)
| | | | | | | | Setback from adjacent property line
| | | | | | | | | Setback from ROW in feet (5)
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Duration (days)
| | | | | | | | | | | Notes
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 5
Access, landmark, and informational signs - all zones
entry/exit freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
yes durable 1 4 4 5 0 per exit/entry
landmark wall sign/plaque yes durable 1 10 8 5 0 per building
frontage
informational -
private (6)
wall sign no durable 1 2 8 5 0 per building
frontage
freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
no durable 1 6 4 5 0 per street
frontage
informational -
public
wall sign no durable 1 2 8 5 0 per building
frontage
freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
no durable 1 6 4 5 0 per street
frontage
Permanent signs
Residential districts - RT, R-S-20R-15, R-S-12, R-S-1, R-1, RFAH -1/1A, R-2, R-3, R-4, RMHP
identification -
dwelling unit
wall sign no durable 1 2 8 5 0 per property
freestanding
pedestal/pole sign (17)
no durable 1 2 4 5 0 per property
identification - bldg
complex
wall sign yes durable 1 24 20 5 0 per building
frontage
freestanding
pedestal/pole sign (17)
yes durable 1 24 4 5 0 per street
frontage
daycare facility wall sign yes durable 1 16 20 5 0 per building
frontage
commercial freestanding
pedestal/pole sign (17)
yes durable 1 16 15 5 0 per street
frontage
school/religious
use (15)
wall sign yes durable 1 24 20 5 0 per building
frontage
freestanding
pedestal/pole sign (17)
yes durable 1 40 15 5 0 per street
frontage
freestanding
marquee/readerboard
sign (17)
yes durable 1 24 15 5 0 per street
frontage
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 6
Office/commercial districts - O, C-1, C-2, C-3, C-R, BP, I-1, I-2, I-3
Composite allowance - all sign surfaces
maximum per sign window sign (11) no transparent na 25% 15
per building/street
frontage
awning sign per
business
yes durable 1 24 15 (2)
8 may extend
over walkway
canopy sign yes maintained na 25% 24 (2)
8 may extend
over walkway
wall sign yes durable na 25% na 14 0
blade/projecting sign yes durable 1 125 (2)
(2)
5 0
freestanding pedestal
sign
yes durable 1 350 15 0 5 0
freestanding
marquee/readerboard
sign (17)
yes durable 1 48 15 5 0 per street
frontage
freestanding pole -
tenant directory sign (17)
yes durable 1 12 35 0 6 5 0 up to 12 tenants
per sign
freestanding pole
sign (17)
yes durable 1 350 35 0 6 5 0
freestanding billboard
sign (7)(17)
yes durable 1 250 35 0 500 6 5 0 Maximum 25
billboard sign
structures in
City.
freestanding digital
billboard sign (7)(17)
yes durable 1 250 35 0 500 6 5 0
off-premises directional
sign (14)
yes durable 1 5 15 5 0
Commercial/industrial districts - C-3, C-R, BP, I-1, I-2, I-3
maximum per sign freeway sign yes durable 1 350 70 500 6 35 35 per freeway
frontage
per freeway or freeway
interchange (9) sign
yes durable 1 480 70 500 6 35 35 per 15-acre site
minimum
frontage property and freeway
readerboard (9) sign
yes durable 1 150 35 500 6 35 35 per 15-acre site
minimum
Limited duration signs
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 7
Undeveloped property
Residential freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
yes durable 1 24 8 5 0 15 after closing
- lot
- tract freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
yes durable 1 60 8 5 0 15 after last closing
Commercial freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
yes durable 1 24 8 5 0 15 after closing
- lot
- tract freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
yes durable 1 60 8 5 0 15 after closing
Construction wall/banner sign yes durable 1 24 8 5 0 const
freestanding
pedestal/pole sign
yes durable 1 32 8 5 0 const
Real estate sales/rentals per building or property
Residential zones window/poster sign no 1 2 0 15 after closing
freestanding
pedestal/pole sign (10)
no durable 1 6 8 5 0 15 after closing
freestanding sign (10) no durable 2 2 8 5 0 15 after closing
Commercial
zones (12)
window/poster sign no 1 2 0 15 after closing
wall/banner sign no durable 1 6 20 5 0 15 after closing
freestanding
pedestal/pole sign (9)
no durable 1 6 8 5 0 15 after closing
Temporary signs
Open house - real
estate sales
sandwich -
directional (10)
no durable 4 6 4 5 0 after event
sandwich - site (10) no durable 1 6 4 5 0 after event
Special event - sales, charities, etc.
Schools, churches,
parks, farmers mkt,
Xmas trees
sandwich -
directional (10)
no durable 4 6 4 5 0 after event
sandwich - site (10) no durable 1 6 4 5 0 after event
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 8
window poster no na 50% after event
window banner no durable 1 16 0 after event
wall sign/banner no durable 1 64 20 5 0 after event
banner - mounted
freestanding pole
no durable 1 10 20 (2)
8 5 0 after event
marquee/readerboard -
portable
no durable 1 18 4 5 0 after event
balloons (12) no biodegradable 15 20 5 after event
Residential zones sandwich -
directional (10)
no durable 2 6 4 5 0 after event
sandwich - site (10) no durable 1 6 4 5 0 after event
Commercial zones sandwich -
directional (10)
no durable 2 6 4 5 0 after event
sandwich - site (10) no durable 1 6 4 5 0 after event
window poster no na 50% after event
window banner no durable 1 16 0 after event
wall sign/banner no durable 1 64 20 5 0 after event
banner - mounted
freestanding pole
no durable 1 16 20 (2)
8 5 0 after event
marquee/readerboard -
portable
no durable 1 18 4 5 0 after event
balloons (12) no biodegradable 15 20 5 after event
inflatables (13) yes nonflammable 1 350 70 250 5 0 after event
SR-12/395 and I-182 inflatables (13) yes nonflammable 1 350 70 500 5 0 after event
Political (16) freestanding no durable na 6 4 5 0 10 after election
1 The area within a continuous perimeter enclosing the outer limits of the sign face, but not
including structural elements, which are not a part of the display. The area of a two-sided sign
equals the area of one side. The area of a spherical, cubical, or polyhedral sign equals 1/2 the
total surface area.
2 Height: measured from the average finished grade at the sign foundation.
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 9
Awning signs shall be at least 8 and no more than 16 feet above the walkway.
Blade/projecting signs shall not extend more than 10 feet above the building facade or 6 feet
from the face of the building.
3 Spacing: the linear distance between signs, or sign structures, in feet.
4 The area under the sign that shall be free of obstructions to allow passage of pedestrians and
vehicles.
5 Setback: shall be that portion of any sign or sign structure that is closest to the property line.
6 Private informational signs must be for an original purpose and may not simply repeat the same
message over and over.
7 Signs visible from Washington State Highways may be subject to the Highway Advertising
Control Act of 1971 and require approval by the Washington State Department of Transportation
in additional to local approval.
8 On private property adjacent to an arterial road: not within 100 feet of a public street
intersection, 300 feet of a residential district, within 250 feet of a freestanding sign of 200 sf of
display area.
9 Freeway interchange signs must be located within 1,000 feet of an interchange, and 300 feet of
ROW, on site of business on a minimum 15-acre site.
10 Square feet per one face of a two-sided sandwich board.
11 Window signs may include credit card logos and advertise hours of operation and address.
12 Balloons shall be no larger than 18 inches in diameter, not attached to a roofline.
13 Inflatables shall be securely anchored to the ground and not create a traffic or other hazard in
the event of deflation.
Inflatables shall be measured by square feet of surface volume.
14 Off-premises directional signs shall be of the material, color, lettering font, and structure
specified by the Building Official.
15 Excepting Pasco High School Bulldogs stadium sign.
16 Campaign signs on private property are limited to 32 square feet in size.
17 Permanent freestanding pole signs are not allowed within the downtown core, as illustrated in
PMC 25.95.050(2) of the downtown Pasco overlay zone.
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 10
Section 3. PMC Title 17.15.030, Exempt signs, is hereby amended and shall read as
follows:
17.15.030 Exempt signs.
The following signs shall not require application, fee or sign permit. These exceptions shall not
be construed as relieving the owner of the sign from responsibility for its erection, and its
compliance with provisions of this code or any other law or ordinance regulating the same:
(1) Changing of the advertising copy or message on theater marquees, readerboards, and similar
signs.
(2) Painting, repainting, cleaning, repairing and other normal maintenance, unless structural or
electrical changes are made.
(3) Signs erected or installed by or at the direction of the City, such as traffic signs, legal notices,
railroad warning signs, signs showing the location of underground public utility facilities, and
other signs of a nonadvertising nature erected for warning or emergency purposes.
(4) Interior signs; provided, that no interior sign shall be permitted in the R-T, R-S-20R-15, R-S-
12, R-S-1, R-l and R-2, R-3, R-4, R-1-A and R-1-A2 zoning districts.
(5) Temporary signs and decorations that are customary for special holidays and that are erected
on private property.
(6) Signs directly related to a municipal building, structure or installed by the City or required
by a governmental entity.
(7) Bona fide religious symbols on the buildings or grounds of religious institutions.
(8) Traffic or pedestrian control signs, signs required by law, or signs indicating scenic or
historic points of interest that are erected by or on the order of a public officer in the performance
of his public duty.
(9) Sculptures, fountains, mosaics, and design features that do not incorporate advertising or
identification.
(10) The flags of governments or noncommercial institutions such as schools, with the poles
treated as structures.
(11) Official public notices of federal, state or local governments, official court notices.
(12) Signs not intended to be viewed by the public from the street right-of-way.
(13) Lettering or symbols painted directly onto or flush-mounted magnetically onto an operable
vehicle.
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 11
(14) Identification signs upon recycling collection containers for public, charitable or nonprofit
organizations.
(15) Emblems of local nonprofit organizations and community service clubs, including signs
less than two square feet that identify the meeting place and time.
(16) Political signs.
Section 4. PMC Title 21.15.010, Street connectivity, is hereby amended and shall
read as follows:
21.15.010 Street connectivity.
(1) Connectivity to Abutting Lands. The street system of a proposed subdivision shall be
designed to provide direct and efficient connections to existing, proposed, and planned streets
adjacent to the subdivision. Wherever a proposed development abuts unplatted land or a future
development phase of an existing development, street stubs shall be provided to allow access to
future abutting subdivisions and to extend the street system into the surrounding area. Street ends
shall contain turnarounds constructed to Uniform Fire Code standards and shall be designed to
facilitate future extension in terms of grading, width, and temporary barricades.
(2) Future Street Plan. Subdivision applicants must demonstrate, pursuant to City standards, that
the proposed development does not preclude future street connections to adjacent lands.
(3) Public Street and Street Connectivity Requirements. Dedicating or deeding property for
right-of-way or a portion thereof to the City for public streets within, or along the boundaries of
all residential subdivisions or developments, shall be required as a condition of application
approval where the following can be demonstrated:
(a) Facts support that such dedication is reasonably necessary as a result of the impact created
by the proposed development;
(b) Such dedication will result in proportionate mitigation of the impact in the reasonably
foreseeable future;
(c) Connectivity to the existing or foreseeable future public right-of-way is feasible; and
(d) One or more of the following circumstances are met:
(i) A city transportation plan indicates the necessity of a new or additional right-of-way or
portion thereof for street purposes;
(ii) The dedication is necessary to provide additions of right-of-way to existing right-of-way to
meet city road standards;
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 12
(iii) The dedication is necessary to extend or to complete the existing or future neighborhood
street pattern;
(iv) The dedication is necessary to comply with road standards and city transportation plans;
(v) The dedication is necessary to provide a public transportation system that supports future
development of abutting property consistent with the Comprehensive Plan or Pasco Municipal
Code.
(4) Dead-End Streets. Dead-end streets are prohibited; except, where the Comprehensive Plan or
preliminary plat indicates a street is to continue past the subdivider’s property, the City may
allow the dead end until such time as the street can be built through at a later date. Dead-end
streets may be permitted in the R-S-20 R-15 and R-S-12 districts as provided in PMC 21.15.080.
(5) Half Streets. Half streets shall be prohibited except that the City may permit their inclusion
in cases where a normal alignment of a present or future planned street will fall half on an
adjoining ownership.
(6) Street Names. Streets shall be named to conform with existing streets on the same or
reasonably similar alignment. New street names shall be reviewed by the Planning Department,
the Fire Department and/or the Emergency 911 Coordinator to ensure that no confusion with
existing street names occurs.
Section 5. PMC Title 21.15.080, hammerhead/T, is hereby amended and shall read
as follows:
21.15.080 Hammerhead/T.
Hammerhead/Ts are only permitted in R-S-20 R-15 and R-S-12 zoning districts where property
was platted in the county prior to annexation and existing development precludes the expectation
requirement that a standard cul-de-sac can be developed.
(1) Dead-end streets with hammerheads should normally be less than 300 feet, but will be
permitted up to 450 feet in length.
(2) Streets with hammerheads shall not serve more than eight lots.
(3) Right-of-Way Widths for Streets Intersecting Hammerheads. Minimum right-of-way widths
for all dead-end streets with hammerheads serving no more than eight lots shall not be less than
40 feet, with no on-street parking.
(4) Right-of-Way Widths for Hammerheads. Minimum right-of-way widths for hammerheads
shall not be less than 30 feet, with no on-street parking.
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 13
(5) Roadway Widths. Minimum roadway widths for all dead-end streets with hammerheads shall
not be less than the following dimensions:
(a) Thirty-two feet from the face of curb to the face of curb;
(b) Thirty feet of pavement width where there is no curb and gutter;
(c) Twenty -eight feet of pavement for hammerheads;
(6) Hammerheads shall comply with the minimum requirements set forth in Figure 21.15.080.01
or 21.15.080.02.
(6) Hammerheads shall comply with the minimum requirements set forth in Figure
21.15.080.01 or 21.15.080.02.
Figure 21.15.080.01. Connecting Road
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 14
Figure 21.15.080.02. Connecting Road
Section 6. PMC Title 21.20.060, Lots without public street frontage, is hereby
amended and shall read as follows:
21.20.060 Lots without public street frontage
(1) Purpose. These regulations are intended to implement comprehensive plan goals and policies
encouraging infill development, more efficient use of the remaining developable land, protection
of environmentally sensitive areas, and creating opportunities for more affordable housing.
(2) Applicability. All applications proposing residential lots without public street frontage may
be approved only when each of the requirements identified below have been met. These
conditions are supplemental to any other requirements found in this title. In the event of any
conflict, the conditions in this section shall apply.
(a) All applications shall include a site map depicting proposed lot layout, including the location
of existing structures on adjacent parcels, if any;
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 15
(b) Permitted only where, due to geometric, topographic, or other physical features in proportion
to the size of the development, it would be impractical to extend or build a publicly dedicated
street;
(c) Lots without public street frontage shall not be permitted within the RS-20 R-15 zoning
district;
(d) There shall be no more than three adjoining lots created without public street frontage;
(e) Emergency Access. When the furthest point of a proposed structure is greater than 150 feet in
distance from the public right-of-way, as measured along an accessible route, an approved fire
vehicle turnaround with a minimum inside turning radius of 30 feet is required as defined by the
International Fire Code;
(f) All corners shall have a minimum inside turning radius of 30 feet;
(g) Parking. No parking is permitted along the access (shared driveway) portion of the lot. The
installation of no parking signage shall be required as a condition of approval;
(h) Utilities and Improvements. All impacted and new utilities and improvements shall be
constructed to the standards identified in the Pasco Design and Construction Standards and
Specifications;
(i) Drainage and storm water shall meet the requirements of PMC 16.10.050;
(j) Signage with addresses shall be posted on the public street side for all properties that are
adjacent to any private shared driveway or access. Signage shall comply with the requirements of
PMC Title 17. All addresses shall be displayed on the same pedestal unless otherwise authorized;
(k) Structural setbacks on lots without public street frontage shall conform to the requirements
of the applicable zone;
(l) The shared access must be located no closer than five feet to any existing structure;
(m) Access, maintenance and utility easements necessary to accommodate and maintain
proposed driveway/shared access improvements and utilities shall be approved through the
subdivision process in this title and included on the face of the final plat;
(n) The shared driveway/access must be maintained by the homeowner’s association or by the
adjoining property owners. A maintenance agreement must be recorded prior to the issuance of
the certificate of occupancy and signage on the plat and must include provisions for snow
removal, garbage pickup and any other necessary provisions as determined by the City; and
(o) The shared driveway/access shall have a minimum paved width of 20 feet.
Section 9. PMC Section 25.20.010, Establishment of zoning districts, is hereby
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 16
amended and shall read as follows:
25.20.010 Establishment of zoning districts.
For the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the City,
the City is divided into the following types of zones:
R-T District Residential Transition District
R-S-20 District
R-15
Residential Suburban District
Low-Density Residential District
R-S-12 District Residential Suburban District
R-S-1 District Low-Density Suburban Residential District
R-1 District Low-Density Residential District
R-1-A District Low-Density Residential Alternative District
R-1-A2 District Low-Density Residential Alternative District
R-2 District Medium-Density Residential District
R-3 District Medium-Density Residential District
R-4 District High-Density Residential District
RP District Residential Park District
O District Office District
C-1 District Retail Business District
C-2 District Central Business District
C-2 Overlay District Central Business Overlay District
C-3 District General Business District
C-R District Regional Commercial District
BP District Business Park District
I-182 Overlay District I-182 Corridor Overlay District
I-1 District Light Industrial District
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 17
I-2 District Medium Industrial District
I-3 District Heavy Industrial District
MU District Mixed-Use District
Section 10. PMC Chapter 25.30, R-S-20 Suburban District, is hereby amended and
shall read as follows:
Chapter 25.30 R-S-20 SUBURBAN DISTRICT R-15 Low Density Residential
District
Sections:
• 25.30.010 Purpose.
• 25.30.020 Permitted uses.
• 25.30.030 Permitted accessory uses.
• 25.30.040 Conditional uses.
• 25.30.050 Development standards.
Section 11. PMC Section 25.30.010, Purpose, is hereby amended and shall read as
follows:
25.30.010 Purpose.
The R-S-20 suburban district R-15 Low Density Residential District is established to
provide a low-density residential environment permitting a gross density of two to five three
dwelling units per acre., as set forth in the Comprehensive Plan land use density table in
PMC 25.215.015. Lands within this district shall, unless specifically allowed herein,
contain suburban residential development with large lots and expansive yards. Structures
in this district are limited to single-family dwellings and customary accessory structures.
Certain public facilities and institutions may also be permitted, provided their nature and
location are not detrimental to the intended suburban residential environment.
Section 12. PMC Section 25.30.020, Permitted Uses, is hereby amended and shall read
as follows:
25.30.020 Permitted uses.
The following uses shall be permitted in the R-S-20 suburban district:
(1) Single-family dwellings; and
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 18
(2) New factory-assembled homes.
(3) Nothing contained in this section shall be deemed to prohibit the use of vacant
property for gardening or fruit raising.
Section 13. PMC Section 25.30.030, Permitted accessory uses, is hereby amended and
shall read as follows:
25.30.030 Permitted accessory uses.
The following uses shall be permitted as accessory to a permitted use in the R-S-20 suburban
district:
(1) Detached residential garages as defined in PMC 25.15.090, provided they do not exceed the
height of 18 feet and are no larger than 1,600 square feet in area. For each additional 20,000
square feet of lot area, the gross floor area of detached shops and garages can be increased by
400 square feet. A greater height may be approved by special permit based upon the review
criteria listed in PMC 25.200.080 and 25.200.090;
(2) Home occupations as defined in PMC 25.15.100;
(3) Storage buildings cumulatively not exceeding 480 square feet of gross floor area and 15 feet
in height; provided no container storage, as defined in PMC 25.15.210, shall be permitted. For
each additional 20,000 square feet of lot area, the gross floor area of storage sheds can be
increased by 400 square feet;
(4) Agricultural uses (limited), as defined in PMC 25.15.030 (except that the keeping of animals
shall be permitted on parcels consisting of 10,000 square feet over and above an area equal in
size to 12,000 square feet set aside for the dwelling on the parcel);
(5) One animal unit (as defined in PMC 25.15.030) shall be allowed for each full 10,000-square-
foot increment of land over and above an area equal in size to 12,000 square feet set aside for the
dwelling on the same parcel, provided all barns, barnyards, chicken houses, or corrals shall be
located not less than 25 feet from a public roadway and not less than 10 feet from any adjoining
property held under separate ownership; and provided, that said number of chickens, fowl or
rabbits does not exceed two animal units;
(6) The keeping of dogs and cats, provided such number of animals does not exceed three dogs
and three cats;
(7) Family day care home in conformance with Chapter 388-73 WAC as now existing and as
amended and Chapter 25.150 PMC;
(8) Accessory dwelling units;
(9) Family home preschool in conformance with Chapter 25.150 PMC; and
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 19
(10) For lots with a minimum of 5,000 square feet but less than 22,000 square feet the keeping
of dogs, cats, rabbits, and chicken hens, provided such number of animals does not exceed three
dogs and/or three cats, and/or three rabbits and/or three chicken hens, the total number of
animals not to exceed six; in all cases, animals shall not be allowed to roam or fly to other
properties; roosters are not allowed. Structures related to rabbits and/or chicken hens, such as
rabbit hutches and/or chicken coops, must be at least 10 feet from any property line, may not
exceed six feet in height and 30 square feet in size, and must be located behind the rear line of
the dwelling. Property owners shall not allow such structures to become a nuisance due to noise
or odor.
Section 14. PMC section 25.30.050, “Development standards” is hereby amended and
shall read as follow: Exemptions,” is hereby added to read as follows:
25.30.050 Development standards.
(1) Minimum lot area: 20,000 square feet.
Minimum Lot Area: 14,520 square feet.
Maximum Lot Size: One-half (½) acre.
Permitted Density: 2–3 dwelling units per acre.
(a) Lot Size Adjustments: The Director may approve adjustments to individual lot sizes of up to
twenty five (25) percent above or below the minimum lot area where necessary to comply with
Benton-Franklin Health Department on-site septic system requirements or to address site-specific
constraints such as soil conditions, drainage, topography, or irregular parcel configuration.
Any adjustment to individual lot size approved under this subsection shall be accommodated
through lot size averaging, such that the overall development maintains a density of 2–3 dwelling
units per acre. Development of densities outside this range is not permitted.
(2) Density: One dwelling unit per lot, except as provided in PMC 25.30.030(8).
(3) Maximum lot coverage: 405 percent.
(4) Minimum Yard Setbacks.
(a) Front: 25 20 feet.
(b) Side: 10 feet.
(c) Rear. Principal building: 25 20 feet.
Accessory buildings: Accessory buildings adjacent to an alley may be placed on the alley line,
provided there are no openings in the wall adjacent to the alley. Garages with vehicle doors
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 20
adjacent to an alley shall be set back from the alley 20 feet. Where there is no alley, the setback
shall be 10 feet.
(5) Maximum Building Height.
(a) Principal building: 35 feet, except a greater height may be approved by special permit.
(b) Accessory buildings: 15 feet.
(6) Fences and hedges: See Chapter 25.180 PMC.
(7) Parking: See Chapter 25.185 PMC.
(8) Landscaping: See Chapter 25.180 PMC.
(9) Residential design standards: See PMC 25.165.100.
Section 15. PMC Section 25.165.200, Vehicle-related uses, is hereby amended and
shall read as follows:
25.165.200 Vehicle-related uses.
(1) Any building to be used as an auto body shop, as defined in PMC 25.15.030, shall have a
spray paint room or spray paint booth which complies with the requirements of the International
Fire Code and/or International Building Code;
(2) Inoperable vehicles, as defined in PMC 25.15.240, are permitted within the R-T, R-S-20 R-
15, R-S-12, R-S-1, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and RFA-1/1-A districts and on all nonconforming
residential uses in other districts subject to the following conditions:
(a) Only one inoperable vehicle may be stored outside of a fully enclosed building on the
property, as an accessory use to a dwelling unit.
(b) The inoperable vehicle stored outside shall not be stored upon a public right-of-way or in the
front or side yard areas of the property, and shall not conflict with other residential requirements,
such as off-street parking and lot coverage.
(c) The trunk of the outside inoperable vehicle shall be removed or locked at all times it is
unattended, and the unattended vehicle shall be completely enclosed within a six-foot fence,
which is fully sight obscuring.
(d) All vehicle parts not properly installed upon a vehicle shall be stored inside a fully enclosed
building, except that parts may be stored within the outside inoperable vehicle.
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 21
(3) In the C-3 and I-1 zoning districts, inoperable vehicles, as defined in PMC 25.15.240, and
vehicle parts, tires and accessories that are not readily movable and for immediate sale shall be
stored or parked behind screening as provided by PMC 25.180.040(1)(d).
Section 16. PMC Section 25.175.020, Setbacks, is hereby amended and shall read as
follows:
25.175.020 Setbacks.
(1) Variable Yard Requirements. The City Council, on recommendation of the Planning
Commission, and after a public hearing held by the Planning Commission, may establish a
building line along certain streets throughout certain zones or throughout certain natural areas,
other than the setback requirements as established herein, when it is found that to do so will
protect public health, welfare and safety;
(2) Where any setback is required, no building shall be hereafter erected, altered, or placed in
the setback, except:
(a) Eaves, cornices, belt courses, and similar ornamentation may project into the setback not
more than two feet;
(b) Steps, platforms, and open porches may extend into the rear yard setback, but not more than
four feet;
(3) An open or enclosed porch shall be considered part of a building in the determination of the
front yard setback and lot coverage;
(4) (a) Where two contiguous corner lots, or two lots separated only by an alley, form the entire
frontage between two parallel streets and there is erected a solid six-foot fence, permitted
accessory buildings may be located not closer than five feet from the property line along the
street on which there is a solid six-foot fence. This reduced setback shall not apply to
garages or accessory buildings higher than 10 feet.
(b) Where two contiguous corner lots form the entire frontage between two parallel streets,
the front yard along the common flanking street shall be reduced to 15 feet. This reduction
shall not apply to garages that are accessed from the flanking street.
(c) Within the R-S-20 R-15, R-S-12, R-S-1 and R-1-A/A2 districts, where the front yard of
a lawfully existing structure is less than that required for the district in which the structure is
located, alteration or enlargement of said structure may be permitted, but shall not further
reduce the existing front yard dimension or be located closer than 15 feet from the front
property line, whichever is the most restrictive;
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 22
(d) Within the R-S-20 R-15, R-S-12, R-S-1 and R-1-A/A2 districts, where the front yards
provided for lawfully existing structures upon the majority of lots within the same block
front and on the same side of the street are of less depth than required by the applicable
district regulation, the minimum front yard requirement for the remaining unoccupied lots
within the same block front and on the same side of the street shall be reduced to a depth not
less than the average front yard dimension provided by said existing structures, but in no
case shall the front yard depth be less than 15 feet.
(e) Handicapped access ramps may encroach within the front yard setback of all residential
zoning districts, provided such ramps are built to the Washington State Building Code
standards. The ramps must also be constructed and finished to complement the dwelling
with respect to finishes and construction materials and must be built in a workmanlike
manner;
(5) Commercial Yard Exception Requirements. Where a lot in a commercial district abuts or
adjoins a front, side or rear yard in a residential district, any building on the commercial lot
shall conform to and meet the front, side or rear yard setbacks in the adjoining residentially
zoned lot;
(6) Residential Yards in Commercial Districts. Nonconforming residential uses in
commercial or industrial districts must maintain residential setbacks as provided in
PMC 25.45.050; and
(7) Vision Triangle. No building, wall, fence or other structure higher than 36 inches above
curb grade shall be placed in a C-3 or I-1 district within any vision triangle, the equal legs of
which are formed by lines measured 20 feet along the property line from the intersection of
two streets, or 15 feet from the intersection of a street and alley.
Section 17. PMC Section 25.185.030, General Provisions, is hereby amended and
shall read as follows:
25.185.030 General provisions.
(1) The off-street parking and loading facilities required by this chapter shall be established prior
to the occupancy of any new or enlarged structure;
(2) Required off-street parking spaces shall provide vehicle parking only for residents,
customers, patrons, and employees and shall not be used for the storage of equipment or
materials, or for the sale, repair or servicing of any vehicle;
(3) Any area once designated for required off-street parking shall not be used for any other
purpose unless and until equal facilities are provided elsewhere and a site plan has been
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 23
approved to reflect the change, or the primary use of the property is changed to a use requiring
less off-street parking;
(4) The required front yard in the single-family residential districts shall not be used for off-
street parking for five or more cars. The storage and parking of vehicles in front yard areas of
single-family properties shall be limited to that area formed and bounded by parallel lines
extending from the outer dimension of a garage, carport, or parking slab to the right-of-way. An
additional area between the nearest side property line and the driveway of not more than 10 feet
by 20 feet may be used for additional parking. On lots with 100 feet of frontage or more, parking
may be permitted on circular drives. All primary parking areas and driveways in front yards shall
be hard surfaced, except in the R-S-20 R-15 and R-S-12 districts, driveways may be of an all-
weather surface, provided the first 20 feet from the right-of-way is hard surfaced; and
(5) In the R-2, R-3 and R-4 residential districts off-street parking spaces for multiple-family
dwellings shall not be located in the front yard, except that a single two-lane drive may extend
through the required front yard, provided no portion of the drive is within 10 feet of a dwelling
unit entry nor five feet from any portion of a residential structure.
Section 18. PMC Section 25.185.140, Recreational equipment parking, is hereby
amended and shall read as follows:
25.185.140 Recreational equipment parking.
Boats, motor homes, camp trailers, travel trailer, fifth wheels, pickup campers, utility trailers,
and snowmobiles as defined herein may be stored in all yard areas within the R-1, R-2, R-3 and
R-4 districts, and only within the side and rear yards in the R-S-20 R-15, R-S-12 and R-S-1
districts. All storage areas shall be surfaced with all-weather materials such as asphalt, brick,
stone, concrete or gravel. Additionally, the storage and parking of said items in residential
districts shall, at all times, comply with the parking conditions in PMC 25.185.030(4). Bona fide
guests of the occupants of the premises may temporarily park on driveways for periods not to
exceed 10 days in any 60-day period.
Section 19. PMC Section 25.215.015, Comprehensive Plan land use density table, is
hereby amended and shall read as follows:
25.215.015 Comprehensive Plan land use density table.
Maximum gross density of any proposed development within any zoning district, expressed as
dwelling units per acre, shall be no less than the corresponding minimum density expressed in
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 24
this section and no greater than the corresponding maximum density expressed in this section,
except as provided in Chapter 25.161 PMC.
Classification Purpose and Description Zoning
Open Space/Parks Land where development will be
severely restricted: park lands, trails and
critical areas
All zoning districts
(Development of parks
and recreation facilities
requires special permit
review)
Low Density Residential -
Riverview
Variety of residential housing at a
density of 2-5 units per acre.
R-15
Low Density Residential Variety of residential housing at a
density of 3 to 6 dwelling units per acre
R-S-20; R-S-12; R-S-1;
R-1; R-1-A; R-1-A2
Medium Density Residential Variety of residential housing at a
density of 6 to 20 dwelling units per
acre.
R-2 through R-4; RP
High Density Residential Variety of residential housing at a
density 21 units per acre or more
R-4
Mixed
Residential/Commercial
Accommodates a diverse range of
housing, nonresidential uses,
commercial uses, neighborhood retail
and office uses, parks and recreation
areas, and civic uses at a density of 5 to
29 dwelling units per acre
R-1 through R-4; C-1 and
O; Waterfront
Commercial Neighborhood, community and regional
shopping and specialty centers, business
parks, service and office uses
O; BP; C-1; C-2; C-3;
CR
Industrial Manufacturing, food processing, storage
and wholesale distribution of equipment
and products, hazardous material
storage, and transportation related
facilities
I-1; I-2; I-3
Public and Quasi-Public Schools, civic centers, fire stations and
other public uses
By special permit in all
districts (except I-3
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 25
which has various
restrictions)
Airport Reserve Land occupied by the Tri-Cities Airport I-1
DNR Reserve Transition lands owned and presently
managed by DNR for natural resource
production. Characteristics include, but
are not limited to, proximity to urban-
type development, road and utility
infrastructure, and market demand.
I-1
Section 20. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or word of this
ordinance should be held to the invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction,
such invalidity or unconstitutionality thereof shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of any
other section, subsection, sentence, clause phrase or word of this ordinance.
Section 21. Corrections. Upon approval by the city attorney, the city clerk or the code reviser are
authorized to make necessary corrections to this ordinance, including scrivener’s errors or clerical
mistakes; reference to other local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations; or numbering or
referencing of ordinances or their sections and subsections.
Section 22. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take full force and effect five (5) days after
approval, passage and publication as required by law.
Ordinance – Amending PMC Titles 12, 17, 21, & 25- page 26
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco, Washington this 20th day of April, 2026.
_____________________________
Charles Grimm
Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________ ___________________________
Krystle Shanks Ogden Murphy Wallace, PLLC
Deputy City Clerk City Attorney
Published: Sunday, April 26, 2026