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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4158 Resolution - SRO MoratoriumRESOLUTION NO. 4158 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PASCO, WASHINGTON, DECLARING A MORATORIUM PROHIBITING PERMITTING SINGLE ROOM OCCUPANCY SRO) HOUSING AND CONVERSION THERETO IN THE CITY OF PASCO PENDING STUDY OF IMPACTS AND BEST DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES AND POLICY WHEREAS, pursuant to Ordinance 4425 passed on February 19, 2019, the City of Pasco made provision in its code, at 25.162 for siting SRO facilities in its C-1 (Retail Business), C-2 Central Business District), and C-3 (General Business District); and WHEREAS, the purpose of Ordinance 4425 was to address non-compliance of certain public nuisance properties, while also providing for low-income housing for City residents; and WHEREAS, SROs have historically provided low-income housing to both men and women dating back to the 19th Century; and WHEREAS, SROs have also historically been the subject of unfair criticism and stereotyping concerning their value, particularly in high value commercial districts; and WHEREAS, the City of Pasco sees the potential for real impact to the City's homeless populations, but lacks current information necessary to ensure that best practices in terms of development and SRO policy are utilized to reach the greatest number of residents; and WHEREAS, the City has identified appropriate zones in which to locate SROs, but currently lacks codes, regulations, and policies which could best effectuate the original intent behind Ordinance 4425; and WHEREAS, SRO housing policies include a range of broad topics warranting review of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rules and regulations relating to policy limits, to ensure equal and fair treatment of all SRO residents in the City of Pasco; and WHEREAS, under RCW 35A.63.220 authorizes the City to adopt a Moratorium with a public hearing which must be held within sixty (60) days of the date of the adoption of a Moratorium., NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASCO, WASHINGTON, hereby resolves as follows: Section 1. Moratorium Established. A Moratorium is hereby established suspending the permitting and conversion process for SROs pursuant to Pasco Municipal Code 25.162 to allow for the City to conduct a study on SRO's impacts and best practices in terms of development standards and housing policy. Resolution - Moratorium — SRO - 1 Section 2. Term of Moratorium. The Moratorium shall expire six (6) months from the date of its authorization by the City Council unless further extended, pursuant to RCW 35A.63.220, by the City Council of the City of Pasco. Section 3. Public Hearing. A public hearing shall be scheduled for 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on the 18th day of April, 2022, at the City Council Chambers of City Hall, where it will hear evidence and consider the comments and testimony of those wishing to speak at such public hearing regarding the Moratorium. Section 4. Preliminary Findings. A. The impacts to the City due to the application of SROs could be significant on the City's roads and traffic system; B. There may also be parking implications that would have impacts on the City; C. SROs may also affect residential and commercial neighborhoods in the City; and D. The City needs time to evaluate the impacts and to address them in terms of potential regulations of SROs. Section 5. Effective Date. This Resolution and its initial Moratorium shall be in full force and effect upon its passage and signature below, and the initial period of the Moratorium shall be for six (6) months, expiring on the 7th day of September, 2022, unless otherwise terminated or extended. PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco, Washington, this 7th day of March, 2022. Blanche Barajas Mayor ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM: iciv De ra Barham, CMC Kerr Fefr%30o Law, PLLC City Clerk Cit orney Resolution - Moratorium — SRO - 2