Sumner Provides Incentive for More Wheelchair-Accessible Housing
The Sumner City Council approved an ordinance at the July 18 meeting that allows for a shorter setback on wheelchair-accessible housing and and houses on larger lots.
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Planning Manager Ryan Windish presented an ordinance regarding LDR-4 setbacks—that is, the amount of space between a house and its property line on lots larger than 4,000 square feet—at the Sumner City Council meeting Monday.
In general, codes require that a house must be set back at least 6 feet from the boundaries of the property on either side. This ordinance allows that setback to be reduced to 5 feet in cases where the lot is larger than 6,000 square feet or the house is wheelchair-accessible. However, these houses must only be one story.
“Why limit the change to a rambler?” asked President of the Sumner Downtown Association and realtor Barbara Ford. “There is way more demand for homes that aren’t necessarily wheelchair-accessible … It seems limiting to me.”
“It seems like something there could definitely be a demand for in the community,” replied Windish, who pointed out that the requirement for one-story homes and incentive for larger lots could prevent a feeling of overcrowding in a neighborhood.
Shawn Hoey, Government Affairs Associate for the Pierce County Master Builders Association, suggested that an amendment be added to allow in-line second story additions; Windish promised to speak to the MBA about the issue.
What else happened at the City Council meeting?
In general, codes require that a house must be set back at least 6 feet from the boundaries of the property on either side. This ordinance allows that setback to be reduced to 5 feet in cases where the lot is larger than 6,000 square feet or the house is wheelchair-accessible. However, these houses must only be one story.
“Why limit the change to a rambler?” asked President of the Sumner Downtown Association and realtor Barbara Ford. “There is way more demand for homes that aren’t necessarily wheelchair-accessible … It seems limiting to me.”
“It seems like something there could definitely be a demand for in the community,” replied Windish, who pointed out that the requirement for one-story homes and incentive for larger lots could prevent a feeling of overcrowding in a neighborhood.
Shawn Hoey, Government Affairs Associate for the Pierce County Master Builders Association, suggested that an amendment be added to allow in-line second story additions; Windish promised to speak to the MBA about the issue.
What else happened at the City Council meeting?
- The Council approved the annual Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan. The TIP was recently responsible for the completion of Stewart Road and the Fryar Avenue/Main Street intersection. Future plans include improvements to 136th Avenue East and Valentine Avenue Southeast, Highway 162 and Main Street from 158th to 160th, replacement of a bridge over state Route 410, raising funds for a White River Bridge, and building up the shoulders on East Valley Highway, among other projects. The City has also received an Urban Sidewalk Program grant toward safe routes to school, and is pursuing more funding toward to the same.
- Former Councilmember Matt Richardson made a statement regarding his leave of absence and the loss of his seat on the council.
- Sumner Downtown Association President Barbara Ford announced that SDA has become, retroactively to December 16, a nonprofit charity 501(c)(3). This incurred a round of applause. The SDA's first action will be mural rehabilitation. “For $10 you could buy one square foot of any of these projects,” said Ford. “Whatever square foot you bought, you could autograph.”
- Property owner Bob Lewis called for the formation of a vigilante fire hydrant inspection group. He recently discovered that three of the four hydrants on his property were not turned on. “How long [would it take to turn them on] if someone in my building is burning?” he asked. “Someone needs to check these fire hydrants on an annual basis.” Mayor Dave Enslow replied that he would contact the Pierce County Fire Department, which serves Sumner, and learn more.
- Councilmember Randy Hynek voiced his disapproval of past occurrences in which councilmembers have failed to announce that they have chosen not to run, telling only the person who they wish to take their place after they have stepped down. In this way, the competition is limited, because many people choose not run against an incumbent. “I don’t think it’s right,” said Hynek. “I think it’s undemocratic.” He hopes that the council can find some way to prevent this in the future.
- Many of the councilmembers acknowledged the successes of Rhubarb Days and the Music Off Main series. “Everyone was smacking their lips around downtown,” said Councilmember Leroy Goff of Rhubarb Days. And the mayor admitted to having eaten 22 slices of pie while judging the bake-off.
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