In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the Pierce preliminary plat application, which proposes the development of 44 residential lots across approximately 18.17 acres located on the east side of North Airport Road. The project, which falls within a residential suburban zone and an airport overlay, is designed to accommodate a density of 2.5 dwelling units per acre, below the maximum allowable of 3 units per acre.

The application includes a critical area report that identified a stream and associated wetland on the property. To protect these sensitive areas, staff recommended specific conditions as part of the approval process. The primary access to the development will be from North Airport Road, with a secondary access point via Beach Road, which will connect to an adjacent parcel.

Public works officials emphasized the need for a non-motorized planned trail access along the northern property line, which will require collaboration with the parks department to formalize easements before final plat approval. The preliminary plat was processed alongside a SEPA application, resulting in a mitigated determination of non-significance issued on May 16, 2024.

Additionally, a block length departure was granted, allowing for an increase from the maximum block length of 660 feet to 850 feet due to site-specific conditions, including wetland buffers and an irrigation canal. Following an open record public hearing on August 2, the hearing examiner recommended approval of the application with 13 conditions. However, condition number 13 was later removed for clarity, and two new conditions were proposed: one prohibiting further subdivision of lots within the airport overlay zone and another requiring completion of all public improvements before occupancy certificates are issued.

City staff are recommending the adoption of resolution 2024-26 to approve the Pierce preliminary plat as conditioned, ensuring that all necessary protections and requirements are met before the project moves forward.