The University Place City Council voted 6‑0 to adopt amendments to municipal code Titles 17 and 19 to align the city’s development regulations and critical areas ordinance with the Washington state Growth Management Act and Ecology guidance.

Kevin Brisky (community and economic development) explained the periodic update followed the comprehensive plan adopted Dec. 2, 2024, and the planning commission’s review. "The proposed amendments help keep the city eligible for both Puget Sound Regional Council and Commerce grants," staff said. The amendments revise language in multiple sections, including replacing references to "flood hazard" with "frequently flooded" and changing some land‑use labels from "single family" to "low density" to match the comprehensive plan.

Councilmember Fleming pressed staff on what "frequently flooded" means in practice and whether that terminology changes how the city regulates flood‑prone properties. Staff responded that the change is largely terminological to stay consistent with Ecology and the state's definition; the operational definitions for, for example, 100‑year versus 500‑year flood areas remain in the code. Fleming asked that staff return in 2026 with a local, layman's definition of "frequently flooded" to improve transparency for property owners.

Mayor Pro Tem Wood and others said using state terminology helps maintain eligibility for grants and reduces confusion when communicating with state agencies. After discussion and no public comments at the hearing, the council passed the ordinance on a 6‑0 vote.

Staff noted the changes had been discussed at multiple planning commission hearings and a council study session and recommended the update for consistency with state law to avoid creating an outlier standard that might complicate grant applications or state interactions.

The ordinance was adopted; council members asked staff to return with a clearer, citizen‑facing definition of "frequently flooded area" during 2026 work planning.