Des Moines Weighs Downtown Zoning Changes
Council and Planning Commission held a joint study session on zoning as state housing targets and shrinking red light camera revenue press on the city budget.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in City Hall
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The Des Moines City Council and Planning Commission held a joint study session on November 5, 2026, to discuss possible downtown zoning changes, with no decision made. The session followed a presentation by consultants from ECOnorthwest on development conditions and goals for the downtown area.
Why it matters
Washington State has mandated that Des Moines add 3,600 new residential units over the next 20 years, while declining red light camera revenue is pushing the city to find other funding sources. Residential units generate ongoing service costs with little ongoing revenue beyond property tax, while commercial development brings one-time and ongoing tax revenue.
All six Planning Commission members attended the November 5, 2026 study session, which was presented as a discussion only. The state's 3,600-unit target over 20 years has not yet been reconciled with the commercial space needed to generate sales tax revenue, and no timeline for a decision was given.
The players
Des Moines City Council
The elected governing body of Des Moines, Washington, responsible for approving local zoning and land-use policy.
Des Moines Planning Commission
The city advisory body that reviews land-use and zoning proposals and makes recommendations to the city council.
ECOnorthwest
A Portland-based economics and planning consulting firm that presented its evaluation of downtown development conditions to the city.
The details
Public commenters raised concerns that zoning changes could affect views and asked that buildings over 50 years old be preserved as historic. Officials framed the session as the first step in a longer process, with potential zoning changes to be discussed further before anything is decided.
Timeline
Nov. 5, 2026: Joint council and planning commission downtown zoning study session held
Next 20 years: Timeframe for Washington State's mandate of 3,600 new residential units in Des Moines
Legal Context
The discussion is a direct local response to Washington State's mandate that Des Moines add 3,600 new residential units over the next 20 years. The city must now weigh that state housing target against the commercial development needed to replace diminishing red light camera revenue.
Downtown property owners and nearby residents could see zoning rules change, affecting what can be built and how views and older buildings are treated. Residents interested in these outcomes can follow future council and planning commission meetings before any decision is made.
The takeaway
Downtown zoning in Des Moines is being shaped by a state housing mandate and a shrinking revenue base, so residents who want a say should follow upcoming council and planning commission discussions before any changes are decided.
Further reading
Track future votes in Des Moines City Hall coverage for the next steps on downtown zoning.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Waterland Blog.
Live Poll
Should your city prioritize new housing over ground-floor shops downtown?
