Issaquah Councilmembers Push for Bolder Options as Housing Reforms Ramp Up

Issaquah’s City Council approved an ordinance on June 29 relaxing building design requirements like stepbacks and outdoor amenity spaces to encourage housing development. Two councilmembers voted against it, wanting bolder options before the city considers architectural design standards this fall. The changes are part of a broader 17-item housing reform workplan led by Mayor Mark Mullet, though Issaquah is a neighboring city and not directly part of Burien.