July 8, 2026
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ISSUE 28
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Pierce County Expands Housing Options New code expands homeownership opportunities and supports housing affordability through smaller, community-centered homes in urban areas Pierce County
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his week, the Pierce County Council unanimously approved new cottage housing regulations in unincorporated Pierce County. The updated code creates new pathways for smaller, more affordable homes that blend the privacy of single-family living with the community feel of denser neighborhoods. Under the new regulations, cottage homes will be permitted as a new level of single-family use in Pierce County’s urban unincorporated areas. Capped at 1,250 square feet, cottage housing is small by design and allows for twice as many units on a parcel compared to traditional single-family homes. Each cottage sits on its own individual lot that can be bought and sold separately. With homes gathered around a shared courtyard or park, cottage housing provides privacy for residents and natural opportunities for neighborly connection in communal spaces. These smaller homes built on smaller parcels are often more affordable than traditional single-family homes. This change will increase access to affordable housing countywide by expanding the types of housing available to residents — an important step in addressing the housing crisis. “We need to build more housing of all kinds faster to achieve Pierce County’s affordable housing goals. Our new cottage housing code is one way we can advance those goals,” Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello said. “Everyone in Pierce County deserves a safe, stable, affordable place to live. Cottage housing makes homeownership more accessible for everyone by diversifying the types of available housing and creates pathways for homebuilders that didn’t exist before.”
WHAT IS COTTAGE HOUSING?
Cottage housing is a type of residential development that groups a cluster of smaller homes around a shared yard, open space, or park. It combines the privacy of detached single-family living with the sense of community found in denser neighborhoods. Cottage homes often share a common parking area and are connected by pedestrian pathways, while each residence also has its own private yard or outdoor space. It is an optional development tool used widely throughout Washington State designed for urban and urbanizing areas. Cottage developments provide homebuyers with the option for a smaller home at a lower price point. This package was supported by recent changes made at the state level to support expanding housing options in Pierce County.
KEY ELEMENTS OF THE NEW REGULATIONS
The cottage housing package amends the Pierce County Code to include:
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250 Flags, One Community: Eatonville Youth Help Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday
Students partnered with the Eatonville Business Association to welcome thousands of visitors during the 25th Anniversary of Eatonville’s Community 3rd of July Celebration. Submitted
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s our nation marked the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Eatonville community came together in a visible display of patriotism, service, and civic pride. The Eatonville Business Association partnered with local youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to create a patriotic welcome throughout the community. Students from Eatonville Middle School and Eatonville High School volunteered their time to place 250 American flags throughout Nevitt Park and along Eatonville’s entrance corridor on State Route 161. Additional flags were placed in front of the Eatonville Visitor Center and Eatonville High School, while other youth volunteers installed patriotic banners along the fence at Eatonville Middle School, for residents and visitors attending the community’s annual 3rd of July Celebration. Youth and adult volunteers worked side by side to prepare the display, placing flags and banners that greeted thousands of residents and visitors during Eatonville’s Independence Day festivities. Their efforts created a warm and welcoming tribute while honoring the sacrifices of those who have preserved the freedoms we enjoy today.
Youth volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints pause for a photo after placing more than 250 American flags throughout Eatonville to commemorate America’s 250th Birthday and the 25th Anniversary of Eatonville’s Community 3rd of July Celebration. This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as Eatonville marks the 25th Anniversary of the Eatonville Community 3rd of July Celebration, while joining communities across the nation in commemorating America’s 250th Birthday. Together, the two milestones offered an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s history, celebrate the blessings of liberty, and express gratitude for the generations who have built and strengthened both our country and our hometown. Projects like this are also a reminder that patriotism
is strengthened when it is shared across generations. By serving alongside parents, business leaders, and community volunteers, Eatonville’s young people helped preserve the traditions that make our community special while creating new memories for future generations. The Eatonville Business Association extends its sincere appreciation to the youth volunteers, their families, and everyone who donated their time to make this project possible. Their willingness to serve demonstrated that patriotism is
not only celebrated through ceremonies and fireworks, but also through acts of service that bring a community together. We hope everyone who came into Eatonville over the Independence Day weekend enjoyed the beautiful display of flags and banners. It was a meaningful time to reflect on the ideals upon which our nation was founded and to celebrate both 250 years of American freedom and 25 years of Eatonville’s cherished community tradition.
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Cooling Shelters and Free Transit Available During Summer Heat Staff Report
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ierce County is urging residents to prepare for extreme heat before cooling shelters are needed. While cooling shelters are not currently activated, the county has identified locations throughout Pierce County where residents may be able to
find relief during a heat event. Those locations may include libraries, community centers and shelters, depending on the severity of the weather and the resources available at the time. When a heat event is activated, the county’s shelter page will be updated with the latest information, including cooling center locations and operating hours. Residents can also visit Pierce County Ready, the county’s emergency preparedness webpage, for heat safety tips and guidance on how to reduce the risk of heat-related illness. Pierce Transit is also preparing to help residents reach cooling locations when shelters are activated. During extreme heat events, the agency offers free rides to and from cooling shelters. Passengers should tell their driver
they are traveling to a cooling location in order to use the service. County leaders are also emphasizing the importance of checking on others during periods of extreme heat. Older adults, people with health conditions, people without reliable transportation and residents without access to air conditioning may be more vulnerable when temperatures rise. Officials are encouraging residents to make plans early, know where to go for relief and look out for neighbors who may need extra help. By preparing in advance and staying connected, residents can help reduce the risks associated with extreme heat and make sure more people have access to safe, cooler spaces when they are needed.