In a significant ruling, the Washington State Court of Appeals has upheld the Tacoma Rescue Mission's (TRM) plans to develop a shared housing village aimed at addressing homelessness in Pierce County. The court's decision comes after the Spanaway Concerned Citizens (SCC) challenged the project, arguing that it did not comply with local land use regulations. The ruling is crucial for local efforts to combat homelessness and expand housing options in the area.
The case, Spanaway Concerned Citizens v. Pierce County; Tacoma Rescue Mission, was filed under docket number 60984-3-II. The court ruled on June 2, 2026, affirming the lower court's decision that approved TRM's planned development district and conditional use permit application. This decision allows TRM to move forward with its project, which is designed to provide essential housing for the county's chronic homeless population.
The dispute began when SCC appealed the approval of TRM's application, claiming that it was incomplete and therefore could not vest under local regulations. SCC argued that TRM did not own the entire property needed for the development and that the proposal was inconsistent with the density requirements set forth in the Pierce County Comprehensive Plan. The case was brought before the Pierce County hearing examiner, which ultimately found in favor of TRM.
The parties involved in this case include Spanaway Concerned Citizens, a local advocacy group, Pierce County, and Tacoma Rescue Mission, a nonprofit organization focused on helping the homeless. The SCC's primary concerns revolved around property ownership and zoning regulations. They claimed that TRM's application was invalid because it lacked consent from another property owner, the now-defunct Drainage District No. 15, which they argued retained ownership rights over a portion of the land. Furthermore, they contended that the proposed development exceeded the maximum density allowed by the county's comprehensive plan.
In response, TRM asserted that the Drainage District only held an easement for a drainage ditch and that the land in question was not part of the development area. The hearing examiner agreed with TRM, stating that the application vested under the regulations in effect when it was submitted. The examiner noted that the density calculations used by TRM were consistent with the Pierce County Code, which allows for a specific conversion of sleeping units to dwelling units.
The court ruled that SCC failed to demonstrate any error in the hearing examiner's decision. The opinion stated, "SCC has not demonstrated that the Drainage District has a settled, unquestioned ownership interest in the land to be developed, and TRM’s proposal...was consistent with the comprehensive plan." This affirmation means that TRM can continue with its plans to create a shared housing village on the 86.32 acres designated for the project.
The impact of this ruling is significant for the local community and the ongoing efforts to address homelessness in Pierce County. The Tacoma Rescue Mission plans to build a shared housing village that will include 189 park model style recreational vehicles, 96 micro sleeping units, and four single-family dwellings, along with communal facilities. This project aims to provide a supportive living environment for individuals experiencing homelessness, aligning with the county's comprehensive plan to end homelessness.
Going forward, this ruling sets a precedent for how similar land use applications may be evaluated, particularly those related to housing for vulnerable populations. It underscores the importance of adhering to local regulations while also emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to address housing shortages.
As for what’s next, while the court's decision is final, there may still be avenues for appeal. However, the ruling has strengthened TRM's position in moving forward with its development plans. The court also awarded attorney fees to TRM and Pierce County, as they prevailed in this legal battle.