The brakes have been applied to a proposed major zoning update in SeaTac that was scheduled to be approved by the city council next month.

The city's planning department began the process of getting the update approved in May. On Nov. 13, lawmakers split consideration of the update into two phases. Staffers expected council members to vote on the first phase on Dec. 8.

However, at the council's Oct. 24 meeting, representatives for two city businesses asked lawmakers to delay action.

Wes Wood, from James and Doris Cassan's Dollar Rent a Car, urged council members and planning commission members to take more time to study the 800-page update.

"What may seem like a minor change to staff may be a major change to land owners that could cause them to move or shut down," Wood said.

Cathy Boysen Heiberg, representing business clients in the Bow Lake area, also asked for more time to study the changes.

"The stakeholders need to be brought in," she added.

Planning Commission chairman Rick Forschler said commission members are unclear on what are substantive changes and what are format changes in the proposed zoning documents. He also requested to hear from more people affected by the changes.

Planning department staffers were only able to present a few of the proposed changes during the Oct. 27 council meeting.

Deputy Mayor Gene Fisher said he wanted to hear more from business owners, who, he pointed out, pay the majority of taxes in SeaTac.
He noted the council should deal with all objections.

Fisher added he would not vote in favor of the changes unless all planning commission members approved.
"Why go for a deadline in a month?' Fisher asked. "I've seen things drag out for two years."