From water safety initiatives to infrastructure upgrades, the Normandy Park City Council’s Tuesday, May 12 meeting covered a broad spectrum of community priorities.

Amidst a celebratory recap of a successful Arbor Day and a serious look at the rising need for paddleboard safety, the Council moved forward on two key legislative fronts: cleaning up stormwater regulations for local development and clearing a path for much-requested improvements to residential cell service.

Whether it’s preparing for a safe summer on the Sound or modernizing city code, the evening’s session highlighted a commitment to balancing the city’s natural character with the practical needs of its residents.

National Safe Boating & Paddling Week

Mayor Eric Zimmerman read a proclamation recognizing May 16th – 22nd as Safe Boating and Paddling Week. According to the proclamation, paddle boarding fatalities now constitute 25% of total boating fatalities. Many paddle boarders are untrained about boating safety rules. Life jackets, which are required on all water craft, save lives.

Present to accept this proclamation was the local Coast Guard Auxiliary, who brought various life jackets for members of council to try on. This group offers an 8-hour boating safety class in Normandy Park each year. This year they will also be putting up a banner in honor of safe boating, near the QFC.

Arbor Day Success

Unlike the 2025 Arbor Day festival, this year there was no driving rain and the warm weather was much more conducive to a festive atmosphere and congenial gathering. Deputy Mayor Sue-Ann Hohimer said there were fun activities drawing crowds of all ages, and people were particularly enthusiastic about the free mulch. Councilmember Susan West said the book giveaway was also popular with families.

Ordinance 1087: Low Impact Development

By approving a new stormwater ordinance, the council synchronized city regulations with the Western Washington Stormwater Manual. Beyond meeting current standards, the move aims to ‘clean up’ the municipal code to ensure it is both consistent and easy to follow.

Councilmember Mike Bishoff expressed concern that these code changes might lead to unforeseen consequences, causing problems for residents. However, it was explained that the only impact residents will see is that, for projects involving either adding or replacing 2,000 square feet of impervious surface, they will now be required to engineer a drainage plan. This helps ensure that development doesn’t cause downstream drainage issues.

Ordinance 1088: Telecommunications

The council also unanimously approved an ordinance that will allow telecommunications providers to install wireless facilities in or near residential neighborhoods. The ordinance aims to reduce barriers for wireless infrastructure while preserving residential character and protecting views. Councilmember Bishoff mentioned that the crowd was enthusiastic about this ordinance at the recent Town Hall meeting. People said they wanted to see improvements in cell service throughout the city. Councilmember Susan West was assured that this ordinance doesn’t remove any existing environmental review.