Frederickson Community Plan Update


On October 29, 2020, Pierce County Council approved four community plans updates to the areas of Frederickson, Mid-County, Parkland-Spanaway-Midland and South Hill. The updates intend to address projected population growth over the next 20 years by establishing “Centers and Corridors” in each unincorporated area. Components of the updates include:

  • Zoning changes which accommodate higher-density housing to support homeownership with affordable housing options 
  • Central gathering places for people to shop and do business 

Read the full press release here.

Fredrickson_hero
Frederickson's population has tripled in the past 25 years
This population growth has also included new businesses and housing developments.

Frederickson includes the Frederickson Industrial Center—a major employment hub that connects central Pierce County to the Port of Tacoma.

Since the original Community Plan was adopted in 2003, a commercial center at 176th Street East and Canyon Road East has developed to serve the rapidly growing residential population and the industrial center. This center continues to grow. Major improvements to Canyon Road East, south of State Route 512, were completed to improve freight mobility and connectivity for residents.

Descriptions of the proposed changes to the Frederickson Community Plan are listed below by section. The proposed updates include other topics, such as the history of the plan area and information about demographics, development patterns and the environment.
Demographics
Trends
FRED_PopGrowth2019
Frederickson Housing Trends Graph
Major Zoning Changes—Frederickson
photo of a shopping center
Centers & Corridors rezone:
Much of the existing zoning along the 176th Street East and Canyon Road East corridors is proposed to change to new Centers and Corridors zones.

The area around the intersection of 176th Street East and Canyon Road East is proposed to be designated as a Towne Center, which would continue its development as a central gathering place for the community to access services and amenities. Additional housing options such as apartments and townhomes will not be allowed in the new zone. 

The east side of Canyon Road East between 160th Street East and the Towne Center would be rezoned Employment Corridor, allowing office and industrial uses.

The following areas would be rezoned Neighborhood Corridor, a mixed residential zone:
  • The west side of Canyon Road East between Brookdale Road East and the Towne Center.
  • The area around the intersection of 78th Avenue East and 176th Street East.
  • The area between the railroad tracks just west of Canyon Road East and approximately 39th Avenue East.
Community Character and Design—Frederickson
Standards for buildings and site design—such as architectural features and landscaping—will stay the same in the Frederickson area. However, zones that fall within the Centers & Corridors area would be subject to new design standards.

The current standards that require additional amenities, such as street trees and special landscaping near the 176th Street East and Canyon Road East intersection, will apply within the proposed Towne Center.
Economic Development—Frederickson
The Community Plan update proposes making Frederickson a potential incorporation area. An incorporation effort would need to be led by the people who live in Frederickson, and a majority of the population in the area would have to vote in support.

The update also encourages continued support of job growth in the Frederickson Industrial Center.
Facilities and Services—Frederickson
illustration of future park
The facilities and services chapter includes discussion and policies related to those services desired by the community, such as schools, law enforcement and sewers. The most significant changes to the policies are related to parks.

The recommendations support the development of Cross Park between 176th Street E and Military Road East, west of Canyon Road East. Development of this park is expected to begin soon.

The plan supports the acquisition of additional areas to serve the recreational needs of the community. Acquisition of new park properties could be paid for by the newly-adopted Park Impact Fee.
Name Location Size Current Owner
Forest adjacent to Naches Trail Elementary 15305 Waller Road East 12 acres Bethel School District
Pierce County Waller Road Property Waller Road East between 166th Street East and 172nd Street East 36 acres Pierce County Planning & Public Works
Former Brewer’s Sports Complex 6715 176th Street East 25 acres Brewer’s Sports Complex LLC
Properties connected to Clover Creek Various Various Various
Transportation—Frederickson
The proposed updates to the Community Plan build on the transportation policies contained in Pierce County’s Transportation Plan. The Transportation Plan sets priorities for transportation improvements over the next 20 years. The proposed changes to the Community Plan include policies for road, transit and pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

These policies call on the County to:
  • Prioritize north-south road connections between Canyon Road East and Meridian Avenue. For example, there is a proposal to extend 78th Avenue East from 160th Street East to 176th Street East. 
  • Continue to invest in Canyon Road East as a freight corridor and limit new development that would cause major traffic impacts to the corridor. 
  • Encourage the expansion of Pierce Transit service to include the Frederickson community, as well as the investment in transit connections that connect the community to major transit hubs such as Sounder train stations. 
  • Invest in safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, especially where they connect people to schools, parks and the proposed Towne Center. 
The updates also include a list of transportation project priorities. The highest priority projects are listed below.
Frederickson Premier and High Priority Transportation Projects
Complete list of transportation project priorities for all plans
TransMap_Fred
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