Land Use Code Update

Drone shot over Issaquah

Overview

The Land Use Code update is a citywide effort aimed at improving the regulations that guide growth and development in Issaquah. This project will help us better preserve, strengthen and protect the patterns of development that define the character of the City. 

Background

Title 18, the City’s Land Use Code adopted in 1996, has been modified annually to become a patchwork of ordinances. The Land Use Code update will generate an updated set of zoning and land use regulations that will replace the existing code. 

The code update will focus on overall improvements to clarifying definitions, land use permit procedures, and use standards; updating the sign code; creating new requirements for Community Spaces ;removing some currently allowed uses from certain residential zones; updating critical area standards; incorporating neighborhood-specific regulations into the Title; creating 2 tiers of standards for some regulations; and, improving public noticing of development activities.

Goals

The goals of this project are to provide:

  • Improved clarity & predictability
  • Enhanced organization & usability
  • Integrating neighborhood-specific standards into the overall code
  • Improved environmental sustainability
  • Improved consistency with adopted plans and recent court decisions; and,
  • New requirements to better manage growth into the future.

Timeline

  • February 2019: Project kick-off
  • November 2019: Staff present general overview to City Council

Following the issuance of the Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order, the City Council decided to pause this project due to concerns over engaging the community during the order. As the Governor begins to relax restrictions on public gatherings, the City will update the project timeline and it is hoped this project will be able to move forward again.

Along with briefings to the City Council, several City board and commissions will also review and provide input in 2020, including the Planning Policy Commission, Development Commission, River & Streams Board and Park Board.

Public Engagement

To stay connected on this project, subscribe to the Development category in the City’s Notify Me tool.  The project team is also available to set up in-person meetings with interested community members.