The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently finalized maps identifying Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas statewide concerning fire protection requirements and minimum standards.

The King County Council this week voted unanimously to adopt legislation that requires new development to install electric vehicle ready or electric vehicle supply equipment in parking. In addition to an amendment to remove the requirement for single family, cottage housing and some attached townhome development as defined in code, this measure also provides clarification around load management technology when serving multiple EVSE spaces simultaneously.

This week, the Marysville Planning Commission held a community meeting and approved the city’s proposal to update its Downtown Master Plan, originally adopted in 2009, as well as adopt a form-based code that updates zoning and design standards.

At its most recent meeting with the development community, Bothell planning staff announced they will move forward with allowing model homes as an “operational policy”. The move means the year long process of adopting code language will not be necessary.

This week the Snohomish County Council unanimously adopted MBAKS priority legislation related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs), expanding the ability of property owners to build them. The new code can be expected to be in effect at the end of June.

On Tuesday, June 1, the North Bend City Council unanimously approved the adoption of Form Based Code in the Downtown Commercial Zone. The FBC becomes effective on June 16 at which time the City will launch a new FBC website page with additional details about the new code, Regulating Plan, and FAQs.

The city of Issaquah has re-launched its efforts to update the Title 18 Land Use Code at the Planning Policy Commission. This update will be substantial and is intended to improve the regulations that guide local growth and development.

On October 2, 2018, we took to social media to discuss the benefits of more flexible accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules and various cottage housing ordinances throughout our two-county region.

The final 2021 Seattle Stormwater Code and Manual and the associated Seattle Public Utilities Public Drainage System Requirements Director’s Rule are now posted to SDCI's Stormwater Code page.

The Snohomish County Council this week adopted the required update to its stormwater manual. Phase 1 jurisdictions, including Snohomish County, are issued their NPDES permit every five years.

The Growth Management Hearings Board (Board) last week invalidated the city of Sammamish’s April 2021 concurrency moratorium. This is the third invalidation order the Board has issued to the city since 2019.

Snohomish County Planning and Development Services (PDS) is drafting three growth alternatives related to the 2024 Comprehensive Plan update. Scheduled for release in October of this year, the alternatives will be high level looks at options for County Council consideration, one of which will be a “no-action” alternative.

This week the Snohomish County Tomorrow Planning Advisory Committee (SCT-PAC) gave its approval and forwarded to the SCT Steering Committee the 2021 Buildable Lands Report.

The Auburn City Council has approved its Housing Action Plan (Plan) by resolution. The Plan, if implemented as designed, will help the city address its future housing needs by accommodating growth with a diversity of housing options and affordability.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, regulations imposed by government at all levels account for $93,870 of the final price of a new single-family home built for sale.

The cost of lumber is up a staggering 280%. The cost of housing has increased significantly: constructing just one single-family home is now nearly $36,000 more expensive because of skyrocketing lumber prices. A variety of market conditions and consumer choices are driving shortages and increasing prices. This is on top of already higher lumber prices due to tariffs on Canadian lumber imports implemented in 2017.

The summer update to Kirkland’s 2021 Pre-Approved Plans and Policies is now available.

In February, the City of Kent agreed to an expedited process for final plat applications due to the long wait for intake appointments. The application process is the same, following the City’s website instructions for submittal.

On Monday, June 21, the Shoreline City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance to allow an additional 6-month extension to development permit and application deadlines.

On Tuesday, June 15, Council extended the citywide traffic concurrency certificate moratorium for an additional six months. Council exempted single family residential, ADUs, and affordable duplexes on existing single-family lots.

The Sammamish Plateau Sewer and Water District extended the 90-day emergency moratorium on new sewer connection certificates, in order to complete a study on local system capacity before making a final decision. The current emergency moratorium will run until August 23.

The King County Council has adopted the Executive’s $600 million COVID supplemental budget, which includes an appropriation of over $4 million to the Department of Local Services Permitting Division to significantly reduce the wait times before initial review for permit applications.

City of Kirkland staff recently presented a proposal to increase park impact fees. The Kirkland City Council was heavily in favor of the increase with a three-year phased in approach likely beginning on January 1, 2022. A draft ordinance will be presented to Council towards the end of July for potential adoption.