Public Hearings regarding the updating of the City Subdivision Regulations have been tentatively set for Jan. 26 and Feb. 17.

Earlier this month, the City Council considered a proposed scope of review for updating City Subdivision Regulations. The discussion centered on the purpose, benefits and focus of the update. It also confirmed Council’s direction and input on the objectives of the subdivision code update prior to its introduction to the Planning Commission.

The Subdivision Code Update is needed to deal with changes in state subdivision laws and developments in case law affecting the decision-making process such as extended timeframes for the filing of final plats.

“We’ve done a good job of updating all of our different development codes,” Councilmember Bryan Wahl said. “This is the one piece that has not been done. By doing this we ensure we’re consistent with case and state law. We make ourselves attractive to development, which is one of our key goals. Gateway is a prime example of property that is going to need this update. It will help us move forward on this project. This action is not increasing any density; it’s just an administrative procedural item to make us more efficient.”

The Planning Commission considered the first draft of an ordinance adopting a new subdivision code earlier in the month.  Discussion with the Commission went well, but due to the importance of the topic, the Commission asked for more time than originally scheduled to work on the document.

Tentative review times for both the Commission and the City Council have therefore been revised. The Commission will continue its review on Jan.12, with a public hearing tentatively scheduled for Jan. 26. The item is scheduled for City Council’s review on Jan. 29, with a public hearing tentatively scheduled for Feb. 17.

A copy of the draft ordinance adopting a new subdivision code was sent to the Washington State Department of Commerce on Dec. 15 for its 60-day review. No action can be taken on the proposed ordinance until after the 60 days has expired. The scheduled hearing and final Council action on Feb. 17 will facilitate the State’s 60-day review period.

More information is available at www.cityofmlt.com. Reports, maps and audio of meetings held by the Planning Commission and City Council can be found at https://www.cityofmlt.com/cityServices/cityCouncil/councilMeetings.htm.

For more information, please call the Community and Economic Development Department at 425-744-6207.