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Planning commissioners debate requirement for conceptual site plans on non‑project rezones
Summary
The City of Yakima Planning Commission discussed whether Chapter 15.23’s requirement that non‑project rezone applications include a non‑binding conceptual site plan should remain mandatory. Staff will research the ordinance history and return with a recommendation to change the wording to make the plan optional.
The City of Yakima Planning Commission on March 26 reviewed Chapter 15.23, which currently requires non‑project rezone applicants to submit a nonbinding conceptual site plan to illustrate potential future uses of a property.
Staff said the requirement was added in the late 2010s and noted it had generated public comment focused on site design during past rezone reviews, including a recent rezone tied to a proposed daycare. Commissioners split on whether the plan aids public notice or distracts from evaluating a zoning change independent of a specific project.
Supporters of keeping a conceptual plan said it gives applicants a way to indicate likely future uses. Opponents said a specific concept can prompt public and commissioner comment about design rather than the zoning question, and that conceptual drawings are not binding. Commissioners recalled the provision was added for situations like a past large rezone request and asked staff to review the original rationale.
Commissioners asked staff to return with research on why the requirement was adopted and draft wording changes; several commissioners said they preferred changing the requirement from mandatory (“shall include”) to optional (“may include”) or replacing a single conceptual drawing with a staff summary of potential allowable uses.
No formal ordinance change was voted on at the meeting; staff will report back with history and proposed wording for future action.
