North Bend updates design standards, form‑based code to comply with state law and acknowledges 2024 periodic update completion

The North Bend City Council voted unanimously to approve amendments to design review standards and to the city’s form‑based code, actions the city said are required to comply with ESHB 1293. The council also adopted a resolution acknowledging completion of the 2024 periodic update under the Washington State Growth Management Act.

City planner Caitlin (presenting staff member) explained the amendments are intended to streamline permitting and replace subjective or vague design language with objective standards required by the state: “This state bill requires local governments impose design review and design standards that streamline the process and require specific objective design standards for architectural design,” she said. The amendments modify North Bend Municipal Code chapter 18.34 and associated commercial, mixed‑use and industrial design guidelines, and they include matching changes to the city’s form‑based code.

Council members and staff acknowledged the effort required to complete the changes. Planning staff and the planning commission reviewed the amendments in earlier public hearings and provided recommendations; Council member Mark Jocelyn and others specifically thanked staff and the planning commission for the workload. Council approved AB25‑071 (design review standards) and AB25‑072 (form‑based code) on unanimous votes, each described in the meeting as a first and final reading.

Separately, planning director Mike McCarty briefed the council on the 2024 periodic update process that began in 2022 and culminated in adoption of the comprehensive plan in December; the amendments to development regulations (including accessory dwelling unit provisions and impact fees) complete the package. The council then approved AB25‑073, a resolution acknowledging completion of the periodic update and authorizing transmittal of the materials to the Washington State Department of Commerce.

Discussion versus decision: staff presented the regulatory package and the planning commission provided earlier recommendations; council action consisted of approving ordinances and a resolution to finalize the periodic update. The council framed the approvals as compliance with state law (ESHB 1293) and necessary steps to maintain grant and regulatory standing.

Clarifying details: staff said the planning commission held hearings and provided recommendations; amendments include changes to NBMC chapter 18.34 and the form‑based code to eliminate vague standards and adopt objective design criteria in line with ESHB 1293. The periodic‑update work began in 2022, the comprehensive plan was adopted in December 2024, and staff stated the package will be submitted to the Department of Commerce.

The votes on the ordinances and the periodic‑update resolution were unanimous (7–0).