Planning Commission approves downtown overlay color palette with 53 colors, tighter contrast language

The Snoqualmie Planning Commission voted May 19 to adopt a revised overlay color palette and supplemental guidance for Downtown Snoqualmie, approving a package of 53 pre‑approved colors and stronger language directing contrast between buildings.

The action followed a public hearing and a staff presentation describing how the city applies its standards. Staff noted the legal framework that governs review: “Chapter 17.35 of the Snoqualmie municipal code requires historical design review for overlay zones, the landmark district, and individual landmarks as designated by the Snoqualmie Landmarks Commission,” a staff presenter said. The presentation explained that painting non‑contributing buildings in approved colors is treated as an administrative (type 1) approval while proposed colors that fall outside the approved palette or changes to contributing buildings require a higher level of review.

The measure the commission approved replaces earlier draft attachments with a single exhibit that groups the approved colors into tonal categories (browns and warm neutrals, grays and cool neutrals, dark saturated colors, pastels, etc.), adds the pastel samples presented during public comment, and changes advisory language about contrasting nearby buildings from “should” to “shall.” The final package limits extremely dark colors and pastels to trim and accents generally no more than 10% of a façade and prohibits bright neon or fluorescent shades. The commission also retained an exception allowing a color shown by laboratory testing to be restored on a designated landmark (for example, a historic depot) even if it falls outside the strict palette.

One member of the public, Ashley Grammer, owner of June and Jem Ceramic Studio and a Snoqualmie resident, urged the commission to add more options for trims and accents. “I really like option 1 and 3,” Grammer said, and she brought Sherwin‑Williams swatches to demonstrate missing yellows, blues, pinks and purples. Staff accepted those samples into the record and commissioners directed staff to incorporate them into the pastel group and to include hex codes and brand‑agnostic matching instructions so applicants may use equivalent colors from any paint manufacturer.

Commissioners emphasized clarity for applicants and administrators: the adopted language makes contrast with neighboring buildings a requirement rather than a suggestion, preserves prohibitions on painting natural stone or brick, permits finished natural wood tones, and clarifies that staff will maintain flexibility to match colors across paint brands. Staff will produce an organized exhibit showing the 53 approved colors with codes and the written guidance for applicants; the commission’s motion directed that the revised exhibit and supporting materials be returned in a subsequent packet.

The motion to adopt the package, which included the added pastel colors and the revised language, was moved and seconded during the meeting and passed by voice vote. The record does not include a roll‑call tally.