Edgewood staff proposes West Valley overlay study; consultant cost estimate about $20,000

Edgewood — City staff told the City Council on Feb. 18 that it is proposing a land‑use overlay study for the West Valley area as part of the city’s 2025 annual comprehensive-plan amendment docket, and that an on-call consultant has provided a preliminary cost estimate of about $20,000.

Jeremy (staff member) said the West Valley area has seen inquiries and activity that warrant a closer look at future‑land‑use designations and zoning. The Planning Commission held a hearing and "unanimously recommended that this move forward," Jeremy said.

If Council approves the docket at next week’s business meeting, staff will finalize a scope, negotiate a task order with a consultant and return with a resolution or agenda bill for Council action. Jeremy told Council staff are balancing cost and value and are seeking the best possible product "for the public dollar." "As of today, we got another estimate from our on-call that came in around $20,000," he said.

Council members asked for process clarification; Jeremy explained the docket itself does not require two readings or an additional hearing but staff recommended adopting the docket next week and then executing a scope and budget for the study. The study could recommend changes to the future land-use map or zoning classifications, including developing a potential new zoning classification compatible with adjacent jurisdictions such as Sumner and Pacific.

Next steps: staff will bring an agenda bill and recommended resolution for Council action at the Feb. 25 meeting and, if authorized, will issue a task order and begin the West Valley overlay study.