Buckley planning commission prioritizes state-mandated code updates as residents raise flag-lot and short-term rental concerns

The Buckley Planning Commission on March 3 discussed priorities for updating the city’s development code to comply with new state laws, moving a revision of the zoning map into the first phase and aiming to complete an initial batch of code changes by June, planning staff said.

The discussion matters because the changes affect how the city reviews accessory dwelling units (ADUs), HOAs and flag lots, and because developers said uncertainty in the code is slowing project submissions and could affect local sales‑tax revenue. "I thought we'd start tonight's meeting just with like a brief general discussion about some of the state law compliance that we're looking at with our code updates," said Chris, a city planning staff member.

Commissioners and staff reviewed a 2025 work plan that lists multiple state compliance items. Staff said some state housing laws apply by city size and that the ADU rules are already effective: when a property owner submits an ADU application, the city must review it under the state ADU law rather than an…