Snoqualmie planning commissioners recommend narrower downtown retail overlay after public comments

The Snoqualmie Planning Commission voted unanimously on Jan. 21 to recommend code amendments that narrow a proposed expansion of the historic downtown retail overlay, directing staff to forward the recommendation to the city’s community development committee.

The commission’s recommendation follows two public hearings and staff revisions that removed the BR 2 area from the proposed expansion and added a portion of Falls Avenue instead. Staff told the commission the changes reflect public feedback and return the proposal “essentially” to the earlier draft that commissioners had discussed before considering an expansion into BR 2.

Commissioners and staff emphasized the goal is to support downtown retail while responding to neighbors’ concerns. A staff member summarized the recent public-review history and said, “based on the comments, the planning commission directed staff to reduce the area which was proposed to have the expanded retail district overlay just to the Bridal zone in a portion of Falls Avenue.” Commissioners then discussed specific thresholds and performance standards in the draft code.

Key changes that commissioners voted to recommend include: a 120-day minimum time allowance for vacancy before certain requirements apply; higher ground-floor retail use ratios in specific subareas (the draft shows retail-use requirements up to 90% for Snoqualmie Ridge and for the BR‑1/Falls Avenue portions described in the packet); and application of a 75% minimum retail requirement in parts of the downtown overlay along the railroad corridor as drafted. The packet also links these code amendments with mixed‑use final‑plan amendments that the commission has been considering.

Vice Chair Tessman, who was nominated and elected chair during the meeting, and other commissioners said they were satisfied the most recent draft responded to community feedback. Commissioner Koka said the revised map and language simplified the proposal and reflected resident input. After discussion, Commissioner Tessman moved to recommend the draft code amendments as presented; a commissioner seconded the motion and the commission voted in favor without opposition.

Staff noted the recommendation will be considered next by the community development committee, and that the draft code language in the packet reflects the commission’s most recent direction.

Votes at the meeting on this agenda item were recorded as a recommendation to the community development committee; the commission’s packet identifies attachment maps and tables that specify the exact boundaries, percentages and the 120-day vacancy allowance.

The commission closed debate and moved on to other items on the agenda.