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Sequim to phase in full rewrite of development regulations; Title 17 renamed 'Land Division' and Title 18 housing incentives due next

Sequim Planning Commission · December 24, 2025

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Summary

Director outlined a phased rewrite of Sequim’s development regulations: a near‑term replacement of Title 17 (renamed 'Land Division') to include state‑required unit‑lot subdivisions and lot splitting, followed by a housing‑incentives Title 18 packet addressing state mandates and incentives for nonprofit affordable projects; larger code work will run concurrent with the comprehensive plan.

The Sequim Planning Commission heard from staff on Oct. 7 about a multi‑phase rewrite of the city’s development regulations that will accompany the comprehensive plan update.

Director-level staff said the work will be phased. The first amendment packet will replace Title 17 (subdivision code) with a new 'Land Division' title and incorporate state‑required provisions including unit‑lot subdivisions and lot‑splitting. The second near‑term packet will be a set of targeted Title 18 amendments labeled as "housing incentives" that respond to state requirements and identify incentives for affordable housing projects, including flexible development standards for nonprofit and housing‑authority projects held in long term ownership.

Staff said the comprehensive Title 18 rewrite (use tables, development standards and master plan overlay) will run concurrently with the comprehensive plan and is expected to be released in stages, with significant packets due in February and work continuing into 2026–2027. Leland Consulting will assist on the housing incentives package.

The director framed the goal as writing clearer, zone‑based standards (height, setbacks) and reducing narrowly prescriptive use definitions that have unintentionally created barriers. Staff highlighted examples—like differing setback and height rules for dental versus medical uses—that they propose to simplify so the code is easier to administer and for applicants to understand.