Kittitas County adopts 15-year Suncadia development agreement extension after hearing on safety, compliance and water rights

Kittitas County commissioners on Feb. 17 adopted a resolution extending the Amended and Restated Development Agreement for Suncadia Master Planned Resort by 15 years, moving the agreement's expiration from Oct. 9, 2030 to Oct. 9, 2045.

The board acted after an open-record hearing in which county planning staff recommended approval conditioned on several requirements, including annual performance reviews verifying compliance with specific DA exhibits, a stated October 9, 2045 expiration date for the extension, permitting for any new gates by the county fire marshal and clarification that emergency egress through the resort be available in both directions per Exhibit J.

Why it matters: The Suncadia Master Planned Resort covers about 6,320 acres and was originally approved in 2000 with a 30-year buildout timeline. The extension keeps the existing terms and conditions in place while adding time to complete the project. Homeowners, local fire officials and county staff told commissioners the extension touches issues that affect wildfire risk, water supply, infrastructure and the enforceability of long-standing obligations.

Homeowners urged verification of compliance before new time was granted. Dozens of written comments and…