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Committee backs fast-tracked consultant plan for Snoqualmie comprehensive plan and zoning updates
Summary
Director Davis asked the committee to approve pursuing a preferred consultant—potentially on a sole-source basis and estimated at roughly $150,000—to update the city's comprehensive plan, housing and land-use elements, and the Snoqualmie Ridge zoning map to meet PSRC/King County timelines.
Director Davis told the Community Development Committee that the city must update its zoning map, housing and land-use elements and complete a land-capacity analysis this year to comply with PSRC conditional certification and King County requirements.
Davis described a scope of work for a consultant: audit the comprehensive plan, update the housing and land-use elements with a buildable-lands and land-capacity analysis by income band (0–30% AMI, 30–50%, 50–60%, 60–80%), evaluate mixed-use zoning on Snoqualmie Ridge and recommend zoning districts that reflect built patterns and future goals, support code changes and public engagement (eight to ten evening stakeholder meetings anticipated), and assist with SEPA support (either an addendum or a new SEPA if required). "We need to hire a consultant that will come in and actually fulfill the scope of work that I've outlined here," Director Davis said.
Staff said there are not many firms with the necessary track record and expressed concern about contractor quality and schedule risk. The administration recommended a preferred vendor and requested permission to proceed with a sole-source contract rather than a time-consuming RFP process. Staff estimated the limited external contract tasks would come in around $150,000; fully outsourcing the entire scope would be substantially more.
Committee members emphasized the need for robust milestones, deliverable dates and remedies for missed deadlines. Council member Murphy urged that the contract include clear deliverables and penalties to ensure rapid performance. Council member Johnson flagged a separate operational risk: the planning commission currently has five members and requires four for quorum, which could delay hearings if vacancies are not filled.
Staff said they expect to return quickly with a draft sole-source contract and hoped to present the contract to council the week staff described as the '20 seventh' (staff used that phrasing in the meeting). Davis stressed staff will keep the council informed at each step and present milestones as the consultant is onboarded.
Next steps: staff will prepare a draft contract with milestones and remedies for nonperformance, present it to the CD committee at the next meeting, then seek council approval for any contract over $50,000. The committee did not record a formal vote in the transcript but indicated support for expediting the procurement to meet certification and amendment deadlines.
