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Snoqualmie planning commission readies major comp‑plan amendments, rezoning of Snoqualmie Ridge
Summary
Director Davis told the commission the city must update its comprehensive plan and zoning map after conditional certification from PSRC, and she outlined an RFP-driven consultant process, public outreach plans, staffing shortfalls and a tight timeline to complete required amendments.
Chair Testimon called the Snoqualmie Planning Commission to order at 7:04 p.m. on March 16. Director Davis briefed commissioners on city-council priorities that will shape the commission’s work this year, emphasizing a forthcoming package of comprehensive-plan amendments and related zoning and code updates.
"We went from a staff of 7 to we're down to 3 right now," Director Davis said, noting the department has made an offer to an associate planner expected to start April 1 and plans to advertise for a senior planner. She said staffing shortages have delayed some work but that a consultant will be recruited to lead the heavier lift.
Davis said the Puget Sound Regional Council granted conditional certification of Snoqualmie’s comprehensive plan and has asked the city to update its zoning map to reflect as-built conditions on Snoqualmie Ridge — which is currently mapped as mixed use — and to reconcile the reduced growth targets with a revised buildable-lands analysis. "They've given us conditional conditional certification on our comprehensive plan," she said, describing the certification’s requirement to reexamine zoning and housing elements.
To meet those requirements, Davis said the city will issue an RFP to hire a consultant to lead community outreach, draft code amendments and guide the commission through open houses and special meetings. She told commissioners she anticipates public outreach this summer and flagged the need for substantial code rewriting where existing map categories do not match actual development patterns on the Ridge.
Commissioners asked for clarity on the consultant’s scope, outreach plans and examples from peer cities. One commissioner urged staff to ask consultants to bring case studies so Snoqualmie can learn from comparable communities rather than starting from a blank page; Davis said she would request such examples. Commissioners also discussed whether studying business-park and office-to-housing conversions is immediately prioritized; Davis said office conversions could be considered later but are not a top council priority this year.
On timing, Davis warned she expects at least a three-week minimum RFP response period and that substantial consultant work is unlikely to start before May. When asked whether the conditional-certification work must be completed by year-end, Davis acknowledged concern: "I'm getting kind of nervous," she said, while expressing hope that the right consultant can move quickly.
Davis closed by saying she will refine and rank the priority list and include a clearer, top-tier work plan in the next meeting packet so commissioners can see which items the council committee has emphasized.
The commission did not adopt any formal policy changes during the meeting; the session was used to review priorities, clarify timelines and prepare for consultant selection and public outreach.
