Snoqualmie planning staff outline consultant search for comp‑plan work, Riverwalk acquisitions and business permits

SNOQUALMIE — At its April 6 meeting the Snoqualmie Planning Commission heard a department report from Director Davis outlining next steps on comprehensive plan work, staffing updates, riverfront acquisitions for the Riverwalk and several recent business permits.

Consultant for comp‑plan and zoning work

Director Davis said staff is working to contract a consultant to prepare a scope of work covering zoning‑map and future‑land‑use updates required by PSRC conditional approval. The consultant is expected to identify timelines and deliverables, present a scope to the commission and council committees, and help draft code updates that may be needed once policy direction is set.

"I'm expecting that the consultant will prepare a scope of work… and then I'll be bringing that back to the planning commission as well as they will probably come and present," Director Davis said, adding staff hopes to have more information by early May.

Comp‑plan topics and mill site

Commissioners asked whether a not‑yet‑built mill site with an existing development agreement would be included in the comp‑plan conversation. Director Davis confirmed the site will be part of the consultant's work because it contains committed housing and other land‑use elements in the development agreement; staff may propose new zoning designations for areas such as the ridge to meet housing targets.

Riverwalk acquisitions and demo work

Staff reported acquisition and recent demolition of at least one riverfront house to allow the Riverwalk trail to continue; another property on Park Street is being prepared for demolition. The work is part of a multi‑parcel effort to extend the riverfront trail.

Permits and business activity

Director Davis updated the commission on business openings and permits: Downto‑Earth Florist received a certificate of occupancy on Railroad Avenue (the previous florist location rebranded as Witten Company); the Mini Treehouse relocated and received occupancy; and the city issued a six‑month temporary food truck permit to test demand.

Other updates

Council Member Murphy reported that council received public comment on a proposed battery energy storage system in unincorporated King County and referred the item to the finance administration committee. Staff also noted potential summer railroad track work tied to the Northwest Railway Museum and ongoing fundraising for a model‑train museum project.

Next steps

Director Davis said the consultant's scope and a proposed timeline will be shared with the commission and council committees; code amendment work could follow and may be phased into a summer/fall or early‑next‑year schedule depending on capacity and the contract award.