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Nowthen council hires Collaborative Planning to rewrite zoning, directs staff to find funding
Summary
Council selected Collaborative Planning (Cindy Nash) over a competing consultant to update zoning and shoreland/floodplain provisions; staff was directed to identify funding (possible reallocation of building improvement funds or budgeting for 2026).
The Nowthen City Council voted Aug. 12 to move forward with an update to the city’s zoning ordinance and related shoreland and floodplain provisions using Collaborative Planning (Sydney/Cindy Nash). Attorney and staff briefed the council on two proposals: a lower-cost, in-person approach from Cindy Nash that includes shoreland/floodplain work versus a higher-cost WSB proposal that would add these items as paid extras and rely more on virtual meetings.
Council members said Nash’s familiarity with Nowthen, lower hourly rates for additional work, and in-person meetings made Collaborative Planning the practical choice. Council directed staff to identify funding sources — including reallocation from building-improvement reserves or budgeting in 2026 — and to return with timing once the budget decision is made.
Why it matters: Council members described zoning reform as a high-priority item to remove barriers residents report when splitting lots or pursuing small development projects. The selected consultant’s work will shape land-use rules for residential and shoreland areas.
Next steps: Staff will identify a funding source and return with a contract and timeline; council expects in-person workshops and a summary of proposed ordinance changes for public review.
