Sequim council advances two land‑use code updates on procedural vote

The Sequim City Council on June 22 moved to advance two major land‑use code items toward ordinance adoption after first‑touch presentations from city planning staff.

Carla Boutton, director of the Department of Community and Economic Development, briefed the council on a comprehensive rewrite of SMC chapter 20.01 to implement state permit‑processing changes (RCW 36.70B), including new ‘‘procedural completeness’’ review rules and statutory shot clocks (65 days for permits not requiring notice, 100 days for permits that require notice, and 170 days for permits requiring a hearing). Boutton said the update consolidates application classification tables, unifies public‑notice requirements, clarifies when review clocks pause for applicant revisions, and improves cross‑department coordination.

The council voted to waive a second touch and directed staff to prepare an ordinance to adopt the updated chapter for placement on the next available consent agenda.

Carla also presented a companion, new SMC chapter 20.50 to establish local procedures for development agreements under state law. She said development agreements are voluntary, legislative instruments that can provide vesting and long‑term certainty for large, phased projects but do not vest life‑safety, ADA or stormwater requirements. The council likewise voted to direct staff to prepare an ordinance to adopt SMC 20.50.

Councilors praised the clarity and staff work on both proposals and asked staff to continue outreach to affected stakeholders as the draft ordinances are prepared. Both motions passed on roll‑call votes with all six members present voting yes.