David Levitan, City of Lake Stevens, Senior Planner in the Planning and Development Department, gave our Club an overview of Land Use and Zoning in the city. The city is expanding the permitting process along the lake shoreline. The planning framework starts at the State, Regional, County and City level which provides the context for undertaking the planning process/
A comprehensive plan to manage growth was adopted in 1990. Cities must also designate natural resource lands and critical areas such as streams, wetlands and steep slopes. There are a number of growth management acts that cover a variety of topics. Within the Comprehensive Plan there are several elements that require the city to undergo. The City can amend the plan once per year. The annual docket is opened up each January and was just closed. Local plans must be consistent with: the Puget Sound Regional Council Vision (2050 Plan adopted in October 2020); Countywide Planning Policies (update scheduled for adoption in late 2021); Countywide growth targets as well as other state laws.
Lake Stevens adopted its first plan in 1994. Major updates have occurred in 2006 & 2015. Lake Stevens' Plan focuses on developing Growth Centers; subarea Plans were adopted in 2012 and 2018 that allow higher density and mixed use development in certain areas. The City has begun an annexation process for two areas in the southeast corner of the Urban Growth Area (UGA). This annexation also includes the 1,000 acre lake. This annexation process is called an Interlocal agreement and involves the City, County and Sewer District. There will be a join hearing on this on March 9th. Visit the city website for more details on land use and zoning.