Comprehensive Plan Docket

Under the Growth Management Act (Chapter 36.70A RCW), the City may amend its Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Map once per year through an annual “Docket."  The City accepts annual requests until January 31 of each year for consideration the following year.

Docket Process

City and citizen initiated amendments follow a phased public process:

1. The City Council ratifies the proposed amendments for further analysis;
2. Planning Commission review, public hearing(s), and recommendation; and
3. Following a complete analysis and public hearing, the City council will grant, deny, or modify the proposed amendments by December 31 of each year.

Approval Criteria

The City reviews proposed amendments against criteria in the Comprehensive Plan.

1. The amendment must be consistent with the Growth Management Act and other applicable State laws;
2. The amendment must be consistent with the applicable County-wide Planning Policies;
3. The amendment must not be in conflict with the Community Vision or other goals, policies, and provisions of the Comprehensive Plan;
4. The amendment can be accommodated by all applicable public services and facilities, including transportation;
5. The amendment will change the development or use potential of a site or area without creating significant adverse impacts on existing sensitive land uses, businesses, or residents; and
6. The amendment will result in long-term benefits to the community as a whole, and is in the best interest of community.

Public Process

• The City of Lake Stevens Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed amendments at the Lake Stevens Community Center (1808 Main Street, Lake Stevens).
• Following the hearing, the Planning Commission will forward a recommendation to the Lake Stevens City Council to grant, modify, or deny each proposed amendment.
• The Lake Stevens City Council may hold an additional public hearing on the amendments, at the Lake Stevens School District Educational Center (12309 22nd Street NE, Lake Stevens), and before taking final action.

2011 Amendments

The City is proposing six Comprehensive Plan amendments as part of the 2011 Docket.  This year's ammendments are largely procedural and consist of limited text updates to the Table of Contents, Park and Recreation Element, Capital Facilities Element, Environmental Review and Public Process sections, and technical appendices. 

The City Council Staff Report summarizes and provides analysis on the proposed amendments.