BEFORE YOU SUBMIT…

• Pre-Application Conference Request – Prior to submitting a formal land use application and paying the application fee, you may voluntarily request a conference with the City’s Development Services Team (DST) which is comprised of representatives from City departments, State agencies, and private utility companies. This conference is to review the proposed action, to become familiar with the policies, plans and development requirements of the Yakima Urban Growth Area, and to coordinate all necessary permits and procedures. This process is ideal for proposals to develop a vacant lot, redevelop a lot, or subdivide a property.
• Apply online or view more information about submitting a Pre-Application DST Meeting Request.

• Consider speaking with a planner prior to submitting your application if you have questions or are unsure about how to fill out the application.

• Most of our application packets contain an outline of the reviewing procedures on the second page. Please read this and consider keeping it for your records.

Table 4-1 titled “Permitted Land Uses” is incorporated as part of section YMC 15.04.030. Each permitted land use listed in Table 4-1 is designated as a Class (1), (2), or (3) use for a particular zoning district. In addition, some Class (1) uses may require Type 2 Review in accordance with YMC 15.04.020.

Need help filling out an application? Start here!

APPLICATION FORMS (Fillable PDFs)

***You may print and fill out the application by hand OR save/download the document to your computer, type directly into the form, and then print and sign the application. Applications and application fees can be turned in to the front counter on the 2nd floor of City Hall (129 North 2nd Street), emailed to ask.planning@yakimawa.gov, or sent by mail***

Administrative Adjustment Application – The Administrative Adjustment process provides flexibility by allowing certain development standards to be reduced or modified, so long as the adjustment is consistent with the purpose and intent of the Zoning Ordinance.

Amended Binding Site Plan – Modifications to binding site plans that are determined by the director of Community Development to be minor may be reviewed and approved administratively.

Amended Long Plat Application – The alteration of final plats shall comply with the provisions of RCW Ch. 58.17.

Amended Short Plat Application – An approved and recorded short plat may be amended, altered, or vacated in whole or in part by recording an amended short plat in accordance with the provisions in YMC 14.15.120. Minor errors not involving any change in lot lines may be corrected by the surveyor upon approval of the administrator by recording an affidavit with the Yakima County auditor which specifically references the affected short plat by number and sets forth the correction.

Appeal Application – Appeals of land use decisions are allowed within fourteen days from the date the final decision is mailed.

Cell Tower Application – The purpose of this application is for the siting of wireless telecommunication facilities, including towers, antennas, and support structures per the established regulations in YMC 15.29.

Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application – The purpose of this application is to amend and update the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan and guide development regulations. Comprehensive Plan Amendments may involve changes in the plan’s written text, policy maps, or to the Future Land Use Map.

Critical Areas ID Application Form – Prior to the review of any applicable proposed development, construction or use, the applicant shall provide the City with a Critical Areas Identification Form and site plan and any other information the City may require to determine if a critical area is present.

Development Agreement – A development agreement is a voluntary contract between a local jurisdiction and a person who owns or controls property within the jurisdiction, detailing the obligations of both parties and specifying the standards and conditions that will govern development of the property. Although the agreements are voluntary, once made they are binding on the parties and their successors. A development agreement provides assurances to the developer that the development regulations that apply to the project will not change during the term of the agreement. The city or county may require conditions to mitigate project impacts, as well as clarification about project phasing and timing of public improvements. RCW 36.70B.170 describes the type of development standards that are appropriate in a development agreement.

Easement Release Application – An easement release is used to facilitate the termination of a public utility or access easement. However, if the easement was created through the platting/subdivision process, an amended plat application should be filed instead of using this form.

Extension of Zoning and Subdivision Approvals – A zoning or subdivision approval may be extended one time only for up to one additional year. Requests shall be in writing and be accompanied by the previously approved final site plan showing the location and size of any development or work already competed on the project. An extension shall be issued for good cause only and the burden of showing cause shall be upon the applicant. [YMC 15.12.060(C)]

Final Binding Site Plan – RCW 58.17.035 and 58.17.040(4) provide for a binding site plan process for the division of land for the purpose of sale, lease, or transfer of commercial or industrial lots as an alternative to the subdivision process.

Final Long Plat – The final plat of a proposed subdivision may be submitted for approval by the city council by filing the proposed final plat with the Planning Division within five years from the date of approval of the preliminary plat or within the time provided as an extension granted by the city council.

Final Short Plat – Following preliminary short plat approval the applicant will have five years in which to comply with the conditions of approval and submit the final short plat.

Home Occupation Application– Business may be conducted within a dwelling only in residential zoning districts under the provisions of YMC 15.04.120, as long as the home occupation is compatible with other uses permitted in the underlying zone; the existing dwelling as the primary use of the structure or property is preserved; the character of residential neighborhoods are maintained and preserved; and, the efficient use of public services and facilities are promoted by assuring these services are provided to the residential population for which they were planned and constructed, rather than commercial uses.

Please select the appropriate home occupation application based on the level of review required per Table 4-2 Table of Permitted Home Occupations:

• Class 1 home occupations do not require a home occupation application. You may proceed with submitting an application for a business license.
• Home Occupation Type 2 and Type 3 Review Application: Applications for Class 2 uses are generally permitted in the zoning districts identified in Table 4-2; however the administrative official determines compatibility under the provisions of YMC Chapter 15.14. Applications for Class 3 uses are generally not permitted in a particular district, but may be allowed by the Hearing Examiner after Type 3 Review and public hearing under the provisions of YMC Chapter 15.15.
• Proposed Home Occupations in existing dwellings in the commercial and industrial zoning districts shall follow the land use requirements of the R-3 zoning district in Table 4-2. Complete the relevant application (Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3) rather than the Home Occupation application.

Institutional Overlay – The purpose of the institutional overlay zone is to allow for large-scale institutional facilities with special locational needs and impacts which must be designed and perform in a manner that is compatible with surrounding land uses. Through a master plan review process (YMC 15.31.030) the public is involved in the development of performance standards. A development agreement and site master plan assure predictability for the owner, the appropriate jurisdiction and the citizen. The process balances the need for large-scale institutional facilities to grow while minimizing adverse environmental impacts associated with such development on the adjacent community.

Modification Application – Minor changes to existing or approved Class (2) or (3) Uses or development may qualify for abbreviated review under the provisions of YMC Chapter 15.17, if they meet the certain criteria. Common modifications include additions to garages or houses.

Non-Conforming Use or Structure Application – A nonconforming use or structure may wish to expand. Any change or expansion of the nonconforming use shall be made in accordance with the provisions of YMC 15.19.070 or 15.19.080.

Planned Development Application – A Master Planned Development Overlay (PD) is a comprehensive development plan intended to provide flexibility in design and building placement, promote attractive, and efficient environments that incorporate a variety of uses, densities and/or dwelling types, provide for economy of shared services and facilities, and economically utilize the land, resources, and amenities

Preliminary Binding Site Plan – RCW 58.17.035 and 58.17.040(4) provide for a binding site plan process for the division of land for the purpose of sale, lease, or transfer of commercial or industrial lots as an alternative to the subdivision process.

Preliminary Long Plat Application – A preliminary long plat is the division or re-division of land into ten or more (or division of property short platted in the last five years) lots, tracts, or parcels for the purpose of sale, lease, or transfer of ownership as provided in YMC 14.20.

Preliminary Short Plat Application – A preliminary short plat is the division or re-division of land into nine (9) or fewer lots for the purpose of sale, lease, or transfer or ownership in the present or future except as provided in YMC 14.15.

Rezone Application – A rezone is a change to the zoning district classification of particular lot(s) or parcel(s) of land.  From time to time a change in circumstance or condition may warrant a change in the zoning map. Proposed rezones must be consistent with the goals and policies of the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan and the intent of Title 15.

Right of Way Vacation Application – Vacating an unused or unnecessary public street or alley can create areas for commercial development or neighborhood improvements and place property back on the tax rolls. Washington State law RCW 35.79 establishes the procedures for vacating public right-of-way.

SEPA Environmental Checklist Application – The Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Chapter 43.21(C) RCW is a state law intended to ensure that environmental impacts are considered by state and local governments when making decisions.  Project which are subject to SEPA review have public comment process which is used to identify impacts and possible mitigation measures.

Shorelines Development Permit, Variance, or Conditional Use Application – Shorelines are all of the water areas of the state, including reservoirs, and their associated shorelands, together with the lands underlying them; except (i) shorelines of statewide significance; (ii) shorelines on segments of streams upstream of a point where the mean annual flow is twenty cubic feet per second or less and the wetlands associated with such upstream segments; and (iii) shorelines on lakes less than twenty acres in size and wetlands associated with such small lakes.

Shorelines Exemption – Exempt developments are those set forth in WAC 173-27-040 and RCW 90.58.030(3)(e), 90.58.140(9), 90.58.147, 90.58.355, and 90.58.515 which are not required to obtain a shoreline substantial development permit, but which must otherwise comply with applicable provisions of the Act and the local Shoreline Master Program YMC Title 17.

Short Plat Exemption Application – Minor changes to property lines may be exempt from formal platting procedures; these may include: lot line adjustments, merger of property, testamentary divisions, financial divisions, prior division of land, cemeteries, divisions of 40 acres or more, court orders, and/or creation of additional lots in a Binding Site Plan.

Site Plan Template – Producing the site plan from this template is accepted, however, the template can be substituted for your own medium (computer aided is preferred). This template is intended to be printed on 11 x 17 sized paper so that the tie marks are 1 inch apart. You may still use this template and print on an 8 1/2 x 11 sized sheet of paper if needed, but you must note on the site plan what scale you are using and take into account that the tie marks will be less than an inch apart.

Special Event and Parade Permit – Per YMC 9.70, “special event” means any fair, show, parade, run/walk, festival, or other publicly attended entertainment or celebration which is to be held in whole or in part upon publicly owned property or public rights-of-way, or if held wholly upon private property, will nevertheless affect or impact the ordinary and normal use by the general public of public property or public rights-of-way within the vicinity of such event. Please use the Special Event and Parade Guidelines to help guide you through this application process.

• Block Parties follow a separate application process. Visit the Special Events page for more information.
• Events held wholly on private property are most often handled through the Temporary Use Permit process.

Temporary Use Permit – The administrative official may authorize special short-term temporary uses including, but not limited to, public assemblies, special exhibitions, community activities, and public sales. Authorized temporary uses, regardless of land use classification, may occur in any zoning district for up to seventy-two consecutive hours. There is a $25 application fee that must be submitted with the application.

Any temporary use that is to be held in whole or in part upon publicly owned property or public rights-of-way, or if held wholly upon private property, will nevertheless affect or impact the ordinary and normal use by the general public of public property or public rights-of-way within the vicinity of such event, may be a “special event” subject to the provisions of YMC Chapter 9.70.

Traffic Concurrency Application – The Washington State Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.70) requires all new development to be consistent with the existing or planned street system capacities.  The City of Yakima adopted YMC Ch. 12.08 to implement this local requirement.

Type 1 Review Application – Class (1) uses not requiring Type (2) or (3) review are permitted; provided that district standards are met.

Type 2 Review Application – The Type 2 review application is required for any proposed use shown on Table 4-1 as a Class (2) use; for Class (1) uses requiring Type (2) review in YMC 15.13.020; and for other specific reviews established by Title 15 of the Yakima Municipal Code.

Type 3 Review Application – The Type 3 review application is required for any proposed use shown on Table 4-1 as a Class (3) use or for Class (2) uses referred by the Administrative Official for Type (3) review, and for other specific reviews established by Title 15 of the Yakima Municipal Code.

Variance Application – It is the intent that the variance be used only to overcome some exceptional physical condition of land that prevents any reasonable use of the property.

Zoning Verification – A zoning verification letter confirms a property’s current zoning district, future land use category, and allowed land uses. Any additional requested documents may be obtained through a Public Records Request with the City Clerk. ***Zoning Verification requests can be applied for and paid online on our Online Permit Portal!***