Under the Washington State Growth Management Act, local governments in the state have to adopt, regularly amend, and periodically update an Urban Area Comprehensive Plan. The plan helps guide long-range land use policy in urban areas by establishing a community vision for effectively managing growth over a twenty-year period.
Adopted by the Yakima City Council in 2017, the Yakima Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2040 addresses issues including, among others, the preservation of natural resources, ensuring adequate levels of public services are provided, protecting historic land, sites, and structures, encouraging sustainable economic development, and retaining open space while also developing recreational opportunities. Those objectives are accomplished through zoning, permitting, and the implementation of other regulatory controls.
State law allows community members to request amendments to the Comprehensive Plan annually. The City of Yakima Planning Commission will formally open this year’s Comprehensive Plan amendment process during its meeting on Wednesday, February 24th beginning at 3:00 pm via Zoom: Please use the following link to register:
https://cityofyakima.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dKGpifuxTYejcwVgTrYBqg
Applications, along with a non-refundable $1,250 filing fee (fees for an accompanying Rezone, Environmental Review, or project specific land use application will be required as applicable), have to be received by the Planning Division by 5:00 p.m. on April 30th.
Yakima City Hall is closed to the public due to the state’s ongoing COVID-19 requirements.
As a result, applications can be e-mailed to ask.planning@yakimawa.gov. Once submitted, Planning Division staff will confirm receipt of the materials and guide applicants to the City’s online permit center to pay the applicable fee.
Applicants can also mail their applications (including a check payable to the City of Yakima if not paying online) to:
City of Yakima Planning Division
129 N 2nd St.
Yakima, WA 98901
The City of Yakima Planning Division can be reached at 575-6183.
Click Planning Division (yakimawa.gov) for more on the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Process as well as links to application forms and fees.