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.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0 Those objectives are accomplished through zoning, permitting, and the implementation of other regulatory controls.<\/p>\n
State law allows community members to request amendments to the Comprehensive Plan annually. The City of Yakima Planning Commission will formally open this year\u2019s Comprehensive Plan community member amendment process during its meeting on Wednesday, February 28th<\/sup> in the Council Chambers at Yakima City Hall (129 N. 2nd<\/sup> Street) beginning at 3:00 pm. Amendment applications will be made available starting that same day from the City\u2019s Planning Division, which is located on the 2nd<\/sup> floor of City Hall.<\/p>\n 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 April 30th<\/sup>.<\/p>\n