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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for Development Regulations and Zoning

A close up of rows of berries at the Whatcom County Farmer's Market

Planning for Local Food Systems: A Whatcom County Case Study, Part 1

May 22, 2023  by  Lisa Pool ,  Ali Jensen
Category:  Climate Change ,  Development Regulations and Zoning ,  Rural Uses

What is a local food system plan and why would a local government want to develop one? Whatcom County is one of a few local governments statewide developing such a plan, and county staff share insight into the process. 

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A New Approach for Dealing with Conditional Uses in Your Zoning Code

A New Approach for Dealing with Conditional Uses in Your Zoning Code

August 3, 2022  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Development Regulations and Zoning

Conditional use permits, most often used for certain land uses that might not normally fit into a zoning category but could work if the proposed use meets certain conditions, can be made into a more efficient and effective zoning tool with some modifications. 

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Preserving Affordability Through Manufactured Home Park Zones

Preserving Affordability Through Manufactured Home Park Zones

June 21, 2022  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Development Regulations and Zoning ,  Housing

Manufactured homes are often overlooked yet can be an important affordable housing option. Local governments can protect them by creating new zones (or strengthening existing regulations) that designate areas specifically for manufactured home parks. 

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Seven Hills, LLC v. Chelan County: When Does a Nonconforming Use Come into Existence?

Seven Hills, LLC v. Chelan County: When Does a Nonconforming Use Come into Existence?

October 18, 2021  by  Oskar Rey
Category:  Development Regulations and Zoning ,  Court Decisions and AGO Opinions

This blog reviews the recent state Supreme Court decision in Seven Hills LLC v. Chelan County, which looked at whether a marijuana company established its business before the county placed a moratorium on marijuana production.

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As the Pandemic Recedes, Ghost Kitchens Are Here to Stay

As the Pandemic Recedes, Ghost Kitchens Are Here to Stay

October 7, 2021  by  Lisa Pool
Category:  Development Regulations and Zoning ,  Licensing and Regulation

Ghost kitchens proliferated during the pandemic once dine-in options were curtailed and restaurants sought to make up lost revenue. With consumer demand still strong, local governments should assess whether their zoning codes address this concept. 

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Changing Your Zoning Code to Accommodate Housing and Shelters for the Homeless

Changing Your Zoning Code to Accommodate Housing and Shelters for the Homeless

June 29, 2021  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Development Regulations and Zoning ,  Homelessness ,  New Legislation and Regulations

This blog provides and overview and guidance regarding E2SHB 1220, which encourages local governments to take active steps to accommodate transitional housing, emergency shelters, and similar facilities via zoning and regulatory updates.

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Expanding Affordable Housing Options Through Missing Middle Housing

Expanding Affordable Housing Options Through Missing Middle Housing

May 17, 2021  by  Leonard Bauer
Category:  Guest Author ,  Development Regulations and Zoning ,  Housing

Part 1 of this two-part blog series looks at how a missing middle housing program can bring new affordable housing options to a city, using case studies from Wenatchee, Orting, Lake Stevens, Fife, and Walla Walla.

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Six Suggested Actions for Planners during the Extended COVID-19 Pandemic

Six Suggested Actions for Planners during the Extended COVID-19 Pandemic

January 28, 2021  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Development Regulations and Zoning ,  Streets and Sidewalks ,  Strategies and Programs ,  Land Use Administration

This blog suggests some action items planners can undertake during the COVID-19 pandemic to encourage commerce, promote recreational opportunities, and streamline the planning process. 

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New Bill Provides Incentives for Washington Cities to Increase Residential Capacity

New Bill Provides Incentives for Washington Cities to Increase Residential Capacity

July 26, 2019  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Development Regulations and Zoning ,  Housing ,  New Legislation and Regulations

This past legislative session saw the passage E2SHB 1923, a bill intended to encourage more residential development capacity and increase local governments’ emphasis on affordable housing. 

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When is a Development Application Ready for Review?

When is a Development Application Ready for Review?

July 6, 2017  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Development Regulations and Zoning

Once a jurisdiction determines that a planning-related application is complete it has 120-days to  make a decision on that proposal. But what makes an application complete? MRSC Planning Consultant Steve Butler reviews the options. 

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Tiny Homes: Coming to a Neighborhood Near You?

Tiny Homes: Coming to a Neighborhood Near You?

December 30, 2015  by  Steve Butler
Category:  Development Regulations and Zoning

Zoning and construction regulations create significant barriers against tiny homes, especially if someone wants to live in them on a permanent basis. This blog covers some the things to consider in the regulation of tiny homes in local communities.

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