Form-Based Code project
IntroductionKing County's Department of Development and Environmental Services is conducting
a project to examine the feasibility of replacing the current conventional land
use code with a Form-Based Code (see
draft). Using a prescriptive ("what is wanted") approach to regulating
development, the new code will focus on the public space while encouraging important
public policy objectives. In the Urban Area, the code's goal is to allow greater flexibility to developers
and land owners while encouraging the development of vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods.
For Rural Area residents and land owners, the code's simplified and flexible land
use regulations will provide increased predictability in the development process
and create more opportunities for rural businesses. To assist in the development of the new Form-Based Code, King County has selected
three
demonstration areas, two for the Urban area and one Rural. The Urban demonstration areas are
East Renton, located on the plateau above the Cedar River and May Valley
east of the City of Renton, and
MLK, located west of Renton along Martin Luther King Jr. Way in unincorporated
King County. The Rural demonstration area is located in the northern part of the
Bear Creek community planning area, centered on the Cottage Lake Rural Neighborhood,
east of the City of Woodinville. Initial workshops introducing the project and providing information on the Form-Based
Code and its potential benefits were held in the East Renton and Bear Creek demonstration
areas in early February 2009 and in the MLK demonstration area in March 2009. Residents will have an opportunity to provide input in the development and drafting
of the new code. The
draft of the Form-Based Code will be presented at an additional meeting
in each demonstration area for comment and review. As part of the 2010 King County Comprehensive Plan update, an Area Zoning Study
for each demonstration area will be conducted to examine if the new code should
be implemented.
The Comprehensive PlanThe
King County Comprehensive Plan (KCCP) is the guiding policy document for
all land use and development regulations in unincorporated King County. The 2008
KCCP update, adopted October 6, 2008 by the King County Council, is the current
KCCP. The update for 2009, which can address technical updates and revisions that
do not require substantive policy changes, is currently under way. The KCCP provides the policy objectives and requirements for the Form-Based Code.
Some policies provide an overarching framework for the code while others address
specific regulatory requirements. The new code must be consistent with policies
in the KCCP. The process for implementing the new zoning code on the demonstration areas is also
part of the KCCP update process. Once the new code is drafted, an Area Zoning Study
will be conducted in each of the demonstration areas as part of the 2010 KCCP update.
The Area Zoning Study will be used to determine if the new code should be implemented
in these specific areas. Additional meetings as part of the public process for the
KCCP update will also be held. Any final decision to adopt the new zoning code for
the demonstration areas will be made by the King County
Council. |
