About

BHC worked with the City of Issaquah on a multi-year project to substantially update all aspects of their land use code (Title 18). This project required management of several technical consultants, including a traffic engineer, structural engineer, wetland biologist, and lighting engineer, and included an in-depth community education and engagement process about the code updates. Part of BHC’s outreach approach was to provide topic-specific background memos to introduce code concepts, policy options, and best practices. These Code Update Memos were presented to Issaquah’s Planning and Policy Commission and were available to interested community members. BHC prepared nearly a dozen of these memos and helped prepare detailed presentations at the city’s public meetings.

The final codeordinance included an updated regulatory framework and a broad range ofdevelopment standards, but special attention was given to preparing codes thatprotected Issaquah’s natural resources, including updating the critical areasordinance, drafting code to protect open space and natural areas, addressinglandscaping and open space requirements, and crafting a regulatory program toaddress development in the city’s forested hillside residential neighborhoods.

 Additionally,following the completion of the City’s Climate Action Plan, BHC worked toincorporate key components into the zoning code to facilitate implementation.

 The code was meticulouslyrevised to remove confusing or redundant sections, to clarify language and addhelpful graphics, and to bring development regulations in line with bestpractices. The adopted code was created uniquely for Issaquah and reflectedextensive community engagement and feedback.

Features

• User-Friendly, Modern, and Clear Municipal Code Language
• Development of Clear Graphics and Formatting
• Implementation of Climate Resiliency Actions from Climate Action Plan