Table of Contents

Active Transportation

The municipality’s land-use code offers height bonuses in their central business district based on a points system for a range of amenities, including bicycle racks and showers and changing rooms for bicycle commuters.

Historic Preservation

The city’s codified ordinances establish a historic preservation project fund to finance local historic preservation projects (Chapter 6.100). Revenues are received from the sale or lease of historic properties that have received the funds, from the principal and interest on loans from the fund, as well as from investments and donations. All projects are subject to assembly approval.

Residential Infill Development

The city’s unified development code includes a narrow lot subdivision option to facilitate single-family infill development in established areas (§21.08.070.D). Standards address parcel size, lot dimensions, setbacks, height, lot coverage, FAR, access, number of lots, and design.

Zoning Reform and Code Writing

The municipality adopted a new Land Use Planning code in 2013 (Title 21). It defines and regulates uses based on broad categories, with select specific use types, and includes use-specific standards to minimize reliance on discretionary use permits.

Its purpose statements address encouraging the efficient use of existing infrastructure and the available land supply; encouraging a diverse supply of quality housing; encouraging a balanced supply of nonresidential land uses; promoting well-planned development that reflects the municipality's unique setting and natural resources; providing development incentives to achieve an economically balanced and diverse community; protecting the diversity of fish and wildlife habitats; protecting development and residents of the municipality from natural hazards; encouraging development of a sustainable and accessible system of recreational facilities, parks, and open space; promoting development in city centers and infill areas; promoting development patterns and site designs that protect and enhance the surrounding community character; promoting a pattern of land use and development upon which to provide for adequate transportation, water supply, sewerage, and other public facilities; and encouraging land and transportation development patterns that promote public health and safety and offer transportation choices (§21.01.030).