Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutKittitasCo_BOCCMemo_102725 Kimley>>> Horn TO: Chad Bala, Community Development Services Director Jeremy Johnston, Long Range Planner FROM: Clay White, Kimley-Horn Erin O'Kelley, Kimley-Horn DATE: October 23,2025 RE: 2025 Periodic Comprehensive Plan Update The purpose of the memorandum is to provide the Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)with a summary update of the October 14, 2025, Planning Commission meeting where preliminary draft policies of the following comprehensive plan elements were discussed: • Transportation • Capital Facility • Utilities • Parks, Recreation, and Open Space • Economic Development Preliminary Draft Policy Review Preliminary draft policy changes were discussed at the Planning Commission at the October 14, 2025, meeting. In addition to being provided with a summary of preliminary draft policy changes,the Planning Commission members also provided ideas which will be explored as new and amended goals and policies are prepared for the draft comprehensive plan. As the BOCC is aware, we are currently engaging in the process of developing and evaluating preliminary draft policies and receiving new ideas for each plan element.This process will inform the draft comprehensive plan, which will be issued in late winter. The schedule is being utilized. September October November • Land Use • Transportation • Environment • Rural and Resources Lands • Capital Facilities • Climate and Resilience • Housing • Utilities • Park, Recreation, and Open Space • Economic Development Along with the Planning Commission review of preliminary draft policies for each plan element, each set is being released for public input. The public is welcome to forward comments to Kittitas Community Development.The preliminary comments received from the Planning Commission and the public will then assist the project team, as we develop the draft comprehensive plan. Developing and releasing preliminary draft policies: • Provides a process to receive early feedback from the Planning Commission • Provides more opportunities for the community to engage in the process • Provides greater opportunities to engage early in the plan development process • Breaks up the comprehensive plan into smaller pieces to make it easier to engage in the process We are currently preparing for a joint BOCC and Planning Commission workshop which is tentatively scheduled for December 15. At this workshop,we will discuss all the key policy themes which have developed and receive feedback from the BOCC and Planning Commission. We will then utilize information provided for the draft comprehensive plan.This workshop will be a great opportunity to understand your priorities and how we should balance long-term goals with resources available to accomplish those goals. Preliminary Draft FinaL Draft Policy Comprehensive • • Development Plan PLan • Review Once the draft comprehensive plan is issued,there will then be another opportunity for the community and both the Planning Commission and BOCC to hold public meetings and workshops before hearings are scheduled in the late spring and summer months. Planning Commission feedback—October 14, 2025 The following provides a high-level summary of key feedback and discussion topics for each comprehensive plan element discussed at the October 14, 2025, meeting. Please note that Planning Commissioner Deneen provided written policy feedback focused on recreational opportunities to be explored within goals and policies and additional goals and policies focused on fire and fire insurance. The project team is currently evaluating this information which will be incorporated into goal and policy concepts to be brought forward at the December workshop. Capital Facility and Utility Elements • Interest in developing goals and policies for Micro nuclear siting. Sitting requires approval from regulatory bodies like the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (nrc.gov),which is developing new regulations for these new technologies.The Planning Commission discussed getting ahead of this technology in terms of policy/code.The project team is currently exploring this further. Transportation • Discussion regarding the allowance for wheeled all-terrain vehicles (WATVs) on some county roads.This is allowed under RCW 46.09.457 when a county has adopted an ordinance.This could allow people to ride from recreation areas to cities for food, supplies and be part of recreation and economic development strategies. Greater discussion of this topic should include public works. • The Kittitas County Connector is run through HopeSource.The Planning Commission discussed greater connections to Kittitas/Ellensburg. It looks like that already occurs given the online schedule but there could be more opportunities to connect Kittitas with the upper county. • Work with public works on the multi-model policies to ensure they are right sized—possibly focused on UGAs. May also have an opportunity to connect with recreation policies on trails. Could be an opportunity to connect this requirement with proactive policies that county is going to develop. Economic Development • Consider goals/policies around working with CWU and possibly Ellensburg and economic development groups to better develop programs which link CWU programs with industry and job opportunities.Are there ways to attract businesses which could utilize CWU students. • NOTE:We have several other comments from the Planning Commission provided on other elements,such as land use,which will be linked to this element as the project moves forward. Parks, Rec, and Open Space • Strong interest in goals and policies about creating recreation opportunities in the upper county. Could be a county led project or public private partnership and will be linked to economic development strategies. • Need to incorporate,where possible,the goals of the Park, Recreation, & Open Space Plan (2016), Recreation and Tourism Plan (2021), and Tourism Infrastructure Plan (2016) into the Comprehensive Plan to provide cohesion across plans.