PC 9_22_26 Staff Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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Item 26-02 — ADU Revisions In 2025 the Board of County Commissioners approved revisions to Title 17 to facilitate requirements established in HB 1337. HB 1337 is a Washington State bill designed to encourage accessory dwelling unit development. The bill reduced development standards for ADU's and encouraged jurisdictions to promote ADU development through streamlined processes. Currently, ADU development requires an application under our "Permitted Administrative Use" code section (I 7.60B). This section was originally adopted in 2007 to address impacts to various uses. The permit involves a notice of application process outlined in Title 15A. This process requires a comment period initiated by mailing and newspaper notice. It also includes discretionary criteria similar to those required for a zoning variance or conditional use process. ADU development is an important tool to increase alternative housing options. The proposed revisions would eliminate the notice of application process for ADU development and eliminate the discretionary criteria from the scope of the review. CDS believe these revisions will simplify the process for ADU development and remove existing, unnecessary barriers like discretionary criteria. The proposed changes are consistent with the State guidance for HB 1337 compliance. CDS is requesting a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners on Item 26-02 ADU Revisions. Item 26-03 — Short Term Rental Regulations On March 5, 2024, the Board of County Commissioners created the Kittitas County Short Term Rental Committee through Resolution 2024-049. The Committee was tasked with determining if STR regulations were needed and then later tasked with creating draft regulation under Resolution 2025-093. The Committee worked for two years soliciting public feedback and drafting regulations. The Committee produced and voted to approve draft regulations which then underwent legal review where some revisions were recommended. These regulations were brought to the Planning Commission on July 14, 2026, for feedback and again on August 4, 2026, in a joint study session with the BOCC. The Planning Commission's primary feedback centered around concerns regarding the noise violation section. As noise was a primary concern from the STR Committee, the Community Survey, and at least one County Commissioner. Staff is bringing back the original regulations, as approved following legal review. CDS is requesting a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners on Item 26-03 Short Term Rental Regulations.