Kenmore to consider land-use code changes for site plans, condos, and permit deadlines

What the records say

Kenmore officials are scheduled to consider adopting Ordinance No. 26-0652 at a meeting on Sept. 28, 2026. The ordinance would amend two parts of the city's land-use code: Chapter 17.30, which covers Binding Site Plans, and Chapter 19.25, which covers a mix of development rules. It also establishes an effective date for the new rules. [S1 · Item 1] Prior minutes show the proposed changes would permit multifamily-zoned properties to use the binding site plan process, prohibit the City from imposing requirements on condominium ownership that would not apply to an identical development under another ownership structure, and revise permit decision timelines to 65, 100, and 170 days based on permit type. The amendments are intended to align the Kenmore Municipal Code with changes to Washington State law. [S1 · Item 1]

• The Sept. 28 meeting agenda includes an item to adopt Ordinance 26-0652, which would amend Kenmore Municipal Code chapters 17.30 and 19.25. [S1 · Item 1]
• The ordinance addresses Binding Site Plans, Common Interest Communities, and Permit Time Limitations, and would establish an effective date. [S1 · Item 1]
• Staff previously presented the proposed changes at a public hearing, including that multifamily-zoned property may use the binding site plan process and that permit decision timelines would be revised to 65, 100, and 170 days depending on permit type. [S1 · Item 1]
• The ordinance is listed under the meeting's consent agenda for adoption; the agenda bill text was not included in the packet. [S1 · Item 1]

Why it matters

The ordinance changes rules that govern how housing and commercial projects get built in Kenmore. If adopted, it could allow more multifamily projects to use the binding site plan process, remove certain restrictions specific to condominium ownership, and set new timelines for how long the City has to decide on permit applications. Because Kenmore households are impacted by the pace and form of local development, these code decisions affect what gets built and how quickly. [S1 · Item 1]

What changed / what's next

• Ordinance 26-0652 has been placed on the Sept. 28 meeting agenda for adoption, proposing amendments to the Kenmore Municipal Code and establishing an effective date. [S1 · Item 1]
• The specific code language was not provided with the agenda, so exact provisions will be confirmed at the meeting or in meeting materials. [S1 · Item 1]
• The outcome of the scheduled Sept. 28 vote is not yet known. [S1 · Item 1]