On the agenda: Moses Lake meeting — data center (Jan 15)

City of Moses Lake
Planning Commission
Agenda
Thursday January 15, 2026 @ 6 PM
City Council Chambers
401 S Balsam St., Moses Lake, WA
1. Call to Order / Roll Call 6 PM
2. Approval of December 11, 2025 Meeting Minutes
3. Old Commission Business:
a. Public Hearing 2025 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket
b. Public Hearing 2025 Code Amendment Docket Groupings 2-4
4. Commission Comments and/or Questions
5. Staff Comments and/or Questions
-PC Calendar 2026 - Corrected
6. Adjournment
**Next Meeting Date: February 12, 2026**
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CITY OF MOSES LAKE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
OF December 11, 2025
Commissioners Present: Charles Hepburn (Vice Chair), Howard Homesley, Cody Davis
Commissioners Absent: Nathan Nofziger (Chair), Gary Mann
Staff Present: Interim Community Development Director Vivian Ramsey, Planning
Technician Michelene Torrey, Senior Planner Nathan Pate, Assistant Planner Amy Harris
The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m.
Attendance was called by Michelene Torrey
Vice Chair Hepburn introduced the first time on the agenda:
Commission Business:
Roll Call and Attendance: Secretary Torrey confirmed that all Commissioners were
present except Commissioner Mann and Chair Nofziger. Commissioner Homesley
moved to excuse both commissioners, seconded by Commissioner Davis. Motion
passed.
•

Group Two Through Four Code Amendment Docket Workshop – Commissioners
reviewed the updated changes to the code amendment docket and provided feedback
to staff in preparation for

•

Meeting Schedule: Staff presented the commission with a 2026 calendar for planning
commission meetings.
Vice Chair Hepburn moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 PM

STAFF REPORT
To:

Planning Commission

From:

David Miller, Interim Community Development Director

Date:

January 16, 2026

Proceeding Type:

Public Hearing

Subject:

2025 Code Amendment – Docket Grouping No. 2-4
Legislative History:

•

Workshops

August 28, 2025, September 25, 2025, October
16, 2025, October 30, 2025, and December 11,
2025

•

Public Hearing

January 16, 2026

•

Action:

Recommend Amendments

Overview
The Planning Commission (PC) is being asked to hold a public hearing regarding Code
amendments pursuant to the 2025 MLUDC Code Amendments Final Docket –Groupings 24: Docket Numbers 1-2, 5-10, 12-14, 16-29, and 31 - 51
Each attachment is presented as draft edits to the City of Moses Lake Unified Development
Code in “track changes” format (black text is original, new text is underlined and/or red/blue,
and text removed is strikethrough and/or red/blue).
This a process where the public, City Council and Planning Commission may propose
amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and the Unified Development Code (Land Use
Development Code). The rules regarding the docketing process are found in Chapter 15.240
Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulation Amendments. The docket process
provides the public with a way to propose changes to the Comprehensive Plan or
development regulations directly to the City Council. It is designed to comply with the
Washington State Growth Management Act’s requirement to provide for meaningful public
participation.
All recommendations will be reviewed by the City Attorney with the Council and may be altered
to meet statutory and/or legal parameters.

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Background
2025 Moses Lake Unified Development Code (MLUDC) Amendments have been identified
within the City Council September 09, 2025, approved 2025 MLUDC Code Amendments Final
Docket which include 51 potential amendments. These amendments have been separated
into four (4) groupings which included two workshops each (to date) under the Planning
Commission agendas for “new” and “old” business. For most of the PC agendas, the early
grouping was moved from new to old from workshop to workshop which allowed for the PC
to complete deliberations and review with a “double” approach for each meeting. The first
grouping was expedited to complete Docket Numbers 3 & 4, 11, 15, and 30.
Regulation Amendments are legislative in nature, involving the creation, revision, application,
or large-scale implementation of public policy.
This is the Planning Commission Public Hearing regarding the identified Groupings 2-4 Code
amendments pursuant to the Final Docket process MLUDC 15.240.040.
The City of Moses Lake Planning Commission is being asked to consider the proposed
amendments and make a recommendation to the Moses Lake City Council. The City Council
will then consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation at a public hearing, and may
adopt, reject, or change the recommendation.
After holding workshops and a public hearing, the Planning Commission makes a
recommendation to the City Council, which then makes a final decision on each amendment.
Pursuant to MLUDC 15.240.080 Planning Commission Recommendation on Docketed
Amendments:
1. Planning Commission Public Hearing and Recommendation. The Planning
Commission shall hold a public hearing on the applications included on the Final
Docket and shall make a recommendation to the City Council on each proposed
amendment to deny, approve, or approve with conditions or modifications, using the
criteria set forth below, as applicable.
Process and potential Planning Commission Findings of Fact
1. Community Development hereby brings items placed on the “Final Docket” to the
Planning Commission for consideration.
2. Prior to processing SEPA, providing Notice of Public Hearing, providing notice to the
Department of Commerce ( sixty-day state agency review), the Planning Commission
may hold one or more workshops to review, deliberate, revise, and finalize each
amendment presented from the Docket.
3. Pursuant to 15.240.050 Public Notice, the City of Moses Lake duly noticed the
amendments. Notice of the proposed amendments was sent to the Department of
Ecology SEPA Register. Additional notice was provided to local and regional agencies
for the review and comment period/environmental determinations

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4. Formal notice was provided to the Washington State Department of Commerce of the
intent to adopt the proposed amendments and initiation of the sixty-day state agency
review and comment period.
5. Pursuant to 15.240.060 SEPA Compliance, the City of Moses Lake issued a SEPA NonProject Determination of Non-Significance (DNS)
6. Pursuant to 15.240.070 Staff Report, this report includes the staff recommendation on
each proposed amendment. Staff recommends that after the public hearing, the
Planning Commission shall make a recommendation to the City Council, using the
criteria set forth in MLUDC 15.240.080(B),
7. Pursuant to 15.240.080 (A) Planning Commission Recommendation on Docketed
Amendments, The Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on the
applications included on the Final Docket and shall make a recommendation to the
City Council on each proposed amendment to deny, approve, or approve with
conditions or modifications, using the criteria set forth below, as applicable.
8. Pursuant to 15.240.080 (B) Planning Commission Recommendation on Docketed
Amendments, the proposed amendments to the comprehensive plan and
development regulations shall be reviewed under the following criteria to develop
findings and conclusions to support a recommendation: All Amendments:
a. Whether the proposed amendment(s) conform to the Growth Management
Act (Chapter 36.70A RCW);
Staff Analysis, potential Planning Commission Findings of Fact, and findings for overall
amendments:
1. The City of Moses Lake has adopted a Comprehensive Plan pursuant to the Growth
Management Act (GMA), which has been found to be consistent with the GMA.
2. The City of Moses Lake adopted the Title 15 – Unified Development Code October 4,
2024
3. The City of Mose Lake Planning Commission is responsible for long-range planning
matters and providing implementation recommendations to assure compliance with the
Growth Management Act. These measures include updates and amendments to the
comprehensive plan; development regulations, environmental regulations, and any other
rules, actions or regulations deemed necessary to implement the Growth Management
Act.
4. RCW Chapters 36.70 and 36.70A authorize the adoption of development regulations, and
amendments to the City of Moses Lake Unified Development Code (MLUDC) are required
to comply with state statutes.
5. The Planning Commission conducted workshops on parts of the proposed amendments
on August 28, 2025, September 25, 2025, October 16, 2025, October 30, 2025, and
December 11, 2025.

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6. The amendments are not a part of the Growth Management Act Periodic Update (RCW
36.70A.130) – Comprehensive Plan / Code update
7. On January 16, 2025, the Planning Commission conducted an advertised public hearing.
The Planning Commission entered into the record the files on these amendments,
accepted public testimony, and deliberated the merits of the amendments.
8. The Planning Commission has reviewed the entire record and public testimony as it
relates to the proposed amendments to the City of Moses Lake Unified Development
Code (MLUDC).
9. The amendment has been processed in compliance with State and Local regulations and
standards.
10. The proposed amendments are consistent with both the statute and supporting sections
of the MLUDC.
11. The intent of the amendments are to strengthen and improve project review and
permitting for construction and land use project permits.
12. The City of Moses Lake’s Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies encourage efficient,
straightforward, and easy to understand regulations to ensure openness of government
and efficiency of permit processing.
b. Whether the proposed amendment(s) are consistent with and implement the
City’s comprehensive plan, including the goals, policies, and implementation
strategies of the various elements of the plan;
According to the City of Moses Lake Comprehensive Plan, the following Goals and Policies
support the amendments overall:
Land Use
i. Goal 3.1 Provide for coordinated, logical, orderly growth of the city.
ii. Policy 3.1.7 Adopt user-friendly development regulations that implement
Moses Lake’s land use vision while offering flexibility for creative
solutions. Examples of this may include:
Use of simple language and easy-to-read charts and graphics in
the development code;
Monitoring of development trends and refinement of the
development code over time to facilitate preferred development
character and land use patterns; and
Inclusion of flexible development standards and incentive
programs that offer multiple options for meeting development
requirements. Menu-based options provide choice and flexibility to
developers while ensuring new development meets the City’s
policy goals.

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Staff Analysis and potential Planning Commission Findings of Fact - The amendments
are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
c. Whether circumstances related to the proposed amendment(s) or the area in
which it is located have substantially changed since the adoption of the City’s
comprehensive plan;
Staff Analysis and potential Planning Commission Findings of Fact - No known
circumstances related to the proposed amendment(s) have substantially changed
since the adoption of the City’s comprehensive plan. The substantial change from the
2021 Comprehensive Plan occurred with the amendment to organize the development
regulations of the Municipal Code into the Unified Development Code. Although
consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, the Unified Development Code update
anticipates regular amendments to meet State legislation, new information, and
community trends / needs.
d. Whether the assumptions upon which the City’s comprehensive plan is based
are no longer valid, or whether new information is available which was not
considered during the adoption process or any annual amendments of the
City’s comprehensive plan; and
Staff Analysis and potential Planning Commission Findings of Fact that new information
necessitates the needs for the amendments which do not alter the Comprehensive Plan
but supports logical amendments.
e. Whether the proposed amendment(s) will be in the interest of furtherance of
the public health, safety, comfort, convenience, and general welfare.
Staff Analysis and potential Planning Commission Findings of Fact that the proposed
amendments are in the interest of furtherance of the public health, safety, comfort,
convenience, and general welfare.
Specifically, the amendments reflect a collection of changes that have been found
during the daily interaction using the October 4, 2024 MLUDC reviewing projects,
proposals, interpretations and other varied land use actions to empower the betterment
of the process, ease of use of the Unified Development Code and resolution to
perceived or direct conflict. These types of amendments will continue as the Code is
tested, monitored, and updated (deployed). Additionally, these amendments are a part
of regular review, incorporation of new technology, addressing industry standards,
meeting state regulations, ensuring safety, and achieving community desire (meeting
the Comprehensive Plan)
Attachment A

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The Docket Numbers have been labeled from the 2025 Code Amendment Docket. This
attachment is laid out in sequence of the Code and may split associated docket actions for
ease of making the amendment. This re-organization of the amendments from the docket to
this attachment also allows for proper numerical sequencing of the change in text within each
Code section. For example, a docket action may be to amend the land use table to allow a
specific land use and include definitions of the land use which was reviewed together to show
the relationship of the definition and land use; AND for this attachment, definitions are located
(move and re-organized) in the chapter with the entire list of all definitions.
Action Requested
Options
Option

Results

•

Recommend adoption of proposed
amendments as presented

Proposed Amendments will be
transmitted to City Council for final
adoption.

•

Provide staff with changes

Staff would follow requested changes
and return with changes for the Planning
Commission to consider

•

Take no action

The Amendments will be transmitted to
Council as presented.

Conclusions:
1. The procedural and substantive requirements of the State Environmental Policy
Act have been completed.
2. The procedural requirements of RCW 36.70A have been complied with.
3. The proposed amendments are consistent with the City of Moses Lake
Comprehensive Plan.
4. The proposed amendments are consistent with the requirements of the
Revised Code of Washington, and the Washington Administrative Code.
5. The proposed amendments have been reviewed and processed in accordance
with the requirements of Chapter 15.240 Comprehensive Plan and
Development Regulation Amendments and MLUDC 15.205.070 Type IV
Applications: Legislative.
Action Requested
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission review the proposed code amendments
with a motion to recommend approval to the City Council with Findings of Fact.
Motion – The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council adopt the
amendments as transmitted and adopt the Findings of Fact as recommended by the Planning
Commission.

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Attachment A
Docket No. 1. Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment
Land Use Designation and subsequent Zoning Map Amendment from Gateway Commercial
(C-2 General Commercial) to Industrial (Light Industrial) for Parcel Numbers 110014000,
110819001, 110819010, 110819012, 110819011& 110015000
Exhibit 3-10. Future Land Use Map:

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Reserved – the Planning Commission may recommend that this map be updated with the 2027
Periodic Update, or amend within the 2025 amendment cycle, or add an annotation that the
mapping amendment is an “insert” to the this map.
Exhibit 3-11. Future Land Use – City Limits

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Reserved – the Planning Commission may recommend that this pie chart graphic be updated
with the 2027 Periodic Update, or amend within the 2025 amendment cycle, or add an annotation
that the pie chart numbers are amended and that the calculations need to reflect the area moved
from commercial to industrial.
November 2021 Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designations
Gateway Commercial (GW)
Purpose: The Gateway Commercial district welcomes visitors to Moses Lake and provides
for aesthetically pleasing commercial development at major gateway locations and entry
corridors to the community.
Locational Criteria: This designation should apply to areas that meet one or more of the
following criteria.
▪ The area is an existing commercial area located adjacent to Downtown.
▪ The area is characterized by existing commercial or industrial development and is located
along a major transportation route into Downtown.
▪ The area is at a major access point to the City (I-90 or other major highway).
Principal Uses & Density: Promoted land uses include retail, recreation-oriented commercial
uses, and multifamily residential. Small-scale offices, restaurants, and hotel/motels uses are

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also appropriate, though urban design and maintaining an appealing design character should
be prioritized. Residential development in the Gateway Commercial designation should
achieve a minimum density of at least 10 units per acre.
Implementing Zones:
▪ Gateway Commercial
▪ Mixed Use
Industrial Land Use Designations
Industrial Land Use Designations are described below, including designation criteria and
implementing zoning districts.
Industrial (IND)
Purpose: The Industrial designation supports the industrial, manufacturing, and
transportation sectors of the Moses Lake economy and provides opportunities for land uses
requiring large tracts of land and outdoor facilities. This includes the Moses Lake Municipal
Airport, which provides general aviation services to the city and surrounding areas.
Locational Criteria: This designation should apply to areas that meet one or more of the
following criteria.
▪ Characterized by existing uses that are predominantly industrial in character.
▪ Located near corridors for the transportation of goods, such as highways, arterial streets
and railways.
▪ Existing or planned public facilities are adequate to support industrial uses.
▪ Located outside existing or planned residential neighborhoods.
Principal Uses: Principal uses in the Industrial designation include light and heavy
manufacturing, fabrication, processing, warehousing, indoor and outdoor storage, and
essential public facilities. Office uses are limited to accessory uses that support these primary
uses. Limited supportive uses are allowed. It also includes natural resource-based industries
that require land consumptive wastewater treatment methods, such as spray fields. In
deciding which uses should be allowed, the protections provided by performance standards,
permit conditions, and sensitive areas regulations should be considered.
Implementing Zoning:
▪ Light Industrial (LI)
▪ Heavy Industrial (HI)
MLUDC 15.405.030 Establishment of Zones:
Light Industrial (L-I) - Auto-oriented

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Intended to accommodate a variety of light industrial uses including but not limited to
manufacturing, warehousing, distribution operations, processing, and fabricating, and to
preserve land for such use.
Proposed Amendment

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Page 6 of 11

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Attachment B
Docket No. 2. Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment
Add reference to new Water and Sewer Plans within Ch. 5 Utilities
November 2021 Comprehensive Plan Ch. 5 Utilities
Conditions and Trends
Proposed Amendment
Wastewater
Wastewater System & Water System Plans
The City of Moses Lake Comprehensive Wastewater Plan - 2024 is updated from the 2015
Sewer System Master Plan and is developed to provide an analysis of the current condition
and status of the wastewater system and to provide guidance to the Moses Lake City Council,
City Management, Developers and staff in preparation for the next twenty years. The plan has
been written to meet the requirements of WAC 173-240-050 (Submission of General Plan).
The plan should be considered a "living" document, in that the City's wastewater treatment
facilities will be reevaluated, and capital improvements will be scheduled as necessary to
accommodate future needs and growth of the wastewater system as it occurs. The plan
provides for the necessary framework for the City to respond to changes.
Any conflict between the City of Moses Lake Comprehensive Wastewater Plan – 2024 and
this section, the City of Moses Lake Comprehensive Wastewater Plan - 2024 governs.
Wastewater
The City of Moses Lake owns and operates two independent collection, treatment, and
disposal systems:
▪ The Sand Dunes System serves most of the service area except for the former Larson Air
Force Base.
▪ The Larson System serves an area corresponding to the old Larson Air Force Base in the
northern portion of the City and the UGA.
The Port of Moses Lake operates an industrial wastewater treatment system to serve
industries near the airport and industrial park. The Port facility has a storage capacity of
approximately 59 170 million gallons and can accept up to 400,000 gallons of effluent daily.
Current industries are expected to expand production, and to accommodate their growth and
provide capacity for new users, the Port will continue to expand the size of the system.
Monthly and annual reports are provided by the Port to the State Department of Ecology on
the facility’s operation.
The components of city’s wastewater flow are:

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Sanitary Flow: wastewater discharged to the sewer from residential, commercial/industrial,
and institutional flows.
Infiltration: groundwater that enters a sewer system through fractured or defective pipes,
leaking pipe joints, leaking manholes, leaks in service connections, and other defects.
Inflow: surface water (primarily stormwater runoff) that directly enters the sanitary sewer
system from sources such as a roof, street and area drains, and leaking manhole covers.
The topography in the Moses Lake area does not allow a gravity sewer system to be effective
without assistance from pump stations.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
Proposed Amendment
Water
In addition to the policies in this element, the City of Moses Lake Comprehensive Water
System Plan (2022/2025 2016) and Grant County Coordinated Water System Plan (1982,
updated 1999) guide water utilities. Any conflict between the City of Moses Lake
Comprehensive Water System Plan – 2022/2025 and this section, the City of Moses Lake
Comprehensive Wastewater Plan - 2022/2025 governs. The Utility Service Review Procedure
(USRP) in the Coordinated Water System Plan - designating water service areas and minimum
design standards – is particularly relevant for new development permits and private water
system proposals in the UGA. Public water facilities are constructed in accordance with
community design standards which exceed requirements of the USRP.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Proposed Amendment
References
Moses Lake Comprehensive Wastewater System Master Plan (202415)
Moses Lake Comprehensive Water System Comprehensive Plan (2022/2516)
Grant County Coordinated Water System Plan (1982, updated 1999)
Moses Lake Stormwater Management Program (Updated 2020)
Grant County Solid Waste Management Plan (2008)
Grant County PUD Integrated Resource Plan Update (2020)
Cascade Natural Gas Integrated Resource Plan (2020)

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Attachment C
Docket No. 3 & 4. Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment - Water and Sewer Policies
Policy 5.1.7 Require Encourage connection to the city water system for all new development
within city limits and all short plats and subdivisions within the UGA unless otherwise allowed
by State or County regulations where available. Encourage properties on existing private well
systems to connect to city water.
Policy 5.1.10 Analyze opportunities to leverage water supply by exploring water reuse, use of
irrigation rights and enhanced conservation efforts. Add water conservation text to limit
potable water for irrigation purposes.
Policy 5.1.14 Require Encourage connection to the city wastewater system for all new
development within city limits and all short plats and subdivisions within the UGA unless the
density is less than one unit per acre or other exception is allowed by state or county
regulations where available. Encourage sewer extensions to the remaining unsewered areas
and require existing development to connect when on-site systems have failed, and sewer
facilities are available.

Goals and Policies
As the city continues to grow, both public and private utility providers will experience
increased demand for services and need to plan for new or improved facilities. The goals and
policies below encourage coordination of public and private providers to meet demands of
future growth while supporting local priorities of promoting economic development and
maintaining cost-effective services.
Goal 5.1 Facilitate the development and improvement of all utilities at the appropriate levels
of service to accommodate the city’s projected growth.
Proposed Amendments
(Previous section remains unaltered)
Policy 5.1.7 Require Encourage connection to the city water system for all new development
within city limits and all short plats and subdivisions within the UGA unless otherwise allowed
by State or County regulations where available. Encourage properties on existing private well
systems to connect to city water.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
(Previous section remains unaltered)
Policy 5.1.10 Analyze opportunities to leverage water supply by exploring water reuse, use of
irrigation rights and enhanced conservation efforts. Whenever possible, the use of City

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domestic water should be discouraged for use to irrigate turf grass; and courage drought
tolerant plantings that use minimal water without compromising tree and native plantings.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
(Previous section remains unaltered)
Policy 5.1.14 Require connection to the city wastewater system for all new development
within city limits and all short plats and subdivisions within the UGA unless the density is less
than one unit per acre or other exception is allowed by state or county regulations. Encourage
sewer extensions to the remaining unsewered areas and require existing development to
connect when on-site systems have failed, and sewer facilities are available.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

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STAFF REPORT
To:

Planning Commission

From:

David Miller, Interim Community Development Director

Date:

January 16, 2026

Proceeding Type:

Public Hearing

Subject:

2025 Comprehensive Plan Amendments – Docket
Legislative History:

•

First Presentations:

November 20, 2025

•

Second Workshop

December 11, 2025

•

Public Hearing

January 16, 2026

•

Action:

Review, Deliberate and Motion to Recommend
Amendments

Overview
2025 Moses Lake Comprehensive Plan Amendments
Comprehensive Plan Amendments are legislative in nature, involving the creation, revision,
application, or large-scale implementation of public policy.
The Planning Commission (PC) is being asked to hold a public hearing regarding
Comprehensive Plan amendments pursuant to the 2025 MLUDC Code Amendments Final
Docket that includes the following:
1. Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment
Land Use Designation and subsequent Zoning Map Amendment from Gateway
Commercial (C-2 General Commercial) to Industrial (Light Industrial) for Parcel
Numbers 110014000, 110819001, 110819010, 110819012, 110819011& 110015000
2. Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment
Add reference to new Water and Sewer Plans within Ch. 5 Utilities
Transportation Element – Planned (Future) Streets Map update (postponed to the
2027 Periodic Update)
3. Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment - Water Policies

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Revise Policies 5.1.7 and 5.1.10, to clarify connection to the city water system for all
new development within city limits and expand on water conservation.
4. Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment - Sewer Policies
Revise Policy 5.1.14 to clarify connection to the city wastewater system for all new
development within city limits and UGA.
Each attachment is presented as draft edits to the City of Moses Lake Comprehensive Plan
in “track changes” format (black text is original, new text is underlined and/or red/blue, and
text removed is strikethrough and/or red/blue).
This is a process where the public, City Council and Planning Commission may propose
amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. The rules regarding the docketing process are
found in Chapter 15.240 Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulation Amendments.
The docket process provides the public with a way to propose changes to the Comprehensive
Plan. It is designed to comply with the Washington State Growth Management Act’s
requirement to provide for meaningful public participation.
Background
Annual amendment review has two components. The first is the establishment and
acceptance of the annual docket, consisting of the list of amendment to be processed and
considered. The second process evaluates the docketed amendment with final decisions
which are made by the City Council.
On October 28, 2025, the City Council finalized and created the 2025 Comprehensive Plan
Amendments Final Docket (list of amendments to be processed and considered).
On November 20, 2025, the Planning Commission conducted its first workshop regarding the
identified Comprehensive Plan Amendments pursuant to the Final Docket process MLUDC
15.240.040.
On December 11, 2025, the Planning Commission Public conducted its second workshop
regarding the identified Comprehensive Plan Amendments pursuant to the Final Docket
process MLUDC 15.240.040 and made final edits to the amendments.
Community Development hereby brings items placed on the “Final Docket” to the Planning
Commission for consideration with edits made from the workshops.
The City of Moses Lake Planning Commission is being asked to consider the proposed
amendments and make a recommendation to the Moses Lake City Council. The City Council
will then consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation at a public hearing, and may
adopt, reject, or change the recommendation.
After holding workshops and a public hearing, the Planning Commission makes a
recommendation to the City Council, which then makes a final decision on each amendment.
Pursuant to MLUDC 15.240.080 Planning Commission Recommendation on Docketed
Amendments - Planning Commission Public Hearing and Recommendation, “The Planning
Commission shall hold a public hearing on the applications included on the Final Docket and

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shall make a recommendation to the City Council on each proposed amendment to deny,
approve, or approve with conditions or modifications, using the criteria set forth below, as
applicable.”
Process and potential Planning Commission Findings of Fact
1. Prior to processing SEPA, providing Notice of Public Hearing, providing notice to the
Department of Commerce (60 or 14-day review), the Planning Commission may hold
one or more workshops to review, deliberate, revise, and finalize each amendment
presented from the Docket.
2. On January 6, 2026, pursuant to 15.240.050 Public Notice, the City of Moses Lake duly
noticed the amendments. Notice of the proposed amendments was sent to the
Department of Ecology SEPA Register. Additional notice was provided to local and
regional agencies for the 14-day review and comment period/environmental
determinations
3. Formal notice was provided to the Washington State Department of Commerce of the
intent to adopt the proposed amendments and initiation of the sixty-day review and
comment period.
4. Pursuant to 15.240.060 SEPA Compliance, the City of Moses Lake issued a SEPA NonProject Determination of Non-Significance (DNS)
5. Pursuant to 15.240.070 Staff Report, this report includes the staff recommendation on
each proposed amendment. Staff recommends that after the public hearing, the
Planning Commission make a recommendation to the City Council, using the criteria
set forth in MLUDC 15.240.080(B),
6. Pursuant to 15.240.080 (A) Planning Commission Recommendation on Docketed
Amendments, the Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on the applications
included on the Final Docket and shall make a recommendation to the City Council on
each proposed amendment to deny, approve, or approve with conditions or
modifications, using the criteria set forth below, as applicable.
7. Pursuant to 15.240.080 (B) Planning Commission Recommendation on Docketed
Amendments, the proposed amendments to the comprehensive plan and
development regulations shall be reviewed under the following criteria to develop
findings and conclusions to support a recommendation:
1. All Amendments:
a. Whether the proposed amendment(s) conform to the Growth Management
Act (Chapter 36.70A RCW);
Staff Analysis, potential Planning Commission Findings of Fact, and findings for all
amendments:

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1. The City of Moses Lake has adopted the November 2021 Comprehensive Plan
pursuant to the Growth Management Act (GMA), which has been found to be
consistent with each other.
2. The City of Mose Lake Planning Commission is responsible for long-range planning
matters and providing implementation recommendations to assure compliance with
the Growth Management Act. These measures include updates and amendments to
the comprehensive plan; development regulations, environmental regulations, and any
other rules, actions or regulations deemed necessary to implement the Growth
Management Act.
3. The City Council will consider amendments to the Comprehensive Plan no more than
once per year, except for emergencies and for exceptions as identified in the
Washington State Growth Management Act RCW 36.70A.130.
4. The Planning Commission conducted workshops on parts of the proposed
amendments on November 20, 2025 and December 11, 2025.
5. The amendments are not a part of the Growth Management Act Periodic Update (RCW
36.70A.130) – Comprehensive Plan / Code update
6. On January 16, 2025, the Planning Commission conducted an advertised public
hearing. The Planning Commission entered into the record the files on these
amendments, accepted public testimony, and deliberated the merits of the
amendments.
7. The Planning Commission has reviewed the entire record and public testimony as it
relates to the proposed amendments to the City of Moses Lake Comprehensive Plan.
8. The amendment has been processed in compliance with State and Local regulations
and standards.
9. The proposed amendments are consistent with both the statue and supporting
sections of the City of Moses Lake Comprehensive Plan.
10. The purpose of the amendments is to update the Land use Designation Map for the
intersection of Broadway and State Route 17; to revise policies regarding water and
wastewater connection; to provide additional water conservation policy; and to
reference adopted Wastewater System & Water System Plans
b. Whether the proposed amendment(s) are consistent with and implement the
City’s comprehensive plan, including the goals, policies, and implementation
strategies of the various elements of the plan;
According to the City of Moses Lake Comprehensive Plan – Introduction, “the following table
lists specific actions necessary to implement this plan and, in most cases, identifies a
general time frame for completion. A brief description of each action is provided following
the table.:. Wastewater Treatment Facilities Plan Update and Comprehensive Water System
Plan Update”

Page 4 of 8

F. Wastewater System Master Plan. The City’s Comprehensive Wastewater Plan was last
updated in 2015. The Plan provides details on the City’s existing collection system and
tributary summary reports. The City has two wastewater treatment facilities: Sand Dunes
Wastewater Treatment Facility, and Larson Wastewater Treatment Facility.
G. Comprehensive Water System Plan Update. Moses Lake’s Water System Plan was
completed in 2000 and updated in 2016. The updated plan identifies improvements for the
distribution of potable water and addresses water right issues. The Plan is based on the
population projections contained within the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan,
and through site visits and evaluation of existing wells, pump stations, and reservoirs in
Moses Lake.
Referencing the new Water and Sewer Plans within Ch. 5 Utilities is consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan
According to the City of Moses Lake Comprehensive Plan Utilities Element, the improvements
described above will address deficiencies resulting from growth for the first six years. Additional
improvements will be identified by the City for the future. However, until additional water sources
are identified to support industrial development the City should carefully consider the impact of
both industrial and commercial developments and take active steps to both increase available
water supply and reduce water consumption through water conservation and water efficiency
programs.
The City has begun an analysis to look at future options with regard to augmenting potable water
supply through the use of irrigation water availability and water reuse in areas where it may be
effective (i.e. industrial use). There are partnerships that can be developed with the US Bureau
of Reclamation and the Moses Lake Irrigation and Reclamation District. These discussions are
ongoing through the development of the Moses Lake Watershed Plan with the Grant County
Conservation District.
According to the City of Moses Lake Comprehensive Plan, “The Comprehensive Land Use Plan
provides a framework for how the City should continue to grow and develop in the coming years.
The Plan has developed out of the vision that the citizens and their elected representatives hold
for the future of the City. For the Plan to be successful, its implementation must be a coordinated
effort on the part of both the public and private sectors.”
The Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies provide a long-term vision and policy framework
guiding future community growth, development, and resource management, ensuring decisions
align with community values for sustainable, orderly development. Comprehensive plans are the
centerpiece of local planning efforts. These 20-year plans articulate a community vision through
a series of goals, objectives, policies, and actions that guide the day-to-day decisions of elected
officials and local government staff.

Page 5 of 8

According to the City of Moses Lake Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element, the demand for
commercial and industrial land is driven by forces external to anticipated population growth.
Moses Lake’s location on Interstate 90 and State Route 17 and accessibility by rail and air make
it an ideal regional location for commercial and industrial development. Most manufacturers
serve national and global markets and do not serve solely Grant County.
Goal 3.5 Encourage the development of diversified industrial and manufacturing activities to
provide employment and strengthen the economy and tax base.
Policy 3.5.2 Support recruitment efforts by designating an adequate supply of large, open, and
attractive industrial lands located in areas that maximize available and planned infrastructure
and have access to major transportation corridors.
Policy 3.5.5 Develop industrial and manufacturing lands to minimize impacts on surrounding
land uses, especially residential uses.
Industrial (IND)
Purpose: The Industrial designation supports the industrial, manufacturing, and transportation
sectors of the Moses Lake economy and provides opportunities for land uses requiring large
tracts of land and outdoor facilities. This includes the Moses Lake Municipal Airport, which
provides general aviation services to the city and surrounding areas.
Locational Criteria: This designation should apply to areas that meet one or more of the following
criteria.
▪ Characterized by existing uses that are predominantly industrial in character.
▪ Located near corridors for the transportation of goods, such as highways, arterial streets and
railways.
▪ Existing or planned public facilities are adequate to support industrial uses.
▪ Located outside existing or planned residential neighborhoods.
Due to the location and surrounding Industrial Zoned property, the land use designation
amendments are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
c. Whether circumstances related to the proposed amendment(s) or the area in
which it is located have substantially changed since the adoption of the City’s
comprehensive plan;
No known circumstances related to the proposed amendment(s) have substantially
changed since the adoption of the City’s comprehensive plan. The new water and
wastewater plans warrant incorporation into the Comprehensive Plan.
d. Whether the assumptions upon which the City’s comprehensive plan is based
are no longer valid, or whether new information is available which was not
considered during the adoption process or any annual amendments of the
City’s comprehensive plan; and

Page 6 of 8

Staff Analysis and potential Planning Commission Findings of Fact that new
information necessitates the needs for the amendments which do not alter the
Comprehensive Plan but supports logical amendments.
e. Whether the proposed amendment(s) will be in the interest of furtherance of
the public health, safety, comfort, convenience, and general welfare.
Staff Analysis and potential Planning Commission Findings of Fact that the proposed
amendments are in the interest of furtherance of the public health, safety, comfort,
convenience, and general welfare.

Attachments
A

Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment

B

Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment regarding references to Water and
Sewer Plans

C

Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment – Water and Sewer Policies

Action Requested
Options
Option

Results

•

Recommend adoption of proposed
amendments as presented

Proposed Amendments will be
transmitted to City Council for final
adoption.

•

Provide staff with changes

Staff would follow requested changes
and ford changes to City Council

•

Take no action

The Amendments will be transmitted to
Council as presented.

Conclusions:
1. The procedural and substantive requirements of the State Environmental Policy
Act have been complied with.
2. The procedural requirements of RCW 36.70A have been complied with.
3. The proposed amendments are consistent with the City of Moses Lake
Comprehensive Plan.
4. The proposed amendments are consistent with the requirements of Revised
Code of Washington and the Washington Administrative Code.
5. The proposed amendments have been reviewed and processed in accordance
with the requirements of Chapter 15.240 Comprehensive Plan and

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Development Regulation Amendments and MLUDC 15.205.070 Type IV
Applications: Legislative.
Action Requested
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission review the proposed Comprehensive Plan
amendments with a motion to recommend approval to the City Council with Findings of Fact.
Suggested Motion – The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council adopt the
amendments as transmitted and adopt the Findings of Fact as recommended by the Planning
Commission.

Page 8 of 8

Attachment A
Chapter 13.15
WATER RIGHT TRANSFERS
Docket No. 22. Amendment to 13.15.040 water right transfers at time of Building Permit
exemptions for ADU and reduction for duplex to fourplex.
13.15.040 Building Permits:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
Upon application for a building permit that involves the providing of municipal water service
by the City, the applicant shall transfer water rights associated with the property to the City,
subject to the provisions in Section 13.15.080. Alternatively, at the election of the City, the
applicant and City may enter into an agreement to transfer the water rights to the City at a
later time. The purpose of this deferment provision is to accommodate potential delays
encountered in the process to transfer the water rights to the City, or the continued use of the
water rights associated with uses in existence at the time of the application and anticipated
to continue until further development of the property that is the subject of the application. As
part of the agreement, the City may require: (A) the applicant to acquire adequate water rights
and transfer the same to the City, and/or (B) the applicant to deposit an amount of money into
the City water fund not to exceed the payment in lieu of transfer provided in Section 13.15.050,
which sum is refundable, without interest, in the event there is a successful transfer of water
rights pursuant to the agreement referred to herein. As part of the determination made
pursuant to this section, the City shall take into consideration, and may provide appropriate
credit to the applicant, if the property identified by the applicant in the action triggering the
application of this chapter has previously complied with the provisions of this chapter and:
(1) water rights associated with said property were previously conveyed to the City, or (2) a
payment in lieu was made by the applicant to the City and the funds have not been refunded
by the City. The calculations of transfer water rights shall be applied to development per
Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) and will be transferred or payment in lieu of transfer at a
minimum ½ (one half) ERU. Fractions shall be rounded up to the nearest full or ½ unit. The
City may hold and/or reserve ERU credit for an existing City ERU attached to the property. This
reservation is at the sole discretion of the City.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 1 of 52

Chapter 16.02
BUILDING PERMITS
Docket No. 21. Amendments to strike 16.02.040 and16.02.110. Amendments to 15.705
Community Design Standards and 15.710 Project Design Standards to add extension /
connection requirements for water, sewer and stormwater with exemptions and processing a
(DA). Amendments to 15.705, 15.710, and/or 15.305.020 Lot of Record Determination to add
allowance of building permit on unplatted property with existing infrastructure meeting City
standards.
Chapter 16.02 Building Permits
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
16.02.040 Reserved Unplatted Areas:
No building permit or other development permit shall be issued for any lot, tract or parcel of
land divided in violation of Chapter 58.17 RCW or the platting ordinances and regulations of
the city. No building permit or other development permit shall be issued for any unplatted
property not otherwise permitted to be issued a building permit unless the City Council finds
that the public interest will not be adversely affected by the issuance of such a permit. The
standards to determine if the public interest will be adversely affected includes but is not
limited to consideration of the installation or existence of adequate sewer and water,
conformance to lot size requirements, existence of street, sidewalk and curb improvements,
access to the site, all as respects the proposed building site and the surrounding area. The
City Council may condition the issuance of a building permit on unplatted land on the
installation or completion of such utility, street and sidewalk improvements or other
conditions as the City Council upon recommendation of staff shall deem appropriate. The
City Council shall make the grant of the privilege to build on unplatted land specific as to the
proposed building activity and personal to the applicant. The grant of such privilege shall
expire if a building permit is not obtained within six (6) months of the adoption of the
resolution provided for herein unless the applicant requests and obtains an additional thirty
(30) day extension from the Community Development Director. Any request for the thirty (30)
day additional extension must be submitted in writing to the Community Development
Director prior to the expiration of the six (6) month limitation period. The Community
Development Director has the discretion to grant the additional extension only when no
significant development code changes have occurred or will occur during the extension
period, there is demonstrable proof of substantial progress made by the applicant, and the
request serves the public health, safety and welfare. No more than one (1) thirty (30) day
additional extension may be granted to any applicant. The City Council shall only direct the
issuance of such a permit by a resolution of the City Council. The following construction is
exempt from City Council resolution:

Page 2 of 52

A. Remodeling of an existing, conforming building.
B. Construction of a temporary structure.
C. Fences.
D. Signs.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
(Previous section remains unaltered)
16.02.110 ReservedPlatting Deemed Insufficient – When:
A. Property located within the city which is presently platted and which property was platted
without the extension or provision of City water, City sewer, storm sewer, curb, sidewalk,
streets or other improvements through some or all of the lots of the plat shall be deemed to
be unplatted for purposes of the issuance of any development permit or building permit. Any
lot so affected shall be permitted to develop and a building permit will be issued upon the
installation of City water, City sewer, storm drains, curbs, sidewalks, streets, and other
improvements to community standards, including fire protection devices, or upon the posting
of security in an amount approved by the City, which is equal to the estimated cost of the
extensions and/or improvements remaining to be installed through the lot, in a form
acceptable to the City Attorney to insure the construction of the required improvements and
extensions at the same time as construction of the building for which the building permit was
issued or at the time of the improvement of the affected lot.
B. Any property owner can make application to the City Council for a waiver, deferral, or
deviation from or of the requirement to install improvements. A waiver, deferral, or deviation
from or of the requirement to install improvements shall not be granted unless the City
Council finds that because of the nature of the property, its topography, the conditions or
nature of the adjoining areas or the existence of unusual physical conditions, the requirement
to install improvements would cause an unusual and unnecessary hardship on the property
owner. In granting a waiver, deferral or deviation from or of the requirements to install
improvements, the City Council may require such conditions as will secure the objectives of
the requirement waived, deferred, or deviated. Any waiver, deferral, or deviation authorized
shall be entered in the minutes of the Moses Lake City Council together with the
circumstances that justify the waiver, deferral, or deviation granted.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

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Chapter 15.105
DEFINITIONS
Docket Numbers varied and No. 6. Amendment to 15.105.009 “Industry, Heavy” match number
and add “primary” Docket No. 35. Amendment to Chapter 15.105 to add “environmental and/or
industrial cleanup” to Light Industrial definition.
15.105.003 C Definitions:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous definition remains unaltered)
“Casino, mini” means a business which provides gambling and gaming as a source of its
revenue, which may include food and beverage sales for consumption on the premises as a
secondary part of its business activity.
“Punchboards, pull tabs, bingo, or similar social games” defined by Chapter 9.46 RCW.
(Subsequent definition remains unaltered)
15.105.009 I Definitions:
Proposed Amendments
(Previous definition remains unaltered)
“Industry, Heavy” means industrial uses that are not specifically defined elsewhere in the
MLUDC, that can be described asin one of the following four ways: pPrimary processing or
manufacturing or repair operations not specifically defined elsewhere in the MLUDC or this
definition. For illustrative purposes, heavy industrial uses include (if they meet the thresholds
of this definition), but are not limited to:
(Subsequent definition remains unaltered)
Proposed Amendment
(Previous definition remains unaltered)
“Industry, Light” means a category of uses that involves research and development, assembly,
remanufacturing, compounding, packaging, testing, or treatment of products, generally from
previously prepared materials or components, with limited outside storage and limited truck
traffic, external impacts, or risks, such that the use is not defined as "Heavy Industry". Light
industry also includes wholesaling, warehousing, and distribution uses that involve fewer than
12 truck trips per day. For illustrative purposes, light industrial uses may include:
•

Assembly, testing, repair, or refurbishing of products, instruments, electronics, office
and computing machines, and fixtures using pre-manufactured components;

Page 4 of 52

•

Offices of general contractors; specialty
telecommunications providers which include:

subcontractors;

tradesmen;

or

o Overhead door access to indoor storage of tools, parts, and materials;
o Parking of commercial vehicles or a fleet of cars, vans, or light trucks that are
used in the business; or limited outdoor storage areas;
•

Food production (e.g., commercial kitchen or bakery) and packaging, but not meat
processing involving butchering of large animal carcasses;

•

Medical marijuana-infused products manufacture; or

•

Environmental and/or industrial cleanup

•

Restaurants;

(Subsequent definition remains unaltered)
15.105.013 M Definitions:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
“Morgue” means a building, or a room in a hospital or separate structure, where dead bodies
are kept to be examined or until buried.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
15.105.019 S Definitions:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous definition remains unaltered)
“Sign, Off-Premises” means a sign related in its subject matter to some premises or lot other
than the premises or lot on which the sign is located means a sign advertising or promoting
merchandise, service, goods, or entertainment sold, produced, manufactured, or furnished at
a place other than on the property where the sign is located and located in relation to the
place.
“Sign, Directional (traffic)” means a sign which only identifies a business or activity and directs
traffic to that business or activity.
“Sign, Off-Premises Directional” means a sign which only identifies a business or activity and
directs traffic to that business or activity at a premises or lot other than on the premises or lot
where the sign is located.
(Subsequent definition remains unaltered)
15.105.026 Z Definitions:

Page 5 of 52

Proposed Amendment
(Previous definition remains unaltered)
“Zero Lot Line Home” means a residential dwelling in which the structure adjacent to side
property line
(Subsequent definition remains unaltered)

Page 6 of 52

Chapter 15.205
PERMIT REVIEW PROCESS TYPES
Docket No. 20. Amendments to 15.205.020 and 15.320.090 to clarify decision type for Binding
Site Plans to Type II permit.
15.205.020 Assignment of Development Applications to Decision Type:
A. Assignment by Table. Land use and development applications shall be classified and
processed pursuant to their designation in Table 15.205.020 below:
Table 15.205.020. Application and Permit Type
Proposed Amendment
Type Land Use and Development Application

MLUDC Cross-Reference

Binding Site Plan – Individual Lots 5-acre
Type Segregations
15.320.090
I
15.315
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 7 of 52

MLUDC

Chapter

Chapter 15.235
VARIANCES
Docket No. 31. Amendment to 15.235.010 Administrative Variance to expand list to include
“Building Design Standards.”
15.235.010 Administrative Variance:
B. Administrative Variance Parameters. An Administrative Variance may be requested for
any of the following standards when the request is within the corresponding parameter. Any
request for a variance that does not fall within the following parameters is a Quasi-Judicial
Variance subject to the requirements of MLUDC 15.235.020.
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
7. Building Design Standards. An Administrative Variance may be granted up to ten percent
(10%) of the dimensional standards within Section 15.410.040 High Density and Mixed Use
Residential (R-3). An Administrative Variance may be granted up to twenty percent (20%) of
the dimensional standards within Section 15.420.020 Commercial and Mixed Use Design and
Section 15.420.030 Commercial Design. The percent may be an increase or decrease to the
dimensions listed in the sections subject to the request and criteria for approval.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 8 of 52

Chapter 15.240
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATION AMENDMENTS
Docket No. 50. Amendment to 15.240.040 Docket of Proposed Amendments for the City Council
to create the Docket (single action) and subsequent processing for the Planning Commission.
15.240.040 Docket of Proposed Amendments:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
A. Preliminary Docket. A preliminary docket shall be maintained by the Director, which
shall consist of the following:
1. All applications submitted before the March 31st deadline to amend the
comprehensive plan;
2. All amendments suggested during the year by citizens, the Planning Commission,
Hearing Examiner, City Council, staff, Departments, or other agencies.
B. Planning Commission Recommendation on Final Docket. The Planning Commission
shall hold a noticed public hearing to accept public comment regarding the suggested
amendments on the preliminary docket. Following the hearing, the Planning
Commission shall prepare a report and recommendation identifying those suggested
amendments that it is recommending for consideration by the City Council during the
annual amendment process. The Planning Commission’s recommendation shall be
based upon the perceived need, urgency, and appropriateness of each suggested
amendment. The Planning Commission’s report and recommendation shall also
include those proposed amendments resulting from its periodic assessment as
applicable.
C.B.
City Council Adoption Creation of Final Docket. During the annual amendment
process, the City Council shall hold a noticed public hearing to accept public comment
regarding the suggested amendments on the preliminary docket. Following the
hearing, tThe City Council shall review and consider the Planning Commission’ report
and recommendedcreate the final docket. The City Council may adopt the Planning
Commission’s recommended final docket without a public hearing; however, in the
event that a majority of the City Council decides to add or subtract suggested
amendments, it shall first hold a public hearing.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 9 of 52

Chapter 15.305
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Docket No. 46. Amendments to 15.305.050 Design Standards and Guidelines Adopted by
Reference Standards Adopted by Reference to include Community Street and Utility Standards
and Mapping Standards Manual. Docket No. 23. Amendment to 15.305.040 to add RCW
58.17.040 with “anti-land-lock” provision (Use common terms “Five (5)-acre segs” as applicable)
15.305.010 Purpose:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
E. Protect and preserve the public health, safety, and general welfare in accordance with the
standards established by the City and the State of Washington which include, but is not limited
to adherence with Chapter 15.705 Community Design Standards and 15.705.010 Compliance
with Standards and Guidelines.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
15.305.040 Exemptions:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
This Part shall not apply to the divisions listed in RCW 58.17.040, except boundary line
adjustments shall be approved in accordance with MLUDC Chapter 15.315 and divisions of
land into lots or tracts each of which is one-one hundred twenty-eighth of a section of land or
larger, or five acres or larger shall be approved in accordance with MLUDC Chapter 15.315.
The exemptions provided herein shall not be construed as exemptions from compliance with
all other applicable standards required by the City and State.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 10 of 52

Chapter 15.310
SUBDIVISIONS
Docket No. 19. Amendment to 15.320.050 (3) and 15.310.060 final subdivision process (C) (3)
to strike from the City Finance Director indicates, add “stating,” and strike included in the binding
site plan. Docket No. 38. Amendments to 15.310.010 Preliminary Subdivision Application,
15.310.020 Preliminary Subdivision Approval Process, and 15.310.030 Preliminary Subdivision
Approval Criteria regarding clear “Site Plan” (preliminary engineering for infrastructure – access,
sewer, and water to serve each lot). Docket No. 47 & 48 Amendment to add requirement for
street names Prior to Final Subdivision application & Amendment to add lot addressing Prior to
Final Subdivision application. Docket No. 36. Amendment to 15.310.020 Preliminary Subdivision
Approval Process to be consistent with 15.310.070 Final Decisions and Notice of Decision, as
applicable.
15.310.010 Preliminary Subdivision Application:
Applications for a preliminary short or major subdivision shall contain the following:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
F. Preliminary subdivision plat drawing prepared by a licensed land surveyor meeting the
Department standards and including the following elements:
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
(Previous section remains unaltered)
2. All existing and proposed easements and public or private roadsstreets, including
adjacent streets with existing and proposed street names; all existing structures; elevations
shown by contour lines at intervals of five feet or less for ground slopes exceeding three
percent; approximate location of all natural features including but not limited to critical areas.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
G. Preliminary engineering plans meeting Public Works Department standards including, but
not limited to, water, sewer, streetlights, roadsstreets, stormwater facilities, and sidewalks,
and a schedule of construction and proposed phasing of improvements if the Applicant
intends to develop the subdivision in phases. Preliminary engineering plans will not be
recorded with the approved final plat, and shall not be consecutively numbered with the plat
sheets. Preliminary engineering plans shall be used as guidelines for public agencies to

Page 11 of 52

comment on the validity or necessity of existing or additional utilities and municipal
improvements that are required to serve the subdivision. Agency reviews do not verify the
accuracy of the preliminary engineering plans that are provided by the applicant’s engineer
and/or surveyor. Review of the preliminary engineering plan(s) does not replace the
requirement of the applicant to provide construction plans for review and approval, as may be
required by the preliminary subdivision approval. Preliminary engineering plans shall include
the following items:
1. As applicable and requested by the applicant, lot configuration, lot layout, and
street layout may be reviewed prior to submitting preliminary engineering plans
with the pre-application process for additional review. This review is an
opportunity for additional guidance for submittal of the preliminary engineering
plans.
2. As applicable, the preliminary engineering plan shall adhere to the adopted City
of Moses Lake Mapping and other drafting standards.
3. The preliminary engineering plan shall clearly show the boundaries of the
subdivision, including blocks, lots, and public dedications as shown on the
preliminary plat.
4. The preliminary engineering plan shall include sufficient information from the
plat to establish that the preliminary engineering plan corresponds with the plat,
including orientation, size, layout, and location.
5. The preliminary engineering plan shall show all utilities, drainage ways, and
improvements within the subdivision and within the adjacent public lands,
rights-of-way, and easements.
6. All existing and proposed utility service lines that will serve the subdivision shall
be shown on the preliminary engineering plan.
7. If utilities and improvements are required to be extended beyond the immediate
vicinity of the subdivision boundaries in order to serve the subdivision, the
general routes and layouts for those off-site utilities shall be shown on the
preliminary engineering plan.
8. At intervals determined by the complexity of terrain, contour lines shall be
shown on the preliminary engineering plan.
9. Existing zoning classifications shall be shown for the subdivision and the
adjacent properties.
10. All existing structures within the subdivision, and all existing structures
adjacent to the subdivision that could affect the requirements of subdivision
approval shall be shown on the preliminary engineering plan.
11. Insufficient information shown on the preliminary engineering plan is
justification to extend the review time while additional information is acquired
and evaluated.

Page 12 of 52

1.12.
The preliminary engineering plan shall
Management Manual for Eastern Washington design.

include

Stormwater

(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
15.310.020 Preliminary Subdivision Approval Process:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
C. Timing.
1. The application for a preliminary subdivision shall be approved, disapproved, or
returned to the aApplicant for modification or correction within ninety (90) days of the
date of filing of a complete application, or within ninety (90) days after the issuance of
a final environmental impact statement, if required, whichever is later, unless the
Applicant consents to an extension of such time period in accordance with RCW
58.17.140.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
15.310.060 Final Subdivision Application:
Applications for a final short or major subdivision shall contain the following:
C. Final Plat Map. Copies of the final subdivision plat map prepared by a licensed land
surveyor of the State of Washington, meeting the Department standards, and showing the
same information as required under MLUDC 15.310.040, modified to include:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
3. A certificate from the City Finance Director indicating that all assessments on the property
included in the final subdivision or dedication have been paid;
43. Signature blocks for approval by the Director, City Engineer, the City Manager, and
irrigation district representative, where applicable, and date thereof, when the development
complies with all conditions; and
54. A notarized acknowledgment by the property owner(s) and mortgagee(s), if any, of the
approval of the final subdivision plat and the dedication of streets and other public places.
5. Approved street names compliant with Chapter 12.32 Addresses and Street Names
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
15.310.070 Final Subdivision Approval Process:
Proposed Amendment

Page 13 of 52

(Previous section remains unaltered)
D. Timing.
1. The application for a final subdivision shall be approved, disapproved, or returned to
the aApplicant for modification or correction within thirty (30) days of the date of filing
of a complete application unless the Applicant consents to an extension of such time
period in accordance with RCW 58.17.140.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 14 of 52

Docket No. 42. Amendment to 15.315.010 Boundary Line Adjustment/Lot Consolidation
Application to add “A plat certificate from a title company licensed to do business in the State of
Washington, confirming that the title of the lands corresponds with the owners described and
shown on the record of survey and application.” Docket No. 43. Amendment to 15.315.040
Boundary Line Adjustment/Lot Consolidation Final Approval and Recording to allow for a longer
time frame (90-days) with one extension of 90-days.
Proposed Amendment
Chapter 15.315
BOUNDARY LINE ADJUSTMENT, AND LOT CONSOLIDATION AND DIVISIONS OF LAND
INTO LOTS OR TRACTS EACH OF WHICH IS ONE-ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-EIGHTH OF A
SECTION OF LAND OR LARGER, OR FIVE ACRES
Sections:
15.315.010 Boundary Line Adjustment/Lot Consolidation/Divisions of land into lots or tracts
each of which is five acres or larger Application.
15.315.020 Boundary Line Adjustment/Lot Consolidation/ Divisions of land into lots or tracts
each of which is five acres or larger Approval Process.
15.315.030 Boundary Line Adjustment/Lot Consolidation Approval Criteria.
15.315.035 Divisions of land into lots or tracts each of which is five acres or larger Approval
Criteria
15.315.040 Boundary Line Adjustment/Lot Consolidation /Divisions of land into lots or tracts
each of which is five acres or larger Final Approval and Recording.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
15.315.010 Boundary Line Adjustment/Lot Consolidation Application:
Applications for a boundary line adjustment or lot consolidation shall contain the following:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
G. A plat certificate from a title company licensed to do business in the State of Washington,
including, but not limited to, confirming that the title of the lands corresponds with the owners
described and shown on the record of survey and application.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
New subsection (Proposed Amendment)
(Previous section remains unaltered)

Page 15 of 52

15.315.035 Divisions of land into lots or tracts each of which is five acres or larger Approval
Criteria:
The following criteria shall be used to review and approve divisions of land into lots or tracts
each of which is five acres or larger:
A. The divisions of land into lots or tracts each of which is five acres or larger shall not
create a lot or unplatted tract that does not meet the requirements of the MLUDC,
including but not limited to dimensional requirements.
B. The area boundaries shall be a minimum of 5-acres of area for each lot or tract. For
purposes of computing the size of any lot under this determination which borders on
a street or road, the lot size shall be expanded to include that area that would be bound
by the center line of the road or street and the side lot lines of the lot running
perpendicular to such center line.
C. The divisions of land into lots or tracts each of which is five acres or larger shall
demonstrate public access and infrastructure connectivity to ensure that such lots or
tracts shall not be land locked nor lack public service (including, but not limited to,
public streets, sewer, water, and fire protection) that support the new lots or tracts.
D. An annotation shall appear on the face of the record of survey:
a. Pursuant to RCW 58.17.040(2), these lots are created through a process
exempt from the requirements of RCW 58.17. Each lot will be subject to a
determination of adequate infrastructure available, and necessary dedicated
rights of way for infrastructure, prior to the approval of a future building permit,
subdivision or short subdivision application including compliance with, and not
limited to, MLUDC Chapter 15.705.
b. The owners of property described herein do acknowledge and hereby agree to
hold City of Moses Lake harmless in any action arising as a result of this
exempt segregation.
c. The owner(s) of all the property described herein do hereby acknowledge and
agree to hold the City of Moses Lake harmless in any cause of action arising
out of the divisions of land into lots or tracts each of which is five acres or larger
or recordation of same.
E. The divisions of land into lots or tracts each of which is five acres or larger shall comply
with applicable land use regulations.
F. The divisions of land into lots or tracts each of which is five acres or larger shall not
increase the nonconforming aspects of an existing nonconforming lot or structure
G. The divisions of land into lots or tracts each of which is five acres or larger will not
diminish or impair existing or future drainage, water supply, sanitary sewage disposal
(including on-site sewage disposal), or legal access.

Page 16 of 52

H. The divisions of land into lots or tracts each of which is five acres or larger shall not
violate or be inconsistent with any conditions of approval for a previously filed land use
action, subdivision, short plat, or binding site plan.
I. If the divisions of land into lots or tracts each of which is five acres or larger may result
in a lot having more than one land use designation or zoning or result in being bisected
by any special overlay, then the lot or tract shall be evaluated to ensure that the
bisection does not result in a non-conforming land use. The applicant shall provide
detailed evaluation to the Director with the application and approval is at the sole
discretion of the Director upon demonstration that the bisection conforms with the
MLUDC.
J. The divisions of land into lots or tracts each of which is five acres or larger each of
shall not result in a lot, or lots, not wholly located within the City limits.
K. The divisions of land into lots or tracts each of which is five acres or larger shall not
result in a lot which would be so constrained by topography, critical areas or buffers,
unusual shape, or other site conditions that a reasonable building site cannot be
obtained except through a variance, reasonable use exemption from a critical areas
permit, or other special exemption from the MLUDC.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
15.315.040 Boundary Line Adjustment/Lot Consolidation Final Approval and Recording:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
The Director will provide a decision in writing to the Applicant. The Applicant must submit the
deed(s) reflecting the new legal description(s), excise tax affidavit, and recording fees to the
Department within thirty (30)ninety (90) calendar days of the decision for recording with the
Grant County Auditor’s Office by the Department. Upon request and prior to the expiration of
the ninety (90) days, an additional ninety (90) extension request may be granted by the
Director.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 17 of 52

Chapter 15.320
BINDING SITE PLAN
Docket No. 17 18. Amendment to 15.320.020 Binding Site Plan to include specifics for
“preliminary engineering plans” and clarify section “a” regarding a run-on sentence Amendment
to 15.320.020 Binding Site Plan to add private commercial and industrial road standards.
15.320.020 Binding Site Plan Application:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
G. Preliminary engineering plans including, but not limited to, water, sewer, streetlights,
roadsstreets, stormwater facilities, fire protection devices with sufficient water storage and
flows, and sidewalks.
1. Preliminary engineering plans shall be commonly known as 30% engineered plans
that lay out all facilities proposed to serve the development meeting engineer
standards and specifications.
2. Public infrastructure shall meet the Community Street and Utility Standards.
3. Mapping shall meet the March 2025 Mapping Standards Manual.
1.4.

Private streets shall be of two types: A) Industrial and B) Commercial

2.5. Application to Private Streets. Although community street requirements are
usually best served by public streets owned and maintained by the city, private
streets may be appropriate for some local access streets for either commercial or
industrial property. These standards apply to private streets as part of the city’s
responsibility to ensure adequate access for normal and emergency vehicle use to
individual parcels throughout the city.
6. Private streets are permitted only when all of the following conditions are met:
a) Private streets shall be allowed only for such streets that have no public interest
for traffic circulation and are to be built in accordance with the standards
adopted herein. Private streets are not allowed when in conflict with the
adopted road circulation plans or studies.
b) Permanently established by tract or easement providing legal access to each
affected lot, or business and sufficient to accommodate required
improvements, to include provision for future use by adjacent property owners
when applicable.
c) For private streets, constructed to standards as set forth herein; and for public
streets constructed to Community Street and Utility Standards. Private streets
shall meet the requirements of private streets located in the engineering

Page 18 of 52

standards within this chapter and have an average daily traffic count (AADT) of
160 or less vehicles per day utilizing current ITE guidelines.
d) Accessible at all times for emergency and public service vehicle use.
e) Not obstructing, or part of, the present or future public neighborhood circulation
or arterial plan developed in processes such as the comprehensive plan, or
capital improvement plan.
f) Designed for (AADT) of 160 or less vehicles per day utilizing current ITE
guidelines. New private streets directly accessing a city street that will generate
more than 160 AADT will be permitted only by approval of the city engineer and
will be required to meet the appropriate city street standards contained within
Community Street and Utility Standards. There is no maximum AADT provision
if a new development is served by an extension of, or spur off, an existing
private street; however, should such existing private street be less than the
standards considering the current and proposed AADT, the new development
may be denied unless a lower level of improvement has been approved by the
city engineer or the applicant assumes responsibility for bringing the existing
private street serving the new development up to these standards.
g) Maintained in accordance with these standards by a capable and legally
responsible owner, homeowner’s association or other legal entity made up of
all benefited property owners. A written street maintenance agreement
addressing the rights and responsibilities of all benefited property owners shall
be approved by the city prior to final approval of the land development. Said
street maintenance agreement shall be recorded and shall become a covenant
with the affected properties. The term “benefited property owners” shall include
the owners of record of all properties with frontage, including access rights, on
the private street or otherwise have legal access, whether constructed or not,
to the private street.
h) Clearly described as a private street not maintained by the city on the face of
the BSP. The city shall not maintain streets or signs within private easements
or rights-of-way. The face of the BSP containing a private road shall state the
following language: “The City of Moses Lake has no responsibility to improve
or maintain the private streets contained within, or private streets providing
access to, the property described in this plat.”
i) Clearly signed at the street location as a private street.
j) Private street signs with street designations shall be provided by the developer
at the intersection of private streets with private and public streets. Such signs
shall meet the specifications in the engineering standards and, in the case of
intersections with public streets, shall either be located within the public rightof-way or a separate easement shall be provided.
k) Private streets are the responsibility of the developer to construct in
accordance with the criteria of this section. Upon completion of the required

Page 19 of 52

improvements, the developer and his contractor shall notify the Public Works
director, and the Public Works director shall inspect the improvements for
compliance with the adopted standards. Upon completion of the required
improvements, certification by the developer and his contractor shall be
required stating that the improvements have been completed in accordance
with the adopted standards.
, and a
H. A schedule of construction and proposed phasing of improvements if the Applicant intends
to develop the site in phases.
IH. Draft covenants and restrictions for the development including provisions for long-term
maintenance for areas and facilities under common ownership.
IJ. Concurrency certificate.
General design principles for private Industrial and Commercial streets.
A. Street Network Circulation. The importance of good street network circulation for the
health, welfare and safety of the public cannot be overemphasized. Poor circulation
adds unnecessary miles to emergency services such as police and fire and the
traveling public.
1. Plans will be reviewed for the provision of the best possible street network
circulation and for conformance with the adopted comprehensive plan. The
street alignment may necessitate realignment in order to foster the long-range
transportation objectives of the city. The inclusion of permanent cul-de-sacs is
prohibited as they inhibit street network circulation and are not consistent with
the city comprehensive plan.
2. To facilitate the best possible street network circulation, the layout of streets is
to provide for the continuation of existing streets in adjoining properties. The
location for access to unplatted property shall be placed such that the
objectives in these standards can be achieved. Reserve easement strips or
tract may be required to prevent unauthorized access until such time as the
connecting streets are constructed.
3. All lots within the BSP shall be accessed by means of an internal street network.
This network may be public or private but not a mixture of both.
B. On-Site Principles. An integrated on-site street system should deliver vehicles from the
external street system in a manner easily understood by typical drivers and that
maximizes efficiency, accommodates anticipated traffic patterns and ensures public
safety.
1. Internal Vehicular Circulation. Internal circulation is the means by which
vehicular traffic is delivered between entry points and parking areas, pick-

Page 20 of 52

up/drop-off points, and service areas, and should be planned to accommodate
appropriate future traffic volumes.
2. Access Points. Streets and lots shall be laid out to provide individual lot access
onto an internal street system, hence via the internal street system to the
existing public street system. Direct access to a perimeter street shall normally
be denied except for direct access onto a designated local access street.
3. Parking. Parking shall be provided to meet site-generated demands and be
consistent with Chapter 15.715.
4. Private Commercial Streets Vehicular Queuing and Storage.
a. Access drives should provide adequate vehicular exit queueing.
b. Parking areas and access points of developments should be designed
so vehicles waiting to exit are aligned perpendicular to the off-site
street system.
c. Queuing areas of large developments should be sufficient so vehicles
queued at exits do not block internal circulation. Exits shall be
signalized if warranted by the MUTCD at build out.
d. Documentation shall be provided to verify queue lengths for signalized
intersections, on-site queueing reservoirs, and off-site left and rightturn lanes.
5. Private Commercial Building Service Drives. Building service drives are streets
adjacent to a building and its entrances, and should be designed with sufficient
width to serve as one or all of the following:
a. Fire and/or emergency vehicle access.
b. Pedestrian pick-up/drop-off points. Pedestrian crossings and pickup/drop-off points should be signed and striped to identify the
vehicular/pedestrian conflict.
c. Internal circulation.
d. Recirculation in parking areas. Recirculation aisles shall have
sufficient turning radii, clearances, sight distances and signing.
e. Transit passenger pick-up/drop off areas.
f. Private Commercial Building Service Drives should not be designed to
allow parking to back onto the drive. Rather the drive is the distribution
network to the parking aisles and parking areas.
6. Private Commercial Pedestrian, Bus, Bicycle, and Disabled Access Facilities.
The overall site plans must consider pedestrians, bus, bicycle, and disabled
access facilities.
a. Pedestrian Facilities. Pedestrian connections between public
transportation facilities and buildings shall be integrated into the

Page 21 of 52

overall project design. Pedestrian facilities shall be designed to reduce
the motor vehicle use for trips within the development and between
nearby developments.
b. Transit Facilities. Appropriate public transportation facilities, such as
passenger shelters, ride sharing areas and bus staging areas shall be
accommodated adjacent to service drive and entrance areas; at key
locations along circulation drives; and at major pedestrian focal points
along the external street system as determined by the city and Grant
Transit Authority.
c. Bicycle Facilities. Facilities for parking bicycles should be provided
where bicycle use is expected. Refer to MLUDC 15.715.050.
d. Disabled Access Facilities. Access for disabled persons shall be
provided in accordance with federal, state and city requirements.
7. Private Commercial Service and Delivery Vehicles. Service and delivery vehicles
require separate criteria for movement to and from the site:
a. Vehicle turning paths shall be sufficient to accommodate the largest
vehicles anticipated, a minimum single unit truck (SU).
b. Service vehicle access points shall have turning paths sufficient to
allow service vehicles to enter and exit the site without encroaching
upon opposing lanes or curbed areas.
c. External and internal streets shall have sufficient separation for large
vehicles to be queued on entry or exit without blocking access to
parking spaces or internal streets.
8. Commercial Private Street Specifications. Commercial Private Street shall
meet the following minimums to qualify as a private street and shall adhere to
the standards:
a. Not be greater than 660 feet in length and designed for (AADT) of
160 or less vehicles per day utilizing current ITE guidelines.
b. Serve multiple lots or business
c. Not connect to two points of public right of way, excepting for fire
lane that serves a single business.
d. Constructed to standard engineered principles.
e. Have a minimum travel surface of 24 feet in width, not including
shoulders.
f. Include a defined edge for the travel surface of curb. The type of curb
may vary from C-Class to Ribbon as applicable.
a.g. Include pedestrian corridor which may be both side standard
sidewalk, single side sidewalk, detached pathway, or other City

Page 22 of 52

approved corridor which connects to public right of way to each
business entrance.
h. Meet the Stormwater Management Manual for Eastern Washington
requirements.
9. Industrial Private Street shall adhere to the figure below. (Shall include a
minimum of detach five (5) wide asphalt pedestrian connecting corridor, as
approved by the City)

(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
15.320.050 Binding Site Plan Final Approval:
When all conditions of the binding site plan approval are met, including but not limited to the
installation of all required improvements, the Applicant shall submit the final binding site plan
together with the fee set forth in the adopted fee schedule to the Department for processing
and recording. The final binding site plan shall include the following:
A. Binding Site Plan Maps. Copies of the final binding site plan prepared by a licensed land
surveyor of the State of Washington, meeting the Department standards, showing the same
information as required under MLUDC 15.320.040, modified to include:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
3. A certificate from the City Finance Director indicating that all assessments on the property
included in the binding site plan or dedication have been paid;
43. Signature blocks for approval by the Director, City Engineer, and the City Manager, and
date thereof, when the development complies with all conditions; and

Page 23 of 52

54. A notarized acknowledgment by the property owner(s) and mortgagee(s), if any, of the
approval of the final binding site plan and the dedication of public streets and other public
places.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
(Previous section remains unaltered)
15.320.090 Administrative Approval of Individual Lots:
Proposed Amendment
Once the final binding site plan is recorded, the creation of individual lot(s) other than lots
established by the recorded binding site plan may be administratively approved as a Type II
decision. The Applicant shall submit a completed application form and the required
application fee to the Department. The application must include the following:
A. Survey Required. The proposed lot(s) created must be surveyed by a licensed land
surveyor and the legal description for the lot must be prepared by the surveyor in accordance
with the Survey Recording Act (Chapter 58.09 RCW). All parties having an ownership interest
in the property shall sign the exemption application and the survey.
B. Compliance with Binding Site Plan. The lot(s) to be created meet the requirements set
forth in the recorded final binding site plan.
C. Minimum Lot Size. The lot(s) meet the minimum lot size in the zoning district.
D. The creation of the lots shall meet 15.320.100 Alteration of Approved Binding Site Plan.
The City will provide a decision in writing to the Applicant. The Department shall record the
approved survey containing the above information with the Grant County Auditor’s Office. All
fees for such recording shall be paid by the Applicant. No sale, lease, or transfer of any created
lot shall be completed prior to the recording of the approved survey.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 24 of 52

Chapter 15.325
IMPROVEMENTS
Docket No. 26. Amendment to 15.325.040 to clarify “standard sidewalk with alternative
pathway.” Docket No. 32. Amendments to 15.325.040 and 15.705.030 to add cul-de-sac
standards and applicability with allowance for courts (define court/short cul-de-sac) to wave
sidewalk.
15.325.040 Street Design Standards:
A. Sidewalks and Street Trees. The following standards are applicable:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
1. Width. Unless otherwise specified in the referenced guidelines or standards the minimum
sidewalk width shall be five feet plus accommodations for applicable stormwater and curb.
Standard sidewalks shall be installed for all public streets, excepting for the placement of
alternative Mmulti-use pathways,, as designed per Community Street and Utility Standards,
shall be used in place of a standard sidewalk for all streets. As part of a Binding Site Plan,
private sidewalks shall meet the private street standards; and public sidewalks shall meet the
public street standards.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
B. Street Design.
3. The Applicant shall be required to design easements and dedications in a manner which
facilitates the future development of the region as determined by the Director and in
accordance with the Community Street and Utilities Standards and consistent with the Future
Streets Map. This shall be accomplished by establishing easements and dedications to the
furthest lot line, as well as other similar methods. Cul-de-sacs are prohibited unless authorized
by the Director upon consultation with the City Engineer. Permanent cul-de-sacs and deadend streets are not permitted within new developments except permanent cul-de-sacs may
only be permitted where the applicant can demonstrate that the street design provides an
acceptable level of network circulation considering the terrain (for example, street ending at
a railroad, state route, or canal) and adjacent existing street network and authorized by the
Director upon consultation with the City Engineer. Where a permanent cul-de-sac or dead-end
street is permitted, the following requirements shall apply:
a. If allowed, permanent cul-de-sacs shall have a minimum right-of-way and street
section as specified in Community Street and Utilities Standards, excepting for

Page 25 of 52

an alternative design that allows for the waiver of the planter strip and/or
sidewalk within the cul-de-sac which provides a greater turnaround radius for
emergency service. This alternative shall include crosswalk at terminus when
the sidewalk within cul-de-sac is waived. This alternative requires City Engineer
and Fire Marshal approvals.
b. Permanent dead-end streets in excess of 600 feet are prohibited.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 26 of 52

Chapter 15.405
ZONES, OVERLAY ZONES, AND LAND USE
Docket No. 33. Amendments to 15.405.060 and/or 15.405.070 regarding living in an RV with
matching camping, campground, living in an RV outside of a campground and private
campground topics and distinctions. Docket No. 29. Amendments to 15.405.090 and
15.405.100 (R-1 and R-2) to add and allow differing lot coverage standards. Docket No. 27.
Amendment to Chapter 15.405 Zones, Overlay Zones, And Land Use and/or Chapter 15.410
Residential District Standards to reference Fencing- Clearview Triangle 15.725.010. Docket No.
34. Amendment to Table 15.405.070 to add “casino” / small “gambling” with separation
standard from schools, churches, and other youth / community activities. Docket No. 39.
Amendment to 15.405.060 Residential Land Uses by Zone to require commercial use on the
ground floor for Mixed Use Residential Development including a “percent” ground floor for ADA
unit(s). Docket No. 40 41. Amendment to 15.405.070 Nonresidential Land Uses by Zone to add
"Light Vehicle Retail Sales or Rentals, including passenger vehicles excluding heavy" with a
distinction from "Heavy vehicle sales or rental, including tractor trailers, RV’s, implements, etc.".
AND add “morgue” with adding a definition of “morgue.” Docket No. 44. Amendment to
15.405.110 to add lot dimensions to R-3 (lot width and depth) for single family development.
Docket No. 45. Amendments to 15.405.110 High Density Residential (R-3) Standards, Table
15.405.060 Residential Land Uses by Zone, and 15.105.026 to allow for “Zero Lot Line Home”
within R-1, R-2, and R-3 for interior lots only.
15.410.050 General Residential Performance Standards:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
I. Fencing shall adhere to Chapter 15.725 Fences, Screening, and Refuse Storage Standards
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
15.405.060 Residential Land Uses by Zone:
Proposed Amendment
Zones
Land
Use

Residential

Commercial
Mixed Use

R-1 R-2 R-3 C-1 C-1A

and Industri
Public
al
C-2

L
H-I
-I

(Previous section remains unaltered)

Page 27 of 52

P

MLDUC
Reference

R-1

R-2 R-3 C-1 C-1A C-2 L-I

RV Parks (for
housing) (7)

H-I P
15.415

P

(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
(Previous section remains unaltered)
R-1

R-2 R-3 C-1 C-1A C-2

L-I H-I P
15.410 15.415

Multifamily
Residential (8)

P

P(L
P(L) C
)

L – Accessory Use on second
floor

(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
(Previous section remains unaltered)
R-1

R-2 R-3 C-1 C-1A C-2

Mixed
Use
Residential
Development
(8)

P

P P

L-I H-I P

P

15.410 15.415

(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
(Previous section remains unaltered)
Zero Lot Line
PP
Home

15.410
15.415

P

(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
Development conditions (footnotes)
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
7
Camping, campground, living in an RV outside of a RV Parks for housing is further
regulated by Chapter 9.18 Camping and Campground, private Chapter 15.645 RV Parks.
8
Multifamily Residential shall not be located or operated on the ground floor of
buildings in the Downtown Zone C-1 or C-1A, excepting for ADA and/or Washington Barrier
free residential units which may be allowed up to 20% of the floor space or a single unit
whichever is greater, These facilities may not be located or operated on the ground floor of
buildings in the Downtown Zone.

Page 28 of 52

(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
(Previous section remains unaltered)

(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
15.405.070 Nonresidential Land Uses by Zone:
Proposed Amendment
Zones
Land
Use

MLDUC
Public Reference

Commercial
Residential
Mixed Use

and

R-1 R-2 R-3 C-1 C-1A

C-2 L-I

H-I

P

C-1

C-1A

C-2 L-I

Industrial

Commercial Uses
(Previous section remains unaltered)
R-1

R-2

R-3

Mini-casinos (9)
Punchboards, pull
tabs,
bingo,
or
similar social games
(10)

P
P

P
P

Page 29 of 52

H-I

P

R-1 R-2 R-3
Restaurant

C-1 C-1A C-2 L-I

H-I P

C (3) C (3) C (3) P

P

P

P

CUP and under 2,000 sq ft

Office, Personal
PC
C (3) C (3)
P
Services
(3)(L)

P

P

C

L -Size, location, 2nd floor
and defineCUP and under
2,000 sq ft

Retail Sales and
C (3) C (3) C (3) P
Services

P

P

P

C

CUP and under 2,000 sq ft

(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
(Previous section remains unaltered)
Industrial Uses
(Previous section remains unaltered)
R-1 R-2

R-3 C-1 C-1A C-2

Heavy vehicle sales or
rental, including tractor
trailers, RV’s, implements,
etc.
Light Vehicle Retail Sales
or
Rentals,
including
passenger vehicles

C

C

L-I

H-I

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
Governmental, Utility, and Wireless Communication
R-1

R-2 R-3

Morgue

C-1

C-1A

C-2

L-I

H-I

P

C

C

P

P

P

P

(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
(Previous section remains unaltered)
Development conditions (footnotes)
(Previous section remains unaltered)
(3)Restaurants in the residential zones shall be no larger than 2,000 sq ft.Restaurants,
Personal Services Office(s), and Retail Sales and Services in the residential zones shall be no
larger than 2,000 sq ft.. Restaurants, Personal Services Office(s), and Retail Sales and
Services in the residential zones shall primarily serve the everyday needs of the residents

Page 30 of 52

within the immediate geographic area and contribute to the overall well-being and character
of the neighborhood; and generally do not attract significant customers from outside the area
(for example, family-owned grocery stores or markets, local pharmacies, neighborhood cafes
or restaurants, barber shops or hair salons, small hardware stores, daycare centers and local
artisan shops and bookstores). Restaurants, Personal Services Office(s), and Retail Sales and
Services in the residential zones shall meet the following:
a) Drive-through window shall meet the standards contained within the C- 1
zoning district standards (15.405.070 15.715.020),
b) Be located on the second floor for multi story buildings,
c) Orient the front of the building away from existing residences unless
determined by the Director,
d) Provide for pedestrian access and walkability within the neighbohoodr,
e) Not located on Local Street. When located on a Minor Collector, the property
must be a corner lot.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
(Previous section remains unaltered)
9. The following regulations shall apply to mini-casinos:
A. The space devoted to gambling and gaming activity and support services (i.e.,
security) shall not be more than eight thousand square feet. Other incidental uses such
as restaurant or nightclub uses shall not be restricted by the eight thousand square
feet limitation if no gambling or gaming activity occurs within such space.
B. Mini-casinos shall be located in:
a. A freestanding building; or
b. A unit in a larger development; provided, that the mini-casino is separated from
all other uses by a lobby or similar open space or common area from adjacent
units in the development, and that there are no other mini-casinos located on
site.
C. Mini-casinos shall not be permitted within 1,000 feet of schools, churches, parks and
other youth / community activities or facilities as measured by traveled way.
10. The following regulations shall apply to punchboards, pull tabs, bingo, or similar social
games:
A. Bingo and similar gaming activity is allowed in churches and community centers
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
15.405.090 Low Density Residential (R-1) Standards:

Page 31 of 52

Table 15.405.090. R-1 Building Dimensional Standards
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
R-1 Building Dimensions

Standard

Reference

(Previous section remains unaltered)
Maximum Lot Coverage for Structures

70%

(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
15.405.100 Medium Density Residential (R-2) Standards:
Table 15.405.100. R-2 Building Dimensional Standards
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
R-2 Building Dimensions

Standard

Reference

(Previous section remains unaltered)
Maximum Lot Coverage for Structures

70%

(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
15.405.110 High Density Residential (R-3) Standards:
Table 15.405.110. R-3 Building Dimensional Standards
Proposed Amendment
R-3 Building Dimensions

Standard

Reference

(Previous section remains unaltered)
Minimum Lot Width (2) (4)

40 feet (25 on curves and cul-de-sac)

Minimum Lot Depth (4)

75 feet

(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
Notes:
(Previous section remains unaltered)
(4). The minimum lot width, depth, and size may be reduced in a subdivision as long as the
average of all of the lot sizes within the subdivision remains equal to or above the minimum

Page 32 of 52

lot size. All lots must comply with all other requirements, including but not limited to
minimums set forth in Title 16 MLMC, Buildings and Construction.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 33 of 52

Chapter 15.410
RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT STANDARDS
15.410.020 Low Density Residential (R-1) Standards
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
F. Accessory. Accessory structures shall be setback pursuant to:
•

15.110.020 Setback Measurements,

•

15.415.010 Accessory Dwelling Units,

•

All underlying zoning standards and setbacks within 15.405.090 Low Density
Residential (R-1) Standards,

•

15.405.100 Medium Density Residential (R-2) Standards,

•

15.405.110 High Density Residential (R-3) Standards, as applicable,

•

aA minimum of five (5) feet from the primary structure.

(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 34 of 52

Chapter 15.415
HOUSING TYPE STANDARDS
Docket No. 2. Amendment to 15.415.010 and 15.650.030 to allow Short Term Rentals of ADUs
with criteria that at least one dwelling unit must be “full term” rental or owner occupied (specific
to short term rental) Docket No. 9. Amendment to 15.410.020 (F) to reference measurement
standards (15.110.020 Setback Measurements) and as applicable.
15.415.010 Accessory Dwelling Units:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
M. Short Term Rentals. Short Term Rentals of ADUs are prohibitedare allowed for either the
primary unit or Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). At least one dwelling unit shall be a long term
rental or owner occupied.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 35 of 52

Chapter 15.420
NONRESIDENTIAL AND MIXED-USE DISTRICT STANDARDS
Docket No. 16. Amendment to 15.420.020 building articulation to simplify “Roofline.”
15.420.020 Commercial and Mixed Use Design Standards:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
F. Roofline Modulation. In order to qualify as a roofline modulation treatment in the
standards herein, rooflines shall be varied by emphasizing dormers, chimneys, stepped roofs,
gables, or a broken or articulated roofline consistent with the required articulation interval.
Modulation shall consist of either:
1. Flat roofs shall have cornices, parapets, or similar special features to act as the top of
the building.
1. Flat Roof. For flat roofs or facades with horizontal eave, fascia, or parapet, the
minimum vertical dimension of roofline modulation is the greater of two (2) feet or
one-tenth (0.1) multiplied by the wall height (finish grade to top of the wall) when
combined with vertical building modulation techniques described in subsection (C)(1)
of this Section. Otherwise, the minimum vertical dimension of roofline modulation is
the greater of four (4) feet or two-tents (0.2) multiplied by the wall height;
2. Pitched or Sloped Roof. A sloped or gabled roofline segment of at least twenty (20)
feet in width and include varied slopes. The roofline must include modulated segments
at no more than the interval required per the applicable standard above; or
3. Combination. A combination of the above.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 36 of 52

Chapter 15.510
SEPA REGULATIONS
Docket No. 49. Amendment to clarify appeal language for allowed uses (no ability to appeal
underlying permit) and no appeal of SEPA. (NOTE: This section shall not be amended but is
included for a complete record of processing.)
15.510.220 Appeals:
B. Administrative Appeals. The City establishes the following administrative appeal
procedures under RCW 43.21C.075 and WAC 197-11-680:
1. Procedural Appeals.
a. Any person may appeal the City’s procedural compliance with this Chapter for issuance
of the following:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
i.

There shall be no administrative appeal for SEPA determination of an unappealable
underlying action. For example, SEPA attached for a building permit. The Moses Lake
Municipal Code does not provide an administrative appeal of a building permit, and
thereby, does not have an appeal of a related SEPA threshold determination.

i.ii.

A DNS: Appeal of the DNS must be made to the Hearing Examiner within fourteen
(14) calendar days of the date the DNS is final. This appeal period shall be extended
for an additional seven (7) calendar days if the DNS provides for public comment.
Except as provided herein, the appeal shall be consolidated with any hearing or
appeal of the underlying permit.

ii.iii.

A DS: Appeal of the DS must be made to the Hearing Examiner within fourteen (14)
calendar days of the date the DS is issued. An appeal is not required to be
consolidated with a hearing or appeal on the underlying permit.

iii.iv.

Agency action: Appeals of a procedural determination made by the City when it is the
project proponent or is funding the project, and appeals of a procedural
determination made by the City on a nonproject action need not be consolidated with
a hearing or appeal on the underlying action.

(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 37 of 52

Chapter 15.640
MINI STORAGES
Docket No. 24. Amendments to 15.640.020 and 15.640.030 adding provision for screening
ministorage.
15.640.020 Mini Storage Development Standards – General Commercial and Business
Zone (C-2):
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
D. All developments shall comply with parking, landscape and buffering, sign, and outdoor
lighting requirements set forth in MLUDC Part 15.700. When ministorage is adjacent to a
residential zone, the landscaping shall be augmented with the installation of a six (6) foot
tall sight obscuring fencing. The fencing shall be located outside of the required landscaping
and interior to the property line. As applicable, fencing shall meet the 15.725.010 Clearview
Triangle standards.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
15.640.030 Mini Storage Development Standards – High Density Residential (R-3):
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
E. All developments shall comply with parking, landscape and buffering, sign, and outdoor
lighting requirements set forth in MLUDC Part 15.700. When ministorage is adjacent to a
residential zone, the landscaping shall be augmented with the installation of a six (6) foot
tall sight obscuring fencing. The fencing shall be located outside of the required landscaping
and interior to the property line. As applicable, fencing shall meet the 15.725.010 Clearview
Triangle standards.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 38 of 52

Chapter 15.610
CARGO CONTAINERS
Docket No. 7 8. Amendment to 15.610.020 General Provisions to remove “new” for cargo
containers with standards and criteria Amendment to 15.610 to create criteria and approval
requirements for cargo containers.
15.610.020 General Provisions:
Proposed Amendment
The following applies to the installation and use of new cargo containers.
A. Cargo containers are allowed in the commercial and industrial zones and shall be
processed as a Type I permit.
B. Active building construction cargo containers. Except for temporary, less than 180
days, during and for active building construction Ccargo containers, cargo containers
are prohibited in the Residential and Downtown (C-1) zones.
C. Active building construction cargo containers. Licensed and bonded contractors may
use cargo containers on-site for the temporary use, less than 180-days, location for
an office, equipment, or materials storage structure during construction which is
taking place on the property. A one-time extension of 180-days may be approved by
the Director.
D. Active building construction cargo containers are exempt from subsection F.
E. Cargo containers are not a use but an alternative form of storage. The use of the
cargo container shall conform with the standards of the underlying zoning district.
F. Cargo containers shall not be visible from public rights of way. To screen cargo
containers, view obscuring fencing or berm may be installed. Landscaping shall not
be considered for screening purposes. If not screened, cargo containers shall adhere
to 15.420.030 Commercial Design Standards.
G. Where allowed, cargo containers shall be an accessory structure.
H. Cargo containers used for cryptocurrency and data centers shall adhere to Chapter
15.615 Cryptocurrency and Data Centers.
A.I. Storage of junk, inoperable vehicles, scrap materials, garbage, or the like is strictly
prohibited in cargo containers.
B.J.
Cargo containers shall not be used for any types of human occupancy or
animal sheltering.
C.K.

Cargo containers shall not be stacked.

Page 39 of 52

D.L.
Cargo containers must be placed on an improved surface such as gravel,
asphalt, or concrete, and must be placed fully on said surface and any axles must be
removed.
E.M.
Cargo containers shall comply with the underlying zone building setback
requirements.
F.N.
Materials stored within cargo containers are subject to review and approval by
the Fire Department. Cargo containers used in conjunction with a business
regardless of zoning are also subject to review and approval by the fire district.
G.O.
Licensed and bonded contractors may use cargo containers on-site for the
temporary location of an office, equipment, or materials storage structure during
construction which is taking place on the property.For permanent commercial and
industrial uses, cargo containers must undergo standard building permit procedures.
H.P.
Temporary use of commercial or industrial cargo containers will be
determined on a case-to-case basis on the authority of the Director. Time limits may
be set and inspections required.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 40 of 52

Chapter 15.650
SHORT TERM RENTALS
15.650.030 Eligible Dwellings and Limitations:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
A Short Term Rental dwelling may be located in a single-family dwelling, an accessory
dwelling unit, or a condominium dwelling. Excepting condominium dwellings, at least one
dwelling unit shall be a long term rental or owner occupied No more than one (1) Short Term
Rental shall be allowed on a single parcel, except that this limitation shall not apply to
condominium dwellings.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 41 of 52

Chapter 15.705
COMMUNITY DESIGN STANDARDS
15.705.010 Compliance with Standards and Guidelines
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
A. Application. Except as allowed within the exemptions below, Aall development shall
comply with the design standards and guidelines applicable to the type of use and/or the
district in which the proposed development is located. The Director, or other decision maker
so specified, shall have the authority to apply the standards to specific development
proposals as conditions of approval. Except as allowed within the exemptions below, no
development and/or building permit shall be issued for any lot, tract or parcel of land in
violation of this and other City of Moses Lake standards and specifications. Except as
allowed within the exemptions below, no building permit or other development permit shall
be issued for any lot, tract or parcel of land without installation or the existence of: city
sewer meeting adopted city standards, city water including fire protection devices meeting
adopted city standards, conformance to lot size requirements, city street meeting adopted
street standards, city sidewalk and curb improvements meeting city standards, stormwater
control meeting city adopted standards, necessary dedicated rights of way for
infrastructure, legal access to the site, and within a legal lot of record.
The following are exempt from section A above:
1. Water connection when located within a differing Group A Community Water
System.
2. Excluding subdivision, development of an existing vacant lot within a
developed neighborhood may be allowed if the City Council finds that the
public interest will not be adversely affected by the issuance of such a permit.
The standards to determine if the public interest will be adversely affected
includes but is not limited to consideration of the installation or existence of
adequate sewer and water, conformance to lot size requirements, existence
of street, sidewalk and curb improvements, access to the site, all as respects
the proposed building site and the surrounding area. The City Council may
condition the issuance of a building permit on the installation or completion of
such utility, street and sidewalk improvements or other conditions as the City
Council deems appropriate. The City Council shall make the grant of the
privilege to develop on an existing vacant lot within a developed neighborhood
specific as to the proposed building activity. The grant of such privilege shall
expire if a building permit is not obtained within six (6) months of the adoption
of the resolution provided for herein unless the applicant requests and obtains
an additional thirty (30) day extension from the Community Development
Director. Any request for the thirty (30) day additional extension must be
submitted in writing to the Community Development Director prior to the

Page 42 of 52

expiration of the six (6) month limitation period. The Community Development
Director has the discretion to grant the additional extension only when no
significant development code changes have occurred or will occur during the
extension period, there is demonstrable proof of substantial progress made
by the applicant, and the request serves the public health, safety and welfare.
No more than one (1) thirty (30) day additional extension may be granted to
any applicant. The City Council shall only direct the issuance of such a permit
by a resolution of the City Council. Development of an existing vacant lot
within a developed neighborhood shall include infrastructure similar to that of
the neighborhood. In such case, the street and associated improvements
shall meet the standards of the neighborhood rather than that of the street
standards. Water, sewer and fire protection shall meet adopted standards.
The City may require a fee-in-lieu of installation of improvements at the sole
discretion of the City Council after review of the applicant’s request, review
and concurrence by the City Engineer, and submittal of an engineered cost
estimate. Fee-in-lieu of improvements, shall be remitted to the City to fulfill the
requirements of this section.
3. Demolition of an existing structure.
4. Remodeling of an existing, legally conforming building.
5. Fences.
6. Signs accessory to existing, legally conforming building, except for offpremise signs.
7. Construction of an Accessory Dwelling Unit.
8. Placement or construction of an accessory structure.
9. Additions to existing residence(s) less than 50% of Grant County Assessor’s
residential value.
B. Standards Adopted by Reference. This Chapter recognizes and incorporates the
standard details for construction of public improvements, as it exists now or as it may
hereafter be amended. The City Council has established by resolution the standard details
for construction of public improvements, and other matters pertaining to the MLUDC. The
standard details for construction of public improvements shall be kept by the City Engineer
or the City Clerk and may be altered or amended by resolution of the City Council. Where
conflicts or inconsistencies arise between the standard details for construction as approved
by resolution of the City Council and those in other code requirements, the standard details
for construction as approved by resolution of the City Council supersede those in other code
requirements. Referenced guidelines or standards:
1. Comprehensive Plan
2. Community Street and Utility Design Standards
2.3.

Mapping Standards Manual

Page 43 of 52

3.4.

Trails and Activity Paths

4.5.

Parks, Recreation Open Space Plan

5.6.

Shoreline Master Program

6.7.

Stormwater Management Manual for Eastern Washington

7.8.

Complete Streets

8.9.

Housing Action Plan

9.10.

Wastewater Facility Plan

10.11.

Water System Plan

(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
15.705.030 Street Design:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
C. The Applicant shall be required to design easements and dedications in a manner which
facilitates the future development of the region as determined by the Director and consistent
with the Future Streets Map. This shall be accomplished by establishing easements and
dedications to the furthest lot line, as well as other similar methods. Cul-de-sacs are
prohibited unless authorized by the Director upon concurrence with the City Engineer.
Permanent cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets are not permitted within new developments
except where permanent cul-de-sacs may only be permitted where the applicant can
demonstrate that the street design provides an acceptable level of network circulation
considering the terrain (for example, street ending at the water’s edge of Moses Lake) and
adjacent existing street network and authorized by the Director upon consultation with the
City Engineer. Where a permanent cul-de-sac or dead-end street is permitted, the following
requirements shall apply:
a. . If allowed, permanent cul-de-sacs shall have a minimum right-of-way and street
section as specified in Community Street and Utilities Standards, excepting for an
alternative design that allows for the waiver of the planter strip and/or sidewalk within
the cul-de-sac which provides a greater turnaround radius for emergency service. This
alternative shall include crosswalk at terminus when the sidewalk within cul-de-sac is
waived. This alternative requires City Engineer and Fire Marshal approvals.
.
b. Permanent dead-end streets in excess of 600 feet are prohibitedCul-de-sacs are
limited and only allowed authorized by the Director upon consultation with the City
Engineer.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 44 of 52

Chapter 15.710
PROJECT DESIGN STANDARDS
Docket No. 25. Amendment to 15.710.020 Site Design (A) (5) (a) and (b) adding one (single)
street access (driveway/aisles) per street frontage and/or per 350ft of linear feet (single front)
with potential for commercial and industrial flexibility.
15.710.020 Site Design:
A. Site Design. The following design elements shall be applied to all projects:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
5. On-Site Vehicular Circulation, Parking, and Bicycle Facilities.
a. Excepting for single dwelling, duplex and triplex on single lot development,
Vvehicular access points from public streetsroads or primary private drives
shall be limited to one (single) access per street frontage or one per 250 linear
street frontage in compliance with Standard Detail A-6 (Community Streets
and Utilizes Standards), and by sharing driveways and linking parking lots
between adjacent uses.
a.b.
Single dwelling, duplex and triplex on single lot development shall meet
Standard Detail A-6 (Community Streets and Utilizes Standards) and other
residential standards,
b.c.
On-site primary vehicular circulationaisle / drives shall be separated
and provide minimalreduce vehicular conflict with parking areas.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
(Previous section remains unaltered)
e. Parking, bicycle, and other associated improvements shall adhere to Chapter 15.715
Parking.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 45 of 52

Chapter 15.715
PARKING
Docket No. 5. Amendment to 15.715.110 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Standards to allow
more flexibility in parking credit and/or reduction of parking. Amendment must meet SB 5184
which caps the minimum parking requirements. Docket No. 37. Amendment to 15.715.020 to
allow for and require separating access on corner lots with fourplex development.
15.715.110 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Standards:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
A. Parking spaces designated for electric vehicle charging shall be included in the calculation
of the number of off-street parking spaces provided pursuant to this Chapter. For example: if
the total required parking spaces are 25 and the required electric vehicle parking spaces are
three (3), then the total spaces remains 25. Electric vehicle parking spaces are not added to
other required spaces. See Electric Vehicle Parking Reduction for final stall count.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
(Previous section remains unaltered)
E. Alternative Electric Vehicle Parking BonusReduction. The addition and/or inclusion of any
electric vehicle parking space(s) will receives a bonus of a reduction of 20% from the overall
parking requirement upon request and as approved by the Director. For example: if the total
required parking is 25 spaces and includes any electric vehicle parking spaces, then the
required overall spaces may be 20 upon request and as approved by the Director. This
calculation is singular and may not be applied more than once.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
15.715.020 General Standards:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
C. Use of Streets. Except for single-family dwelling, duplex or triplex unit driveways, access
or aisles shall be designed in a manner which does not permit backing movements or other
maneuvering within or onto a street other than an alley. Fourplexes on corner lots shall
include safe intersection separations. Fourplexes on corner lots shall have access onto
each frontage to a maximum of two driveways per frontage.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 46 of 52

Chapter 15.720
LANDSCAPING AND BUFFERING
Docket No. 28. Amendment to 15.720.040 Buffer Landscaping to add flexibility for industrial
property to strike entire front landscaping standard and add landscaping for entrances or as
alternative landscaping at the building front.
15.720.040 Buffer Landscaping:
Table 15.720.040. Buffer Landscaping
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
Subject Property Use
Adjacent Use
Freeway or Highway
Street Frontage

Residential Subdivision

Multifamily

Manufactured
Commercial Industrial
Home Park

Type I

Type I

Type I

Type II

Type II

20' wide

20' wide

20' wide

10' wide

10' wide (1)

Type IV

Type IV

Type IV

Type IV

Type IV

5' wide

5' wide

5' wide

10' wide

20' wide (1)

Notes:
(1) Alternative landscaping for the Street, Freeway or Highway buffer (frontage) within the
Industrial Districts may be allowed meeting the following: A) This landscaping shall only be
required at the entrance(s) or “treelined driveway;” B) The entrance or lined driveway area shall
not be less than 200% of the driveway width measured from equal distance from the driveway
edge; C) The Clearview Triangle shall be maintained; and D) The remainder of the property
fronting public right-of-way may be fenced to the property line or the area may include gravel
mulch.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 47 of 52

Chapter 15.735
SIGNS
Docket No. 10. Amendment to 15.735.040 and 15.735.080 adding criteria, standards and
definitions to and addressing off premise signs, billboards and public directional signs.
15.735.040 Prohibited Signs:
The following signs are prohibited:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
D. Billboards, excepting “Off-Premises Signs” that meet the standards. within 15.735.080
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
15.735.080 Sign Types Permitted By Zone:
Table 15.825.080-1. Type of Signs, Maximum Height, and Maximum Sign Area Permitted
in Non-Residential Zones
Proposed Amendment

Page 48 of 52

Zone

Types of
Allowed

Signs Number of Max. Sign Max. Sign
Signs
Face Area Height

Commercial or Mixed Use

Off-Premises
Directional (1)

(Subsequent and previous Off-Premises (1)
sections remain unaltered)

Industrial

1 sign

150 square 25 feet
feet

On-Premises
Directional

No limit

8 square feet 6 feet

Off-Premises
Directional (1)

1
per 150 square 25 feet
business
feet

(Subsequent and previous Off-Premises (1)
sections remain unaltered)

Public/Parks and Open Space

1
per 150 square 25 feet
business
feet

1 sign

150 square 25 feet
feet

On-Premises
Directional

No limit

8 square feet 6 feet

Off-Premises
Directional (1)

1
per 150 square 25 feet
business
feet

(Subsequent and previous Off-Premises(1)
sections remain unaltered)
On-Premises
Directional

1 sign

150 square 25 feet
feet

No limit

8 square feet 6 feet

Notes:
1. Off Premise and/or Off Premise Directional sign requires a Conditional Use Permit; may be
allowed within a residential district when located adjacent to an arterial street, the sign and
property must be owned by and advertise the same business; shall be located on vacant
property (the use of residential yard is strictly prohibited); shall be located outside of right-orfway, and shall be located no greater than 500 ft from the business being advertised as
measured from the property line of the business to the sign.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 49 of 52

Chapter 16.02
BUILDING PERMITS
Docket No. 1. Amendment to 16.02.045 “Building Prior to Filing Final Plat” by adding
“structures” and removing “dwellings”
16.02.045 Building Prior to Filing Final Plat:
Building permits are allowed to be issued with preliminary subdivision approval prior to filing
the final plat after the following conditions are met:
Proposed Amendment
(Previous section remains unaltered)
C. The site and dwellingstructure(s) shall meet the normal requirements for residential
building permits including Title 18, Zoning15. The owner of the subdivision shall be the
applicant for the structure(s).
D. Up to a total of four (4) dwellings structures are permitted in each subdivision phase.
Prior to approval of dwellings in phases, the prior phase(s) shall be approved, final, and
recorded.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
(Previous section remains unaltered)
I. Improvements required by Title 12, Streets, Sidewalks, and Public Places, that serve the
dwellingstructures(s) shall be completed in accordance with the accepted engineering plans
prior to final inspection and issuance of a certificate of occupancy for dwellings.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)
(Previous section remains unaltered)
K. Prior to final plat or final short plat approval, the subdivider shall submit supplemental
documentation that the dwellingstructures(s) and any appurtenant/accessory structures
were constructed within the boundaries of the proposed lot(s) and said structures comply
with all applicable development and dimensional standards.
L. There shall be no sale of dwelling(s) prior to recording of the final plat or final short plat.
M. No dwelling structure shall be inhabited and/or occupied as a residence prior to
recording of the final plat or short plat and issuance of a certificate of occupancy. One (1)
model dwelling unit may be used as a temporary marketing center/office after final
inspection and issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy. Other dwellings structures

Page 50 of 52

may be furnished and decorated to show the general public after final inspection and
issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy.
(Subsequent section remains unaltered)

Page 51 of 52

Docket No. 12, 13, 14. Amendment to 15.405.090 number (3) = (5) in the table; Amendment
to 15.405.100 number (2) = (4) in the table; and Amendment to 15.405.110 number (4) = (6)
in the table. (NOTE: This section shall not be amended but is included for a complete record
of processing.)
Table 15.405.090. R-1 Building Dimensional Standards
Proposed Amendment
Not applicable.
Code Publishing addressed

Page 52 of 52