The original item was published from 12/17/2019 2:56:00 PM to 1/10/2020 10:05:05 PM.

News Flash

Neighborhoods: Providence Point

Posted on: December 6, 2019

[ARCHIVED] Update: Proposed Rezoning for School District Properties

The City of Issaquah is currently considering changes to the land-use designation and zoning of three parcels – commonly called the Providence Heights property – that the Issaquah School District recently acquired.

The proposed new zoning for the three parcels would enable the construction of a high school (current zoning only allows for an elementary and/or middle school).

The City Council is the decision maker for two separate issues on these three parcels – both as a legislative body on the land-use proposal, and as a “quasi-judicial” decision maker on a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) appeal.

SEPA Appeal

The proposed land-use changes require a SEPA process, which identifies and analyzes environmental impacts associated with governmental decisions.

In October 2019, the Providence Point Umbrella Association appealed the City’s SEPA Determination of Non-Significance, and the City Council – acting in a “quasi-judicial” role – voted to deny the appeal Dec. 5. Final action on the decision was approved during its Dec. 16 council meeting.

When something is quasi-judicial, that means that the Council must act like judges and may not hear any testimony or evidence related to the appeal outside of its hearing. See the issues listed in the SEPA appeal online.

Legislative Decision

Meanwhile, the City’s Planning Policy Commission (PPC) reviewed the proposal for the three parcels, and recommended keeping the existing zoning for two parcels, and a redesignation/rezone of one parcel to Community Facilities – Open Space. View the full meeting online.

The City Council reviewed the original proposal, and the PPC’s recommendation, during its study session Nov. 12 and regular council meeting Dec. 16. Final action is now anticipated for Jan. 21, 2020 to allow for continued dialogue.

Timeline

Nov. 12: City Council study session on legislative decision.
Dec. 2: City Council open record State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) appeal hearing.
Dec. 5: City Council – acting in a “quasi-judicial” role – voted to deny the SEPA appeal.
Dec. 16: City Council adopted the amended findings of fact, conclusions and decision denying the SEPA appeal, and voted to postpone the legislative decision until Jan. 21.
Jan 21: City Council to deliberate on legislative decision.