The City of Issaquah is currently considering changes to the land-use designation and zoning of eight parcels owned by either the city or Issaquah School District, including three parcels – commonly called the Providence Heights property – that the school district recently acquired.
The proposed new zoning for three parcels would enable the construction of a high school (current zoning only allows for an elementary and/or middle school).
Moving forward, the City Council will be 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 is scheduled for 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. Final action is scheduled for its Dec. 16 council meeting.
Timeline
- Nov. 12: City Council study session on legislative decision (no formal action). The public comment period will be limited to two hours, with five minutes allocated for each speaker. To maximize the limited time, no visual presentations from the public can be accommodated.
- Dec. 2: City Council open record SEPA appeal hearing.
- Dec. 5: City Council special meeting to deliberate and issue a decision on the SEPA appeal. No public comment will be taken.
- Dec. 16: City Council final action on SEPA appeal and legislative decision at its regular meeting.
How to Watch
Meetings will be broadcasted live at issaquahwa.gov/ictv or on Cable Channel 21. They will also be posted to our YouTube page the following day.
How to Provide Input
Provide your comments via email or at a public meeting.
Please note: To ensure council members abide by their quasi-judicial role, they may not receive testimony or provide responses related to the SEPA appeal.
Please be assured your comments will be received and provided to the council when allowed.