Community Development

The Department of Planning and Community Development is responsible for long-range planning, park planning, and park development.

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The City is required to update its critical areas ordinance (CAO) to comply with Best Available Science (BAS). These amendments will be completed by using Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) guidance documents Riparian Ecosystems, Volume 1: Science Synthesis and Management Implications and Riparian Ecosystems, Volume 2: Management Recommendations as a source for BAS developed to support local jurisdictions designate and protect riparian ecosystems as critical areas. The amendments are also required to complete the periodic update of the CAO mandated by the Washington State Department of Commerce Growth Management Services Unit (Commerce).

Staff anticipate a complete review of critical area regulations and shoreline regulations in 2027-2029. The State mandates that the Shoreline Master Program is updated every ten years, next due June 30, 2029.

Long Range Planning

The Comprehensive Plan: This is the policy document that sets out policies to achieve the community-generated 20-year vision for Kenmore. The Comprehensive Plan discusses land use, housing, transportation, protection of the natural environment, and parks, recreation and open space among many other topics. There is a state mandate to update the plan every ten years (next due December 2034). Annual amendments to the plan may be considered and are included in a “docket” work program for the Planning Commission who make recommendations to the City Council.
The Shoreline Master Program: This is the policy document that guides development within 200 feet of City shorelines including Lake Washington, the Sammamish River, and Swamp Creek. There is a state mandate to update the plan every eight years (next due 2027). The State Department of Ecology approves the final document.
Providing staff support to the Planning Commission and Council on development of planning initiatives, strategies, policies, codes and regulations. Ensuring a forum for citizen participation and involvement is part of meeting these responsibilities.
Ensuring compliance with state, regional and other development agency mandates, regulations and policies.
Representing Kenmore’s interests in regional partnerships.

Park Planning and Development

The Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan: This is the community-generated policy document that provides a framework for the future development of the parks system, recreation facilities and programs over the next 20 years. This document is updated every six years (next due February 2026). Visit the PROS page here.
The six-year park capital improvement program (CIP). Council adopts the CIP and makes annual adjustments. The CIP includes park improvement projects and funding sources.
Applying and administering grants that support funding for park capital improvement projects.
Management of park capital improvement projects through the design, permitting and construction process. Ensuring a forum for citizen participation and involvement is part of meeting these responsibilities.

City of Kenmore Washington

Staff

Community Development

Stream Riparian Management Zone and Stream Buffers

Planning Initiatives and Projects

Planning Initiatives

Comprehensive Plan

PROS Plan

Resources

Kenmore Parks

King County Parks

Saint Edward State Park