Cashmere seeks public input on zoning changes, new comprehensive plan Nov. 23

CASHMERE – Residents can weigh in Nov. 23 on proposed changes to Cashmere’s zoning map and development rules that would expand areas for higher-density housing, allow more housing options and guide the city’s growth over the next two decades.

The City Council reviewed the package Nov. 9 ahead of a public meeting scheduled for Nov. 23. A public hearing and possible adoption are scheduled for Dec. 14.

The package includes a rewritten comprehensive plan for 2026–2046, revised land-use and zoning maps, and updates to the city’s subdivision and zoning codes. The city has been working on the comprehensive plan update since 2024, with Planning Commission workshops and assistance from consultants.

Director of Operations Steve Croci encouraged council members and residents to examine the proposed zoning map and development regulations before submitting comments.

“Just get comments to me, and we’ll discuss any comments you guys have at the public meeting, which is the 23rd,” Croci said.

The proposed changes combine requirements associated with state housing laws and the Growth Management Act with local decisions about where development should occur and how city regulations should work.

According to the city’s staff report, a land-capacity analysis found insufficient land zoned for higher-density development to accommodate the housing types needed across income levels. The proposed map identifies additional areas for that housing.

Croci described proposed higher-density areas in East Cashmere and along Pioneer west of the cemetery. Other map changes would move some properties to lower-density designations, reflecting environmental constraints or correcting designations tied to historical uses that no longer operate.

The map also proposes changes among commercial and industrial designations and adds a historic district overlay.

The revised zoning code would replace “single-family” and “multi-family” district names with “low density” and “high density.” Proposed accessory dwelling unit provisions would allow two ADUs per lot when specified conditions are met.

Other residential changes include increasing permitted lot coverage from 35% to 45% in low-density areas and from 50% to 55% in high-density areas. The proposal also adjusts minimum lot areas and open-space requirements to provide more flexibility for housing development.

The suburban residential district would be eliminated, with applicable uses incorporated into low-density zoning. Airport residential zoning would become an overlay, retaining provisions for uses such as aircraft hangars.

Croci said many of the housing-related revisions respond directly to state requirements. The package includes provisions addressing co-living housing, manufactured homes, parking, and emergency shelters and housing.

For emergency shelters, Croci said the city sought to incorporate neighborhood protections while complying with state requirements.

“You have to have a safety plan. You have to have a point of contact,” he said.

The proposed code also changes rules for businesses. Mini-storage would be limited to commercial-light industrial and warehouse industrial zones, with the Planning Commission recommending conditional use permits in both districts.

Croci said that review would give the city a way to address how storage developments fit their surroundings.

“So somebody can’t just take an empty lot and slap a bunch of cargo boxes on it,” he said.

Other revisions address assembly uses, home occupations, mobile vendors, outdoor lighting and child care facilities. Subdivision code changes are intended to simplify procedures and bring regulations into alignment with the comprehensive plan.

The council’s discussion also touched on whether the city should pursue an expanded urban growth area along Sunset Highway. Croci said the city’s analysis found adequate overall residential land capacity within existing boundaries, while the staff report identified a need for more land designated for higher-density housing.

The Nov. 9 review did not adopt the plan, zoning map or code changes. Following the December public hearing, council members can approve the proposals, make changes or return them to the Planning Commission for additional work.

Draft documents are available on the city’s website under Government, then Plans and Programs. Residents can submit comments to Croci and participate in the Nov. 23 public meeting.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media