Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update 2026

Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update 2026

Why Complete a Comprehensive Plan?

The City of Moxee is a “Fully Planning” jurisdiction under the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA). As a fully planning City, Moxee is required to periodically update its Comprehensive Plan, Development Regulations, and Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) in accordance with state timelines (RCW 36.70A.130). The City of Moxee, and other jurisdictions in Yakima County, are required to compete the update by December 31, 2026.

What is a Comprehensive Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan is a 20-year planning tool that identifies a series of goals, objectives, policies, actions, and standards that are intended to guide elected officials and local government staff. It is a high-level document that is used to inform policy decisions, code updates, and the development of capital projects. The Comprehensive Plan includes several elements, or chapters, such as transportation, capital facilities, utilities, land use, recreation, and housing.

What are Development Regulations For?

Development Regulations (including the Critical Areas Ordinance) are the adopted codes and laws of the City that determine standards and requirements for new development and re-development. These codes are primarily known as the Zoning Code and Subdivision Code. The Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) includes additional standards for mapped areas such as wetlands and floodplain. In a nutshell, the City of Moxee is divided into different zoning districts that all have a unique purpose and set of standards to guide uses and development.

During this update process, Moxee will be identifying ways to implement several recent changes in State Housing Law:

HB 1220 (2021) – Significantly expanded housing requirements for Comprehensive Plans.

HB 1337 (2023) – Requires jurisdictions to allow two ADUs per lot.

HB 1998 (2024) – Requires jurisdictions to allow co-living housing.

SB 5258 (2024) – Requires jurisdictions to allow unit lot subdivisions.

SB 6015 ( 2024) – Established new parking standards for housing development

SB 6175 (2024) – Makes it easier to convert buildings from commercial to residential use

HB 2071 (2024) – Started process to change state residential building and energy codes for middle housing

SB 6059 (2024) – Recognized the importance of manufactured housing communities and provided protections for them.

Stay Informed!

If you would like to be added to the mailing list to get updates when notices are sent out, please send your contact information to Amy Conger, City Clerk-Treasurer: aconger@moxeewa.us

DOCUMENTS

Work Plan and Public Participation Program

Moxee has Developed a Work Plan which identifies all grant-based deliverables as part of the Periodic Update project. The Public Participation Program (PPP) describes how the City will engage the public throughout the 2026 Periodic Update process. The Work Plan and PPP were approved by Council on February 13, 2025.