Cashmere Planning Commission reviews ADU code updates, launches comprehensive plan overhaul

CASHMERE — The Cashmere Planning Commission convened for a workshop meeting on June 2 to discuss upcoming updates to the city’s zoning code and long-term development blueprint, including changes to regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and a yearlong revision of the city’s Comprehensive Plan.

Planning consultant Christina Wollman of Perteet, Inc. led the discussion and emphasized the need for significant code revisions to comply with recently enacted state law. House Bill 1337, passed by the Washington Legislature in 2023, mandates that cities and counties within urban growth areas must allow at least two ADUs on all residential lots that permit single-family homes. The Department of Commerce states that if local jurisdictions fail to comply, “the statute will supersede, preempt and invalidate any conflicting local development regulations.”

Wollman provided commissioners with a draft of the revised code, noting that the extent of the changes required rewriting entire sections of the existing regulations. “Due to significant differences between the old code and the new state requirements, it was often more efficient for me to just cut out entire sections and write new ones, rather than edit the city’s rules,” she said.

The commission also examined potential parking requirements under the proposed ADU rules. The current draft allows two ADUs per eligible lot, with each unit permitted to be up to 1,000 square feet in size and restricted to rental terms of at least 30 days. One proposal discussed would require two off-street parking spaces per ADU. Commission Chair Zak Steigmeyer suggested a more flexible option for smaller units, recommending that studio-style ADUs be allowed to provide just one off-street parking space.

In addition to zoning updates, the meeting marked the start of a yearlong process to revise Cashmere’s Comprehensive Plan, which outlines the city’s long-term development goals and policies. Wollman outlined a strategy for the Commission to systematically update each of the plan’s eight current elements: Housing, Climate, Land Use, Utilities, Capital Facilities, Transportation, Parks, and Economic Development. She also recommended adding a ninth element focused on the environment, with related content transferred from the Land Use section.

She proposed a monthly schedule for “workshopping” one to two elements at a time. Each update will be followed by public hearings before the final recommendations are forwarded to the City Council, which will hold its own hearings prior to adopting the plan.

Director of Operations Steve Croci announced that the Planning Commission currently has a vacant seat following the resignation of Commissioner John Torrence. Community members interested in shaping Cashmere’s future were encouraged to apply.