Sammamish Council Proposes Overhaul for Development Code and Town Center

Sammamish City Council is actively pursuing significant changes to its development code and Town Center Plan, as discussed in a meeting on June 18, 2025. The council members recognized that the existing code is too complex, making it difficult to achieve effective urban planning outcomes. Staff presented an audit indicating that the current Town Center Plan, adopted in 2008, has not met its goals and needs a thorough revision. A proposed 'Eco-Factor' could incentivize eco-friendly designs in development projects, prompting discussions on measurable environmental impacts. The council also plans to update the Transfer Development Rights program to align it more closely with the unique needs of the Sammamish community.

The upcoming public open house on June 25 aims to gather community feedback on the draft development code. The council will review the findings from a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) in the coming weeks, which will inform subsequent public hearings and adoption processes. These initiatives are poised to enhance housing opportunities and improve quality of life for residents.