State loosens restrictions for small developments
January 8, 2013
The state Department of Ecology recently changed development rules to give local governments, including Issaquah and King County, more flexibility for small construction projects.
The rule change to the State Environmental Policy Act allows local governments more leeway to exempt minor construction projects from review under the law, such as small-scale residential housing developments, as well as certain agricultural, commercial office and school buildings.
County seeks comments on plan to preserve open space
April 17, 2010
NEW — 6 a.m. April 17, 2010
King County leaders want input on the future of open space.
The county continues to work on updates to the Open Space Plan, the document behind county acquisition, development, funding, management and stewardship of undeveloped land across King County. The document helps the county to be eligible for federal and state grants, like those from the state Recreation and Conservation Office.
Under rules established in the State Environmental Policy Act, the plan must be reviewed. The state OK’d the draft April 8. The county will accept comments on the environmental review until 4:30 p.m. Thursday.
Plan to resurface city streets hinges on grant money
February 20, 2010
NEW — 6 a.m. Feb. 20, 2010
City planners took the first step earlier this month toward repairs for sections of Front Street North and Northwest Sammamish Road.
City Public Works Operations crews plan to grind two to three inches of pavement from the streets and replace the surface with new asphalt. Money for the project hinges on a grant. If the city receives funding, construction could begin by summer.
Crews plan to resurface Front Street North from Sunset Way to Gilman Boulevard and Northwest Sammamish Road from the Lake Sammamish State Park to the western city limits. The project would not increase capacity for the streets.
Planners approved a shoreline exemption permit for the project Feb. 5. The project requires the permit because work will take place near the East Fork of Issaquah Creek, Lake Sammamish and other wetlands. Because the project repairs and maintains existing roadways, the work is exempt from State Environmental Policy Act review.
