Council approves interim zoning rules to protect rural character of Fall City

November 14, 2023

The King County Council on Tuesday approved interim zoning regulations for Fall City aimed at allowing housing growth while protecting and promoting the unique rural character of the historic town.

Sponsored by Councilmember Sarah Perry, the regulations will be effective for 13 months to allow time for community feedback and finalization of the Subarea/Comprehensive Plan update in 2024.

“I deeply appreciate the support of all my colleagues in approving interim zoning regulations for Fall City today. As one of only three rural towns in King County, Fall City has a unique, historic character and this entire process has illustrated how deeply committed the residents of Fall City are to preserving the feel of their community while supporting all allowable growth per zoning," Perry said.

Specifically, the interim zoning ordinance would establish regulations for residentially zoned land in the Fall City Rural Town, requiring a minimum 10,000 square foot lot size, 10-foot interior setbacks between parcels, and a 20-foot setback from the street.

The ordinance comes as an emergency moratorium – put in place in May – is set to expire next month. That moratorium halted any residential subdivisions from moving forward to allow time for robust community engagement in the public process around proposed zoning changes in the  Snoqualmie Valley/Northeast King County Subarea Plan, as part of the 2024 Countywide Comprehensive Plan Update.

“Residents have been actively engaged throughout this process and have provided valuable input and feedback on what they want to see in their community. At the same time, Fall City is being developed and changing faster than the public process has proceeded, which is why it's critical that we passed this ordinance,” said Perry. “We must ensure ample opportunity to provide feedback before we decide to make any more permanent changes to code. Thank you again to the community members and to my colleagues for this important step.”

Perry’s ordinance will ensure no gap between the expiration of the moratorium and the regulations set to be adopted by the end of next year.