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SUBJECTSPLANNING › Criteria for Rezones
Updated 06/09

Criteria for Rezones

Contents

Introduction

This page presents general criteria and procedures for approving and processing requests for zoning map changes (rezones). Rezones involve the changing of a parcel, or parcels, of land from one zoning classification to another zoning classification under the jurisdiction's land use (or zoning) regulations.

For cities and counties fully planning under the Growth Management Act, all zoning map amendments must be consistent with the rezone criteria in the jurisdiction’s land use regulations and with the comprehensive plan. If a request for a zoning map change is inconsistent with the comprehensive plan, a plan amendment would be required or the request would be denied. Jurisdictions vary in how they process rezones that would require a comprehensive plan amendment. Comprehensive plan amendments are generally considered no more frequently than once a year (see RCW 36.70A.130(2)).

City and County Ordinance Provisions

  • Bainbridge Island Municipal Code Ch. 18.114 - Rezones 
  • Bellevue Land Use Code Part 20.30A - Rezone
  • Bellingham Municipal Code Sec. 20.19.030 - Rezone Criteria
  • Edmonds Community Development Code Ch. 20.40 - Rezones
  • Everett Zoning Code Sec. 41.160 - Rezones
  • Gig Harbor Municipal Code Ch. 17.100 - Amendments
  • Kent City Code Sec. 15.09.050 - Amendments
  • Lynden Municipal Code Ch. 17.19 - Site Specific Rezones 
  • Lynnwood Municipal Code Ch. 21.22 - Reclassification
  • Mill Creek Municipal Code Ch. 17.38 - Amendments and Development Agreements 
  • Mukilteo Municipal Code Sec. 17.72.030 - Procedures
  • SeaTac Zoning Code Sec. 15.22.050 - Zone Reclassification (Rezone)
  • Stevens County Development Regulations Ch. 3.20 - Decision Criteria (Adobe Acrobat Document; see Sec. 3.20.020)
  • Tacoma Municipal Code Sec. 13.06.650 - Application for rezone of property (Adobe Acrobat Document13 KB)
  • Tumwater Municipal Code Ch. 18.60 - Text Amendments and Rezones
  • Walla Walla Municipal Code Ch. 20.48 - Amendments
  • Whatcom County Code Ch. 20.90 - Amendments.

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