Planning Services

Welcome! 

The Planning Division oversees land use and development applications (such as subdivisions, variances, and conditional use permits) and state environmental regulation compliance. Additionally, the Planning Division leads the long-range planning efforts of the City, and provides staff support to the City Council and Planning Commission.

The City of Sequim Planning Division administers the development codes adopted by City Council. These codes include the Subdivision, Zoning, Shoreline, Environmental, and Building Codes and are essentially the City’s “contract” to develop within the City. The development codes implement policies found in the Comprehensive Plan, Downtown Plan, Shoreline Master Program, Parks Master Program and Transportation Plan.

Planning staff provides customer service for all permit activities (related to these codes) throughout the development review process. Staff are also available to the public regarding any and all questions concerning the different development code requirements.

Long-Range Planning

Long range planning activities include implementation of the State’s Growth Management Act and preparing and updating the Comprehensive Plan. Long-range planning coordinates regulatory responsibility with other departments, State and Federal agencies (e.g., State Department of Ecology and Federal Emergency Management Agency).

Long range planning involves setting goals and policy to achieve the community's desired balance of growth, environmental protection, and quality of life. 

Master Plans, Subarea Plans & Zoning Maps

Master plans provide more specific guidance for different topics or purposes. A master plan is specific to topic; for instance, Parks Master Plans, Sewer and Water Master Plans are Master Plans. Overlays provide specific direction for a location. For instance, the City’s Downtown Plan is an Overlay providing specific direction for development in the Downtown district. These documents align with the Comprehensive Plan, are more detailed, provide implementation strategies and action items.  

Zoning Standards, Development and Design Regulations

The Comprehensive Plan provides the vision for growth and development along with high-level goals. The Master Plans and Overlays provide further guidance. The Zoning, Development and Design Codes also must align with the Comprehensive Plan for the vision and goals to be achieved. These standards are the legal requirements for how the City lays out the built environment and makes the vision become a reality.

Current Planning Projects

Current planning involves the review of permits to ensure consistency with the Sequim Municipal Code. Planners check for compliance with numerous standards, including:

For information on our current planning projects, see our Active Land Use Projects page, call (360) 683-4908 or email planningdept@sequimwa.gov.

Shoreline Master Program

The Shoreline Master Program is Title 19 of the Sequim Municipal Code. The program was recently updated and adopted by the Department of Ecology.

Helpful Handouts & Resources