[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6241192,"mediaKeyId","3307868-7c042fedce015988e967bd328c7019a3","parentId",3307868,"title","Walmart sign variance disclosed to Planning Commission; informational only","audioSeconds",162,"startMs",5734000,"endMs",5896000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307868-7c042fedce015988e967bd328c7019a3&start=5734&end=5896","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307868-7c042fedce015988e967bd328c7019a3/thumbnail_5734000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6241192/Monroe-City/Snohomish-County/Washington/Walmart-sign-variance-disclosed-to-Planning-Commission-informational-only","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241192-7a18a71cdde53dce633b1528f804f6b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165428&Signature=MtRU9FeHiAZKbYh2L7wWnQ1~F9gaLmNT2z15xX4BfyMICegaf8abOrppBo66vMhTFopr3tm259ftFUxHj5HgZNaLg8Dc4XdQ4y9GG~FzAjvSw8v2gcQsbQJmVwMjcQfNGXl1IC0xKNgnRFsRwVLvnmzWU4v7eCHwn77pcr7TcmHaZtxuXzg1RLUVnCV3ZX4DRzdme51299XxnBJHfAPA1u8NUxZvDxIpR-9qnZo2ebJTUwBr~tpmH4kERg1zJrb48IybR7a92Bi7mHQfhOhnnDtwZlnem1TfVMfzMfiFMwD0RqouvhMGGcGwMLvFVFW82nSJISdkLKGeTtucmZsx1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Monroe City, WA","date","2025-05-15T00:49:54.013Z","article","City staff told the Planning Commission that Walmart submitted a sign‑variance application to update the signs on its building; staff forwarded the variance to the commission for informational purposes only. The commission did not act on the item.

Amy, the staff presenter, said the city normally processes sign variances through the hearing examiner, but the sign code calls for sign variances to be forwarded to the Planning Commission as part of the record. She said Walmart wants to replace its signage and would remain over the site’s total-allowed signage amount but would reduce total signage relative to what is currently installed. Amy explained the project included a prior development agreement and binding site plan; that agreement included site signage allowances that expired after two years, so the applicant must now follow current code unless a variance is granted.

Amy said there was no requested action by the commission—the item was informational to ensure the record and process would reflect that the variance was shared with the commission should the hearing examiner ask whether the commission was briefed. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about whether the code had changed and staff explained the variance stems from the expiration of the prior development agreement.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Monroe, WA Planning Commission - May 12, 2025 Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","City staff informed the Planning Commission that a sign‑variance application from Walmart was forwarded for the commission’s information; the matter remains processed through the hearing examiner and required no action by the commission.","taxTitle","Monroe City, Snohomish County, Washington","taxId",71110,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6241196,"Planning Commission adopts findings to support ADU code changes under state law",67,7205000,7272000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307868-7c042fedce015988e967bd328c7019a3&start=7205&end=7272","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307868-7c042fedce015988e967bd328c7019a3/thumbnail_7205000.jpg","/articles/6241196/Monroe-City/Snohomish-County/Washington/Planning-Commission-adopts-findings-to-support-ADU-code-changes-under-state-law","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241196-d3e7c9e42e3579b847b37b8d7acf4c66/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165428&Signature=gRgEG6VP1LwdyGYsfddIl1yQ8h35r4s0fZW9-Ta7tvmra8EhjwNt6JaZsp36iUqRNsfvuw663f-CV7oKMS8ygz5UieGM19EcZyiC3LrHdCD8844UXD03ZJizXVse8ORUITabWLcKGwaEGo32Ek7Ke8oYAOmmsZwh64LA78m234BVgocx~ajbCmsARR9C7GS6ir4gW4SxKBbhwHEJexWd9euzGjFJxhn99UP5Wz0ZJbbn9nkjwE0pgEYR-v0YCka5-yvqA0GPdxK4gcZTkSiGEW6jim60msT9m1aBQceqPoYoRTYCQBIb5CSU5f2shjqmSUx2iHMdaMn4rChQS7LhuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Commission voted unanimously to adopt findings of fact and conclusions of law supporting proposed amendments to Title 22 of the Monroe Municipal Code intended to implement House Bill 1337 and make it easier to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Staff said the commission previously reviewed draft amendments and directed staff to prepare findings. At the meeting Commissioner Blair moved to adopt the draft findings and authorize the commission chair to sign on its behalf; Commissioner Bach seconded the motion. The chair called the vote and recorded the motion as passing 7‑0.

The adopted findings recommend that City Council approve the code changes that, as drafted, are intended to remove barriers to ADU construction by aligning Monroe’s development standards with state law. Staff included the drafted findings in the commission packet for review and said they were prepared for the commission’s adoption.

Commissioners did not propose additional edits during the meeting; the adopted findings and recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council for its consideration in the local code‑amendment process.","The Planning Commission adopted findings of fact and conclusions of law recommending that the City Council approve amendments to MMC Title 22 to implement House Bill 1337 and reduce barriers to accessory‑dwelling‑unit construction.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6241201,"Planning Commission hears unit‑lot subdivision code amendments required by state law; directs staff to prepare findings",818,6431000,7249000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307868-7c042fedce015988e967bd328c7019a3&start=6431&end=7249","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307868-7c042fedce015988e967bd328c7019a3/thumbnail_6431000.jpg","/articles/6241201/Monroe-City/Snohomish-County/Washington/Planning-Commission-hears-unitlot-subdivision-code-amendments-required-by-state-law-directs-staff-to-prepare-findings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241201-ed7d86e4d215e6c0f029895650a378f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165428&Signature=oJRKN2Aakj6gCKavvjcTSB26yKYEzJp1bWXfYIOeTjkiskAi1fRkPACVE8KdxlnAvNOJbF4XSIlDqjl3EkPTiO-TpjToad3E2zwZ10TuzgnJlALAPSpaq9m5BnordYzqwANdvg6ecGdRLSyNAuds416Erqnnp4itxhmo73YMxoguKmtGyfro4299vBXazWgNdCdGcqk7cpJITsoF-g87en5dOT74fV4zZJl5UMNA2e0ji8RJbkRLyuVI7ydth8zd28k5QApMp3aCWKU28skVgPqJSNvE6LdBDccGgjrzq843d7hSEdky0u03vS9c0WH~YtJbWmjn4FOqAw4dM~jmuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Monroe City staff presented draft code amendments to allow unit‑lot subdivisions, a form of land division that enables fee‑simple ownership of individual housing units within a parent lot. The Planning Commission closed the hearing and directed staff to draft findings recommending Council approval.

Anita explained the change responds to 2023 state legislation (ESSB 5258), which requires cities to include unit‑lot subdivision provisions in their subdivision regulations. Unit‑lot subdivisions (ULS) create smaller \"unit lots\" that may not meet all dimensional standards of the underlying zone while the overall development (the parent lot) conforms to zoning standards. The local code changes add a ULS section to Chapter 22.68 (Subdivisions), amend definitions in Chapter 22.12, and revise permit‑processing language in Chapter 22.84 to treat ULS similar to short plats.

Discussion among commissioners and staff focused on utility connections and infrastructure: city staff said ULS lots record as individual lots and generally require individual utility connections; commissioners raised concerns about how shared meters or sewer configurations could affect affordability and feasibility. Staff said engineering standards currently require separate connections for recorded individual lots, but the department will consult engineering to explore approaches (easements, frontage improvements) that might ease utility constraints on small lots.

No public comments were received on the draft. After closing the citizen portion of the hearing, the commission unanimously approved a motion directing staff to draft findings of fact and conclusions of law recommending council adoption of the code amendments required by ESSB 5258.

If adopted by council, the amendments will give developers a local process to create unit‑lot subdivisions; staff noted the process will follow the short‑plat model (preliminary review, construction, final recordation) and that ULS provisions must be in place by state deadlines.","The commission held a public hearing on code changes to add unit‑lot subdivision provisions (required by ESSB 5258), discussed utility and lot‑size consequences, and voted unanimously to direct staff to draft findings recommending council adoption.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6241206,"Monroe Planning Commission closes hearing on commute-trip-reduction code changes; directs staff to draft findings",399,5915000,6314000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307868-7c042fedce015988e967bd328c7019a3&start=5915&end=6314","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307868-7c042fedce015988e967bd328c7019a3/thumbnail_5915000.jpg","/articles/6241206/Monroe-City/Snohomish-County/Washington/Monroe-Planning-Commission-closes-hearing-on-commute-trip-reduction-code-changes-directs-staff-to-draft-findings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241206-065f1bdc73dc9d775f52f2698ba66f33/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165428&Signature=fHiWLmSlOJIsaGHxlih~l591rmLuAoa~sSsfRsp8~ObHWezaGaphNCJDTcuMIPZDqO0yxvlmkk8rtLb4qGQn-SXRzk6mr0mxxKKyeld7B39FcAsF87qRZi28XXpshFj1uuDO4XW5gpSiUaASDN6VDo~vAOXMvFRL9dc6VykdMhhrUzEV8oBthEYxfH8v4oYLNo1dVdVAuIU-Ug~lefzxyYwGv~pwl-ls4UOhYJkBGL9EfAQcTXqMIDqa4njdc2GFn6lizEdY-DB~dKNiP6Oa8DiQe3uFe7tNAWgkWYwz8V5cU9nP7CFQ3rqH7Rzd17r5fOfFzNZ06VLp6nBb5e1Zew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Monroe City Planning Commission closed a public hearing and unanimously directed staff to prepare findings of fact and conclusions of law recommending the City Council approve proposed amendments to Chapter 22.88 MMC to align with state commute-trip-reduction (CTR) requirements.

Anita, a city planner, explained that Washington state CTR law requires employers meeting the \"major employer\" threshold—defined in the draft as employers with 100 or more full‑time employees at a single worksite who begin the workday between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. on at least two weekdays for 12 continuous months—to implement plans that reduce drive‑alone commuting. Anita said the city is adopting a 2025–2029 CTR plan and the draft code amendments update definitions and require affected employers to choose at least five implementing measures from a menu of options, including at least one measure from each category.

Anita told commissioners the CTR plan must be updated every four years and that this local adoption must be completed by June 30, 2025. She said the plan has been approved regionally and that staff received no public comments on the draft code changes.

Commissioner Boyle moved to direct staff to draft findings of fact and conclusions of law recommending city‑council approval; the motion passed unanimously, with the chair casting an aye, recorded as 7‑0.

No public testimony was offered at the hearing. Staff asked the commission to close the hearing, and commissioners made the recommended motion to draft findings for council consideration.

The amendments would change local code language to reference the new 2025–2029 CTR plan and provide employers with a menu of strategies intended to lower single‑occupant vehicle trips, reduce vehicle miles traveled and improve air quality. If Monroe’s council follows the commission recommendation, affected employers will be required to implement the selected measures as described in the adopted local code.","The Planning Commission closed a public hearing on proposed amendments to Monroe’s commute trip reduction (CTR) code implementing the city’s 2025–2029 CTR plan and unanimously directed staff to draft findings recommending Council approval.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6241211,"Monroe City formalizes uniform rules of procedure for boards, commissions",72,480000,552000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3307868-7c042fedce015988e967bd328c7019a3&start=480&end=552","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3307868-7c042fedce015988e967bd328c7019a3/thumbnail_480000.jpg","/articles/6241211/Monroe-City/Snohomish-County/Washington/Monroe-City-formalizes-uniform-rules-of-procedure-for-boards-commissions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6241211-e0c0c1c3cff3b1622c8bdc84881e44f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165428&Signature=m87iDMG1~YcQgl7n5UWk5IxYWZWovM3OEY5gvu2aMJaO3tt9l3iv3Gv7vrHitdM2U1pChsBx6gXT6E~UM3FhkwOScx41mooYMLKPsyr7SXXdrFoXIYgEGIQtfbqqoIIxmrvWvQVMJR8hcn~5JeuJYWKbXWrjSRuhE8tGlEr28mwul57ACkdh7PBjzpUdZmLp04quO2Hx-awQFgZV0HkRgZiHifG20yV-8PUpi0c8eVC7VeGzdc1baGBuHUPUavbKC7MCvBMYIljVx-xMaG2MmArrA2lc6CuBOOHlLGc1nzQxfLosc2YVzV98s7AlElNLnC~gfvq5Ek9PG4bBtXeDrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Monroe City staff told the Planning Commission that the City Council has adopted a single set of rules that will govern all city boards, commissions and committees, replacing prior, varied procedures.

The rules \"supersede and replace any and all rules adopted previously by any BCC,\" staff said, and may be amended \"only by a majority vote of city council.\" The presentation covered authority, conflict-of-interest practice, meeting operations, public comment limits and how the city will handle disruptions.

City officials said the rules matter because they standardize expectations across advisory bodies and reduce legal and operational risk. Staff recommended clearer processes for recusals—advising members who expect a conflict to notify staff immediately and, in many cases, to leave the meeting room for deliberations—to avoid perceptions of unfair influence. The rules also reiterate that where a board’s civic code or state law conflicts with the new rules, state law or code prevails.

The package sets timing and administrative steps for BCC work plans (staff liaisons submit proposed work plans to the mayor by Feb. 1; the mayor and council review proposals in the first quarter), requires a staff liaison and a clerk for each body, clarifies agenda procedures and approves a consent agenda option for routine items. Remote attendance is allowed only when necessary; remote participants should keep video on, be audible, and be able to participate in real time.

The rules codify public comment procedures: written comments provided in advance will be distributed to commissioners but not read into the record; oral comments are limited to in-person speakers and should be limited to three minutes. Staff told commissioners the BCCs generally do not take action on items raised during public comment, and urged commissioners to request follow-up through their commissioner reports or staff liaison so matters can be added to a work plan if appropriate.

The presentation also gives the presiding officer directions for maintaining order, suggested use of non-objection adjournments for routine closure of meetings, and a process to recess and reconvene in a secondary room if a meeting is disrupted. The presenter said the rules were adopted on April 22, 2025, and are effective immediately.

Commissioners asked about specifics—including how absences are counted, whether members can remain in the room when they have a conflict, and how consent agendas would be used—and were reminded that the mayor retains discretion over appointment removals for repeated absences.

City staff said they will continue training for chairs, liaisons and clerks and will provide the written script and appendix for public hearings so that commissioners are familiar with the new hearing order before they preside.

The Planning Commission received the presentation; no formal action by the commission was required because the rules were adopted previously by council.

The new rules aim to make conduct, recordkeeping and public access more consistent across Monroe City’s advisory bodies.

Less-urgent operational details covered in the presentation included expectations for packet review (questions should be posed to staff at least one business day before a meeting), recommended limits on chair tenure as a best practice, and suggestions for how and when staff should be copied on city-business email so records are archivable.","Monroe City presented and confirmed a set of standardized rules of procedure for its boards, commissions and committees covering authority, recusals, meetings, public comment, remote attendance and decorum; the rules were adopted by the City Council on April 22, 2025 and are in effect.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Walmart sign variance disclosed to Planning Commission; informational only

Planning Commission adopts findings to support ADU code changes under state law

Planning Commission hears unit‑lot subdivision code amendments required by state law; directs staff to prepare findings

Monroe Planning Commission closes hearing on commute-trip-reduction code changes; directs staff to draft findings

Monroe City formalizes uniform rules of procedure for boards, commissions