Design Review Reform in Enumclaw

Enumclaw is the latest city in King County to take steps toward  streamlining its permitting process by reforming its design review procedures. In January 2025, Jeff Potter of Integrity Land LLC submitted a privately initiated code amendment request focused on townhouse development standards. Seattle King County REALTORS® have tracked the city’s progress since March, including a public hearing held by the city council on August 25.

These local efforts align with HB 1293, a state law passed to improve permitting efficiency, predictability, and housing affordability. The law mandates that cities use clear and objective design standards when reviewing new construction. Specifically, design regulations must:

• Include ascertainable guidelines that allow applicants to determine compliance.
• Avoid reducing density, height, bulk, or scale below what is allowed in the applicable zone.
• Be integrated with consolidated permit reviews.
• Limit design review to one public meeting.

In response, cities across Washington are eliminating subjective, project-specific design reviews conducted by volunteer boards. Instead, technical staff are taking over to ensure objective, consistent evaluations.

Enumclaw’s proposed changes include:

• Eliminating the Design Review Board from city code and permitting processes.
• Removing vague or discretionary design requirements.
• Requiring mailed notifications to property owners within 300 feet of “Type 2” projects (which includes most developments).

The city is also updating its townhouse development standards to support higher density and affordability. Proposed changes include:

• Reducing minimum lot sizes and setbacks.
• Increasing the maximum number of dwelling units per structure from 6 to 10.

These updates aim to make townhomes a more viable option for middle-income buyers who are priced out of single-family homes. However, not all proposed changes were adopted. Potter requested a 5-foot side yard setback for end units, but the Planning Commission recommended larger setbacks: 9 feet for two-story buildings and 14 feet for three-story buildings.

Builders argue that smaller setbacks are essential to achieving the 12–15 units per acre needed for townhomes to be cost-effective under Enumclaw’s R-4 zoning. Current design standards limit density to just 8–10 units per acre, undermining affordability and supply.

Before final approval, all proposed code changes must undergo a 60-day review by the Washington Department of Commerce. During its review, Commerce identified additional references to the Design Review Board that needed removal, including in permit procedures and ADU regulations. It also recommended shortening review timelines in several areas—from 120 days to 65 or 100 days—to further improve permitting efficiency.

Enumclaw’s reforms reflect a broader statewide effort to modernize permitting and support housing development. REALTORS® should stay informed as these changes continue to shape the region’s housing landscape.