# Planning Commission Meeting of Tuesday, September 15, 2026

The City of Kenmore Planning Commission met September 15, 2026, to continue reviewing proposed neighborhood-retail code changes and a package of comprehensive-plan and zoning-map amendments. Commissioners discussed which neighborhood business uses would be allowed by right through a Type 1 permit versus requiring a Type 2 conditional-use permit, including public notice, appeal rights, neighborhood impacts, and the additional time and expense associated with Type 2 review. Staff described proposed standards such as a 2,500-square-foot maximum, operating hours, parking, noise, and signage. Commissioners also raised questions about lighting and wildlife, compressor noise, accessory commercial structures, and whether conditional-use fees could be reduced. No final decision was made on the neighborhood-retail provisions; staff will continue that discussion at a later meeting.

The commission reviewed proposed plan and zoning-map cleanup amendments, including changes for parcels with inconsistent designations, city-acquired properties, and utility substations. After discussion of environmental concerns around a proposed downtown-commercial designation near wetlands and a rookery, staff agreed to remove that change from the package. A motion to advance the second half of the amendments, as amended, to public hearing was seconded and approved by unanimous consent; an earlier motion did not receive a second. Staff expects to bring the package, along with the housing strategy plan, to the October 6 meeting for public hearing and a potential recommendation to the City Council. No procurement or contract-award activity was identified.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Published:** September 15, 2026

### Sources
- [Planning Commission Meeting of Tuesday, September 15, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TbPETC3aDo) - City of Kenmore