When is the best time for a citizen to be involved in the land use planning activities of the City?

Local land use laws in Washington cities are placed in the City's comprehensive plan and land use code, which are first adopted and then amended by the City Council. In making decisions, the Council weighs the various considerations presented to it by City staff, the Planning Commission, interested parties, and the general public. Frankly, citizen input on these laws is rare but welcomed. The City Planning Commission and City Council must both hold public hearings prior to adopting these regulations. While these processes often get little public attention, the decisions made are vital. Permits must be issued based on these rules.


The Planning Commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The City council meets the first and third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers. They would both have a place on every meeting agenda for public participation.

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1. How can I locate the property lines on my lot?
2. When is the best time for a citizen to be involved in the land use planning activities of the City?
3. If the decisions on development proposals are based on the law, and not a popularity contest, how can I make comments to ensure a development project meets the law?
4. I've been to public hearings on developments where everybody speaks against the project, but it gets approved anyway. Why is that? Isn't this supposed to be a democracy?
5. What is this "Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance" public notice I saw in the Arlington Times?
6. I'm thinking about developing or subdividing my property but don't know how to get started or if it's even feasible. Should I hire an architect, engineer and/or a land planner?