• State law requires local governments to annually review proposed Comprehensive Plan and zoning changes. Comprehensive Plan map or text changes must be reviewed concurrently and only once per year. Zoning map or text changes may be reviewed at any time but are typically reviewed concurrent with the Comprehensive Plan changes.
• 2023 proposals consist of three Comprehensive Plan and associated zoning map changes, two standalone zoning map changes, and 15 text changes to the Comprehensive Plan or Vancouver Municipal Code (VMC) Title 20 zoning code.
• Also included in the 2023 changes are updates to the Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Comprehensive Plan (2022-2031). 
• Changes were recommended by the Planning Commission at public hearings on September 12 and October 24.

Housing and Human Needs – meeting basic needs and partnering with organizations to support the community.

Economic Opportunity - a place where a wide variety of businesses of all sizes grow and thrive.

Vibrant and Distinct Neighborhoods – a variety of accessible places and spaces.

Climate and Natural Systems – Environmental stewardship and efforts to address climate change to ensure a sustainable future.

The following are proposed:

1. Map Change - Miller – Urban Low Density/R-9 to Urban High Density/R-30 on 4 acres at the northeast corner of NE 63rd Street and 72nd Avenue. If approved future application for roughly 102 market rate apartment units anticipated, although yield may differ pending site plan review of stormwater needs. Planning Commission recommended approval 4-2, citing need for housing, nearby commercial and public services, and ability to address stormwater specifics at site plan review stage.
   
   
2.  Map Change – Wood Duck Springs - Urban Low Density/R-9 to Urban High Density R-22 and Commercial/CC on 13 acres on the north side of NE 63rd Avenue at NE 82nd Court. If approved future application for development of 244 market rate townhome and apartment units with a commercial component anticipated. Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the rezone based on need for housing, and applicant’s conceptual future site plan proposing townhomes on the site perimeter abutting existing residential, with apartment buildings and commercial development in the interior.
   
   
3.  Map Change – Datepark - R-18 to R-30 on 1.2 acre on the south side of 18^th Street near Todd Road. If approved future application for development of 72 affordable housing units anticipated. Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval based on need for housing, and proposed Development Agreement ensuring future development will be consistent with conceptual site plan locating proposed apartment building on east portion of site abutting park and ensuring affordability.
   
   
4.  Map Change – Burnt Bridge Creek West - OCI to IL on 33 acres west of 162nd Avenue and south of Fourth Plain Boulevard. If approved future application for development of 275,000 square foot warehouse had been contemplated, but property owner indicates potential developer has withdrawn. Planning Commission voted 4-2 to approve based on prevalence of IL zoning surrounding the site, opportunity for site development, and fact that City Critical Areas Protection standards would apply under either existing or proposed zoning. Dissenting votes noted proposal was premature pending finalization of City warehousing standards, green building policy, and Comprehensive Plan update.
   
   
5.  Text Changes – Comprehensive Plan - Amend reference to parks service area distances, and parks capital facilities summary table; Update Appendix E list of documents adopted by reference to include updated parks and Urban Forestry Management Plan; Add two capital parking projects to citywide capital project list. Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval.
   
   
6.  Text Changes – Title 20 Zoning code - Changes to definitions and use classifications, measurements, outdated references, submittal requirements, effective dates, and pre-existing home allowances in cluster developments. As allowed by recent statutory changes, also increase SEPA categorical exemption thresholds for residential projects based on number of units, while retaining SEPA review requirements for residential projects of any size if critical lands are present. Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval.
   
   
7.  Text Changes - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Comprehensive Plan (2022-2031) - Updates to capital facilities plans, service area provisions, and other amendments. These were recommended by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee on September 20, as well as by the Planning Commission.

The 192nd Avenue rezone, originally part of this list, is moving forward on a separate schedule with First Reading December 18 and public hearing on January 8, 2024.

• All map changes except Burnt Bridge Creek West provide for increased housing in appropriate locations with public and commercial services. Datepark map changes includes affordable housing, and Development Agreement to ensure future development follows conceptual site plan.
• Burnt Bridge Creek West map change allows for development similar to surrounding properties, and will be subject to Critical Areas Protection standards.
• Text changes appropriately reference updated parks and forestry documents, and downtown parking projects in the Comprehensive Plan; reflect adopted updates to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Comprehensive Plan (2022-2031); and update Title 20 zoning code to facilitate predictability and clarity in the development process.