Long Range Planning

With the input from you the public, the Planning Commission, Parks Board, and City Council, this team of planners look to the future to prepare the city’s land use plans and municipal code amendments for future development.

Special Plans


Subarea Plans

Code Development

The city is currently developing several codes to implement the comprehensive plan, related special plans, and state law. Click on the projects below to learn more about them.

  1. Solicitor License Update
  2. Code cleanup

Canvassing, Peddling, and Soliciting Licenses

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this code amendment briefing is to streamline and simplify the licensing process for Canvassers, Peddlers, and Solicitors (Chapter 4.04.130 LSMC) working within the city.

Canvassers are defined as a person who goes from place to place or house to house seeking contributions, donations, opinions, or other information. Peddlers/Solicitors are defined as any person who goes from place to place or house to house selling goods, wares, or services. Under both the existing and proposed municipal code, this activity requires a Solicitor License in addition to a business license.

Applications are submitted to the Planning and Community Development Department and require the applicant to submit fingerprints to the Police Department for the purpose of a background check. To conduct nationwide background checks, Washington State Patrol requires jurisdictions to codify specific language describing the process in the municipal code. The new section in LSMC 4.04.230 utilizes the suggested language.

Staff introduced this code amendment to Planning Commission on May 3, 2023. The staff report and current draft language can be found at Planning Commission Agenda Packet for May 3, 2023. The City Council will hold a public hearing to formally adopt the proposed new regulations at a later date.

The Fees Resolution will be updated concurrently with this code amendment.

CONTACT

For additional information on the project or process, please contact Associate Planner Jill Needham (jneedham@lakestevenswa.gov).

Code Development Process
Draft Regulations
State Environmental Policy Act
Public Notice
Categorically exempt under WAC 197-11-800(19)(b) 
TBA