C. Citizen Participation

The Growth Management Act establishes that cities shall have procedures providing for early and continuous public participation in the development and amendment of comprehensive plans and regulations that implement these plans. The Comprehensive Plan is based on involved community input and should continue to reflect the priorities and values of its residents and the business community.

Community Visioning Event

Goal GP-2: Promote active community participation in all levels of planning decisions.

Policy GP-2.1: Encourage public participation at the appropriate level in all planning processes and facilitate open communication between permit applicants and nearby residents and businesses prior to the initiation of development actions.

There are a number of opportunities for public involvement in the planning process whether it involves the Comprehensive Plan, the adoption of development regulations, or in the review of development permits. Public participation early on in the process can reduce conflicts and result in more responsive decisions.

It is critical that the public be involved in the early stages of the planning process, particularly in the development and adoption of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and development regulations. The goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan, standards and requirements in the zoning and subdivision regulations, and shoreline master program provide the basis for individual review of development applications or the construction of public facilities. At the time of permit review, many of the basic land use issues have already been determined. Citizen input should focus on development standards and other site-specific issues.

Policy GP-2.2: Utilize a broad range of public involvement techniques, community forums and communications to ensure that opportunities exist for all public views to be heard.

Kirkland has utilized a number of techniques and procedures to ensure a wide range of participatory public involvement at the appropriate level. Some examples that are being used today and should continue are:

♦    Mailing, emailing, including use of listservs, and posting of notices to parties that may be affected by planning decisions;

♦    Notifying neighborhood, condominium and business associations, interested organizations and affected agencies;

♦    Creating and maintaining web and social media sites that provide information about plans and projects;

♦    Offering interactive web forums and other opportunities beyond traditional public meetings and community organizations;

♦    Hosting neighborhood meetings by applicants for development permits early in the process;

♦    Having citizen advisory commissions and focus groups to oversee the planning process;

♦    Broadcasting Currently Kirkland, the City’s news and information program airing on cable channels;

♦    Using a broad range of media to inform citizens of planning activities, including the City Update newsletter;

♦    Having booths at farmer’s markets, business events and neighborhood association picnics;

♦    Holding public workshops, open houses, community conversations and discussion groups; and

♦    Providing opportunities for reconsideration or appeal of decisions.

In the future, other techniques should be explored as appropriate to ensure strong public involvement.

Policy GP-2.3: Work closely with community groups, neighborhood associations, business organizations, and service clubs.

The City encourages the formation of neighborhood associations and business forums. These types of organizations are an important part of the community’s identity and character. The City should look for opportunities to involve these groups in decisions that affect them.

Policy GP-2.4: Encourage active citizen participation in the planning and design of public facilities, particularly in affected neighborhoods and business areas.

Many of the decisions on public facilities have significant issues that need to be addressed such as access, safety, environmental concerns, neighborhood character, and economic impacts. In the planning and design of public facilities it is important to have a process that facilitates public involvement by all parties.