Long Range Planning

Long Range Planning prepares the City for the expected changes in the coming years.  This division of CPD provides the staff support for amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and development code regulations.  The City Council adds projects to the long-range planning work program through a yearly process called the Annual Docket.  Once a project is added to the work program by the City Council, staff will begin working through the required process.

Annual Docket

Once a year the public, Planning Commission, City Council, and City staff can propose development code and Comprehensive Plan amendments through a process called the Annual Docket.  Annual Docket applications are accepted September 1 through October 1 each year (MICC 19.15.230(D)(1)).  The Planning Commission makes a recommendation to the City Council on which Annual Docket proposals should be added to the CPD work program after holding a public hearing.  The City Council considers the Planning Commission and staff recommendations when deciding which projects to add to the CPD work program for the following year.  The Annual Docket process is established in MICC 19.15.230.  For more information contact: Adam Zack, Senior Planner, at  adam.zack@mercerisland.gov or by phone 206-275-7719

The Annual Docket application form is available here.

2044 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review

The City is required to update its comprehensive plan every eight years in a process called a “periodic review”.  The next periodic review is due in 2024.  This periodic review will extend the planning period for the Comprehensive Plan to the year 2044.  More information, including draft documents, is posted on the project website.