Objective Design Standards

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In 2023, the WA Legislature enacted House Bill (HB) 1293. This bill added a new section to the Growth Management Act (GMA) that establishes new requirements and restrictions governing how cities and counties planning under the GMA can regulate building design. The City has established design standards and review procedures in Chapters 19.11, 19.12, and 19.15 Mercer Island City Code (MICC). The main requirement from HB 1293 is that (1) local design review standards must be clear and objective and (2) the standards may not reduce development intensity below the level generally allowed by the zoning designation (RCW 36.70A.630(2)). The City must update its design standards to comply with HB 1293 by June 30, 2025.

In 2023, the WA Legislature enacted House Bill (HB) 1293. This bill added a new section to the Growth Management Act (GMA) that establishes new requirements and restrictions governing how cities and counties planning under the GMA can regulate building design. The City has established design standards and review procedures in Chapters 19.11, 19.12, and 19.15 Mercer Island City Code (MICC). The main requirement from HB 1293 is that (1) local design review standards must be clear and objective and (2) the standards may not reduce development intensity below the level generally allowed by the zoning designation (RCW 36.70A.630(2)). The City must update its design standards to comply with HB 1293 by June 30, 2025.

  • Draft Design Standard Amendments Available for Public Review

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    The initial draft of amendments to the design standards to comply with RCW 36.70A.630 are now available for public review. The draft is posted here. The Mercer Island City Council will hold a public hearing and first reading of an ordinance to make these amendments at its Regular Hybrid Meeting on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at approximately 5:30 pm, at the Mercer Island Community and Events Center. The City Council will receive comments on proposed amendments to Chapters 19.11, 19.12, 19.15, and 19.16 Mercer Island City Code relating to the design standards throughout the City and the design review process. The amendments are proposed to comply with recent changes in the state law enacted by House Bill 1293 and codified in RCW 36.70A.630.


    The City Council will host a public hearing and first reading of the ordinance during the June 3, 2025 City Council Meeting. Community members can provide comments in person at the MICEC, by phone or online via Zoom during the hearing provided they registered with the City Clerk at cityclerk@mercerisland.gov prior to 4pm on June 3. Comments may also be emailed to cityclerk@mercerisland.gov any time before the hearing closes.


    Detailed instructions on how to comment live during the public hearing will be available online on or before May 28, 2025, at: https://www.mercerisland.gov/bc-pc

  • Objective Design Standards Background

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    House Bill 1293 and RCW 36.70A.630

    In 2023, the WA Legislature enacted House Bill (HB) 1293. This bill added a new section to the Growth Management Act (GMA) that establishes new requirements and restrictions governing how cities and counties planning under the GMA can regulate building design. The new GMA section was codified as RCW 36.70A.630 – Local Design Review – Requirements and Restrictions. The Mercer Island City Code (MICC) must be consistent with RCW 36.70A.630 by June 30, 2025 (RCW 36.70A.630(5)).

    Mercer Island Design Standards

    In 1972, the City of Mercer Island adopted its first design standards, established a process for design review, and created the Design Commission (DC) to conduct some of the design review. That system of design standards and design review has been amended several times in the years since it was adopted but remains in effect. Much of the new development that occurs throughout the City, in both Town Center and other zones, is subject to some level of design review, excluding single-family dwellings and their accessory buildings, property owned by the City, and wireless communication facilities. The DC conducts design review for more complex proposals, including new buildings, additions, or exterior alterations to a building or site beyond a certain threshold. All other proposals are subject to administrative design review conducted by the code official or designee. The City’s design standards and review procedures are codified in Chapters 19.11, 19.12, and 19.15 MICC.

    Two Phased Approach

    The City will comply with RCW 36.70A.630 in two phases. Phase one is the adoption of interim regulations to make temporary amendments to comply with the bill in advance of the June 30, 2025 deadline. Staff is in the process of preparing this interim ordinance and will incorporate the Council’s feedback. Phase two will be the adoption of permanent code amendments to comply with the requirements. Phase two is expected to begin in early 2026 and include public outreach in the scope of work to gather input on the proposed amendments.

Page last updated: 07 May 2025, 03:37 PM