“We plan today so that we will recognize tomorrow when it arrives . . . and with that recognition, feel good about what we have done.”

This simple statement expresses what planning for the community’s growth and development is all about – it increases predictability that Sequim’s future will be one that is achieved purposely rather than haphazardly, and it aspires to a future that is a healthy, desirable one for future generations. The City’s Growth Planning services exist to help the community grow and change in intentional ways as guided by long-range plans that direct city actions on development. Our citizens, businesses, and other community elements prepare these plans with the technical support of the DCD staff, and the plans are adopted by the City Council. Adopted plans are the basis for all development regulation and capital investment by the City.

Growth Planning occurs at various geographic scales and level of detail, and it sometimes focuses on specific topics. The following are examples of the many community plans facilitated by the Growth Planning function:

Sequim Comprehensive Plan (2006) – this is the current plan that guides the city’s overall growth and development, including expansion into urban growth areas through annexations and extension of services.
 
Sequim Comprehensive Plan Update Process (2012) – this is the project to prepare a new, highly-directive citywide plan to replace the 2006 plan which has lacked the effectiveness desired by the community.

Downtown Plan (2011) – a new plan to guide the growth and development in the city’s center to enhance local business opportunities, provide venues for civic and social interaction, and provide new lifestyle options for citizens.

Shorelines Master Program (updated 2012) – guides and regulates development within 200 feet of fresh and saltwater shorelines.

Transportation Master Plan – to insure integration into the citywide plan, DCD supports this planning conducted by Public Works