Planning Timelines

Planning Growth for Black Diamond

1959 –	City of Black Diamond incorporated
1976 –	Foundation of BDHS: Historic Preservation and Restoration
1980 –	City of Black Diamond adopts first Comprehensive Plan
1990 –	Washington State adopts Growth Management Act (GMA)
1994 –	City of Black Diamond annexes 623 acres (Ord. 515) and 160 acres (Ord. 517)
1996 –	City of Black Diamond adopts Comprehensive Plan Update per GMA
1996 –	City of Black Diamond creates Urban Growth Area Agreement
2000 –	City of Black Diamond adopts Comprehensive Plan Update
2003 –	City of Black Diamond adopts Transfer of Development Rights program (Ord. 752)
2005 –	City of Black Diamond adopts Master Plan Development (Ord. 05-779)
2005 –	City of Black Diamond establishes Area Open Space Protection Agreement
2005 –	City of Black Diamond enacts Divisions of Land Ordinance (Ord. 05-780)
2006 –	YarrowBay Communities hosts public meeting at Black Diamond Bakery on holdings in Black Diamond
2008 –	YarrowBay hosts informational community Open House

This summary* provides a very general overview of the environmental review and master planning processes that will apply to future development of the YarrowBay Communities’ Master Planned Developments (MPDs) in Black Diamond. The City of Black Diamond will prepare two thorough environmental impact statements (EISs) for the two anticipated MPDs. The EISs identify and evaluate the impacts and related mitigation of a range of development scenarios. The information and analysis contained in the EIS informs the future MPD applications. While the EIS is being prepared, and with the benefit of considerable environmental analysis, YarrowBay will prepare and submit two MPD permit applications. Then the City will take the MPD applications through an extensive review and hearing process. MPD hearings will not commence until the City publishes the Final EISs.

While it is not known at this time which MPD will proceed first, the two Draft EISs will be published together to evaluate all of the future development. The first MPD will then proceed through the review processes. There will be numerous opportunities for public participation and comment during the EIS and MPDs processes. These are important review and planning processes but they do not authorize any construction activities. YarrowBay hopes the citizens of Black Diamond will participate in these important review and planning processes. Completion of the EISs and MPD processes set the foundation for what will be created in the future, but they do not authorize any construction activities.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Process
(BDMC 19.04)

•	City requires preparation of Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)
•	City holds public meeting on Scope (subjects) of EISs
•	City publishes Draft EISs (DEISs)
•	City holds Public Hearings on DEISs
•	City compiles and addresses comments submitted on DEISs in Final EISs (FEISs)
•	City publishes FEISs

Master Planned Development (MPD) Process
(BDMC 18.98)

•	City holds Pre-Application meeting with Applicant
•	City directs Applicant to hold Public Information meeting
•	City holds informational meeting with Planning Commission
•	City accepts Applications for MPDs
•	City staff review Applications and prepare Staff Report
•	City holds Public Hearings on MPD
•	City Council reviews MPD and issues Decision

More detailed information can be obtained from the City or YarrowBay.

*This summary of the planning process was prepared by YarrowBay. All planning and permitting processes are governed by state law and City regulations. The City will provide official information at appropriate times during the processes.