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 hosts public meeting at Black Diamond Bakery on holdings in Black Diamond
2008 –	YarrowBay hosts informational community Open House
2009 –	February, City of Black Diamond adopts updated Sensitive Areas Ordinance (Ord. 08-875)
2009 –	February, YarrowBay hosts informational community Open House on preliminary MPD Applications
2009 –	March, City of Black Diamond adopts updated Master Planned Development code (Ord. 09-897)
2009 –	March, YarrowBay hosts second informational community Open House on preliminary MPD Applications
2009 –	May, YarrowBay submits The Villages and Lawson Hills MPD Applications
2009 –	June, City of Black Diamond adopts updated Comprehensive Plan and other City codes, and repeals 15 year development moratorium on Master Planned Developments (MDP) and Sub-devisions

This summary* provides a very general overview of the environmental review and master planning processes that apply to the YarrowBay Master Planned Developments (MPDs) in Black Diamond. The City of Black Diamond is preparing two thorough environmental impact statements (EISs) for two MPDs. The EISs identify and evaluate the impacts and related mitigation of a range of development scenarios. The information and analyses contained in the EISs inform the MPD applications. While the EISs are being prepared, and with the benefit of considerable environmental analysis, YarrowBay has prepared and submitted two MPD permit applications. The City is taking the applications through an extensive review and MPD hearings will commence after the City publishes the Final EISs.

There will be numerous opportunities for public participation and comment during the EIS and MPD processes. YarrowBay hopes the citizens of Black Diamond will participate in these important review and planning procedures. While they do not authorize any construction activities, completion of the EIS and MPD processes sets the foundation for what will be created in the future.

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.