The city of Kirkland is studying various city wide amendments to the zoning and municipal codes.

Study sessions are scheduled for the Planning Commission on Thursday, Sept. 12 and the Houghton Community Council on Monday, Sept. 23. Both meetings begin at 7 p.m. in the Kirkland City Hall Council Chambers, at 123 Fifth Ave. The meetings are open to the public.

Based on an ongoing list of issues, code interpretations, requests from the public and from the Kirkland City Council and needs identified by staff, proposed amendments are periodically forwarded to the Kirkland Planning Commission and the Houghton Community Council for their consideration.

The following list highlights some of the issues being considered:

• Allow clustering of undisturbed areas in Holmes Point overlay zone subdivisions

• Consider screening standards for stand-alone solar arrays

• Allow lots with low-impact development standards as part of a conventional subdivision

• Clarify process to amend the zoning code

• Clarify relationship between Comprehensive Plan goals and policies and development regulations

• Reduce process for zoning permit decisions, where possible.

The staff memo for the Planning Commission meeting will be available on Friday, Sept. 6, after 5 p.m. The staff memo for the Houghton Community Council meeting will be available on Monday, Sept. 16, after 5 p.m.

For more information, contact Joan Lieberman-Brill, Kirkland Planning Department, at (425) 587-3254 or jbrill@kirklandwa.gov.