Planning Commission recommends City Council approve AMC 20.04 zoning code amendment on lot splits and historic designation

The Arlington Planning Commission recommended that City Council approve the 2026 AMC 20.04 General Provisions Zoning Code Amendment, which includes added guidance on subdivisional lot splits and updates to historic-designation language connected to state law.

Community and Economic Development staff told the commission the amendments provide additional regulations for lot splits and incorporate changes linked to historic designation under House Bill 1576. Vice Chair Gail Roeber asked that paragraph 20.04.140 be reworded to lead with the designation authority. Roeber suggested the text begin, “This section applies to all historic landmarks as designated by the National Historic Register and/or State Historic Register,” saying that placing the designation upfront would make subsequent preservation provisions clearer. Staff responded, “So we can certainly make that change.”

Vice Chair Roeber moved that the Planning Commission recommend City Council approve AMC 20.04 (PJ 20-535) with the discussed verbiage adjustment; a second was given and the motion carried by voice vote. The Chair closed the public hearing on the amendment.

The commission’s recommendation sends the revised ordinance language to City Council for final action; the record notes the staff commitment to incorporate the specific wording change requested by Roeber.