Commission discusses development agreements as tool for large projects; staff cites RCW

Commissioners asked whether the city should rely mainly on development‑code standards or on development agreements to manage large projects such as data centers. Staff and the director said the tools are complementary: performance standards in the development code provide predictable rules while development agreements allow negotiated mitigation and milestone requirements for unique developments.

Nicole Stickney explained development agreements are authorized under state law and are a legislative, city‑council decision that includes public comment. As read aloud in the meeting, staff cited the RCW reference for development agreements (read as "RCW 36 dot 70 b dot 170 f") to show the legal basis for the approach. Director Rosatello added that practice typically blends code amendments, performance standards and development agreements where appropriate.