Planning & Community Development

Department Goal:  Maintain a unique and vibrant community that promotes economic growth and healthy neighborhoods with sustainable development and environmental protection.

The Planning and Community Development Department provides a variety of services including land use and building permits, environmental review, comprehensive plan and code development, and parks planning.  The Boards and Commissions are also supported and staffed by this department.  The Planning and Community Development Department has four primary divisions:  Planning, Building, Economic Development, and Parks and Recreation.
  • The Planning Division provides short-term and long-range planning functions.  Long- range planning includes code amendments and development, as well as maintaining goals of the Growth Management Act and compliance with regulatory agencies.  Short-term planning includes reviewing business licenses and projects that are to be completed in the near term, such as subdivisions and building permits.
  • The Building Division provides plan review for structures inside the city for compliance with building codes, including, decks, single family residences and commercial projects The Building Division is also responsible for building inspections and code enforcement.
  • The Economic Development division provides guidance for business and economic growth within our community to create and maintain a strong vibrant local economy. 
  • The Parks and Recreation division provides direction in development of parks and recreation within the city.  The parks in Lake Stevens are beautiful places for conversation and recreation, and the Parks and Recreation division ensures the preservation of spaces for people to use and enjoy.