The R-1 zoning district encompasses 1,291 acres and is the largest single zone within the city.

The moratorium means that the city will not accept building permit applications, land use applications and any other application for development, rezoning or improvement of real property within the R-1 zone.

There are exceptions. The moratorium does not affect vested development. Nor does it apply to permit applications for the remodeling, expansion, restoration or refurbishment of existing single-family and multi-family residential structures; or to permit applications for publicly owned structures and facilities.

During the moratorium, the city will conduct and analyze comprehensive environmental studies to learn the level of resource sensitivity in the R-1 zone and to gauge what impacts intensified development might have on these resources. It’s a question of whether the city’s land use development policies and regulations also protect critical areas and endangered species.

A public hearing on the moratorium is scheduled for 7: 30 p.m. May 1 at City Hall, 17301 133rd Avenue NE.

Approximately 150 people attended this March 20 City Council meeting.

No fewer than 25 gave public comment about the moratorium. Here is what some community members had to say.

Matt Jenson said that he was not anti-growth, but that unmanaged growth would damage the Bear Creek Basin and Lake Leota. He also cited current traffic problems that he believed were already overwhelming.

“We need time to protect Woodinville’s environment,” said Jenson. He urged the passage of the moratorium.

Fred Green thanked the council for bringing the moratorium forward, particularly Councilmember Chuck Price who at the March 13 council meeting expressed serious concern about stormwater runoff and the quality of Lake Leota and the creeks and streams coming into and discharging out of the lake. Price voiced concern about further detriment to these surface water and groundwater resources and to the endangered fish they support if the city does not act immediately.

“Pass the moratorium as-is,” said Green. “Don’t put it off. No doubt you will feel pressure from developers. You have our full support.”

Steve Gottschalk said, “Threats to the environment exist right now.” He said the city needed comprehensive studies of streams, groundwater, geologic conditions and traffic problems.

Dave Henry told the council, “Take a look at what’s going on tonight. … We’re not happy with the job (the city) is doing. We want you to listen to us.” He encouraged the council to adopt the building moratorium.

Susan Boundy-Sanders cited landslide and erosion hazards in the R-1 zone. “… Thumbs up for the R-1 moratorium based on safety and quality of life for the City of Woodinville.”

Sharon Peterson said that city needs a task force with citizens willing to speak out and be a part of the process so that the city could come to a 360-degree view (of the significant risks and threats to Woodinville’s environment that increased development would cause).