City of Sunnyside  

Periodic Update 2026

What is the Periodic Update?

The City of Sunnyside is a “Fully Planning” jurisdiction under the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA). As a fully planning City, Sunnyside is required to periodically update its Comprehensive Plan, Development Regulations, and Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) in accordance with state timelines (RCW 36.70A.130).   The City of Sunnyside, and other jurisdictions in Yakima County, are required to complete the update by December 31, 2026.

What is a Comprehensive Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan is a 20-year planning tool that identifies a series of goals, objectives, policies, actions, and standards that are intended to guide elected officials and local government staff. It is a high-level document that is used to inform policy decisions, code updates, and the development of capital projects. The Comprehensive Plan includes several elements, or chapters, such as transportation, capital facilities, utilities, land use, recreation, and housing. 

What are Development Regulations For?

Development Regulations are the adopted codes and laws of the City that determine standards and requirements for new development and re-development. These codes are primarily known as the Zoning Code and Subdivision Code. The City of Sunnyside is divided into different zoning districts that all have a unique purpose and set of standards to guide uses and development.

During this update process, Sunnyside will be identifying ways to implement several recent changes in State Housing Law:

HB 1220 (2021) – Significantly expanded housing requirements for Comprehensive Plans.

HB 1337 (2023) – Requires jurisdictions to allow two ADUs per lot.

HB 1998 (2024) – Requires jurisdictions to allow co-living housing.

SB 5258 (2024) – Requires jurisdictions to allow unit lot subdivisions.

SB 6015 ( 2024) – Established new parking standards for housing development

SB 6175 (2024) – Makes it easier to convert buildings from commercial to residential use

HB 2071 (2024) – Started process to change state residential building and energy codes for middle housing

SB 6059 (2024) – Recognized the importance of manufactured housing communities and provided protections for them.

Stay Informed!

If you would like to be added to the mailing list to get updates when notices are sent out, please send your contact information to Sunnyside Planning: despinoza@sunnyside-wa.gov  

Work Plan 

Sunnyside has Developed a Work Plan which identifies all grant-based deliverables as part of the Periodic Update project. The Work Plan was reviewed by the Planning Commission on January 14, 2025 and approved by Council on May 27, 2025.

Public Participation Program- English and Spanish available

The Public Participation Program (PPP) describes how the City will engage the public throughout the 2026 Periodic Update process. The PPP was reviewed by the Planning Commission on February 11, 2025 and approved by Council on May 27, 2025.