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Historical zoning records
King County Archives holds various types of historical zoning records created between 1937 and 1994. The zoning records in our holdings are not comprehensive. To learn about the zoning history for a specific property, several sources and records typically must be consulted.
Section 21A.06 of the King County Code provides definitions of technical terms related to zoning and land use. King County Archives staff cannot answer legal or technical questions about zoning issues.
King County currently performs three functions relating to zoning
- Establishes zoning classifications stating what kind of structures and activities can be undertaken on what kind of unincorporated county land.
- Applies the zoning classifications to specific parcels of land.
- Adjudicates appeals from property owners regarding zoning decisions. Since the early 1960s, this function has been handled by the King County Hearing Examiner, previously known as the Building and Subdivision Examiner. Please contact the Hearing Examiner's Office if you have any questions regarding zoning appeals.
King County zoning history - 1937 to 1969
In 1937, King County began its zoning program when state legislation authorized local land use planning. For 20 years, the county issued zoning codes, made zoning decisions about parcels of county land, and issued maps showing how those parcels had been zoned.
In 1958, a ruling by Superior Court Judge Malcolm Douglas invalidated all county zoning actions on a technicality of law (the county had not enacted a comprehensive plan). Individuals or attorneys must determine the effects or the legality of pre-1958 zoning with regard to specific issues or properties. View and download a digitized version of the ruling.
On August 12, 1958, King County re-enacted its pre-1958 zoning actions in legally sufficient form by passing Commissioner's Resolution 18801. This resolution remained in effect, with amendments, until 1964-1965, when King County developed a new comprehensive plan and with it, new zoning regulations and maps.
Zoning codes - Pre-1969
Before 1969, zoning classifications were established by King County Commissioners' resolutions. The resolutions define the classifications (residential, commercial, suburban, etc.), their sub-classification levels, and the kind of structures and activities permitted by each level of each classification. The classifications are represented alphanumerically, for example, R-1, C-2.
The major zoning resolutions (zoning codes) are listed below. These codes only define the classifications. They do not tell how the classifications were applied to a specific parcel of land. That function was carried out by the related maps that were generated under the authority of the resolutions.