Town Center Potential Impacts - Environment

Sammamish has robust environmental protections that apply to development including critical/sensitive areas regulations, stormwater regulations, and site development and building regulations.

How Density Impacts the Environment

Increased density in the Town Center saves more land than traditional single-family homes. In the big picture, density in urban areas helps prevent sprawl so that we can all still enjoy Washington’s wild spaces

Protecting Critical Areas and Green Spaces

The Town Center plan and code requires protection of 83 acres of critical areas (including wetlands, stream corridors, and steep slopes) and the incorporation of buffers and setbacks within development plans. The Town Center Plan includes using undeveloped land as purposeful open, green spaces. The existing Town Center Plan already includes a lot of open space via a “green spine” as well as active open space in the town square, which would essentially expand the Sammamish Commons Park north into Town Center. 

Additional Environmental Benefits:

• Development in Town Center will improve stormwater due to installation of new facilities
• Landscaping Regulations emphasize drought tolerant and native species
• Green Building incentives are expected to be developed in 2026