The Snoqualmie Hearing Examiner recently approved a conditional use permit for a special needs facility to be located at 384th Avenue SE in Snoqualmie. The facility, run by the nonprofit Life Enrichment Options (LEO), would house up to six residents, one of whom is a caretaker.

Community Development Director Mark Hofman confirmed that special needs housing is allowed in constrained residential zoning with a conditional use permit. The site was cleared of a trailer and an existing house to create a new single-family home.

According to Fred Nystrom of Milbrandt Architects, who spoke on behalf of LEO, an estimated 5,000 disabled individuals live with aging parents in King County, with no local long-term housing options.

This would be LEO’s first group home in the Snoqualmie Valley. LEO is a community-based organization advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their goals through supportive housing, recreation, employment opportunities, and community education. The organization, which has operated group homes in Western Washington for three decades, has built three group homes in King County.

The public has until Friday, March 2, for any appeal of the Hearing Examiner’s decision. For more information, contact Jason Rogers at jrogers@ci.snoqualmie.wa.us.