Middle Housing: An Everett 2044 Update
At our July 31st city council meeting, our Planning Director, Yorik Stevens-Wajda, shared some additional information regarding updates to our city’s Everett 2044 Comprehensive Plan, our blueprint for growth over the next 20 years. These updates included several updates surrounding land use/zoning, the goals, policies, and actions, and middle housing.
Regarding land use and zoning, these adjustments are still under discussion, though it was shared that, out of the alternative options provided, the 3rd alternative is the most popular at this time. Staff recognize that this could change in the future, and the idea is to view the alternatives as more of starting points for future development as opposed to fixed plans. These zoning changes will increase density in certain areas of the city, as well as add utilities and adjust zoning in other areas where it makes sense according to the environment and current use. The environmental impact statement will be out later this year and, if you’d like to check out the 3 alternatives and learn more about these adjustments, you can find them on the Spring 2024 Update page.
When it comes to goals, policies, and actions, the city is working with 12 plan elements that they are bringing to the Planning Commission meetings throughout the year. Currently, the Commission has started discussions on climate change and resiliency, as well as on housing, and other topics are scheduled for future meetings. Since we’ll continue to get updates on these changes on a rolling basis, you can learn more about the goals on the Everett 2044 page, and you can always stay up-to-date by attending the Planning Commission meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of every month, starting at 6:30 PM.
One of the biggest changes we will be seeing as a city is regarding the last update, middle housing. Middle housing is a type of housing that has more than one dwelling unit within the structure or on a lot and is smaller than mid-rise apartment buildings. This type of housing only accounts for 24% of Everett’s current homes, in part because the 1954 zoning policies outlawed this kind of housing.
We’re looking at changes regarding middle housing because HB 1110 passed legislation in 2023. This bill requires more housing density in cities all over Washington, with capacity being determined by the total city population. So, in Everett’s case, the expectation is that we will alter our comprehensive plan, our policies, and our goals to ensure we can build four units per lot, six units per lot within 0.25 miles of walking distance of a transit stop, and six units per lot if at least two of the units are considered affordable housing.
The Planning Commission met in May and early June to discuss how to implement middle housing to make recommendations. The main goal of this implementation plan is to make sure a variety of housing opportunities are available throughout our whole community, regardless of the type of residential neighborhood, so that we can increase density sustainably in our city. That said, housing is not just the number of units, it’s also height, open space, parking, setbacks, streetscapes, design standards - in a word, character. Now, how we will balance the need for character and our need for density (as well as our need to meet state regulations) is something staff, electeds, and volunteers will be working to figure out until the ordinance formally comes into effect on June 31st, 2025.
That said, we as a community are just as much accountable for how our city grows and meets our needs as we progress forward. And because of this, public comment is needed! So, if you would like to offer your opinion or suggestion on these topics, please leave a comment, reach out to the city, and even sign up for text updates.
Angela Di Filippo currently works in State Social Services and recently earned her Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with extensive training in evidence-based leadership coaching. Angela moved from North Carolina to Washington 6 years ago and has proudly called Everett her home for 5 of those years. When not helping others solve problems in creative and strength-driven ways, Angela enjoys her time painting, hiking with her terrier-mix, Indy, and eating waffles.
