Ordinance 44051
ORDINANCE NO. 4405
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS,
WASHINGTON, ADOPTING PERMANENT DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO THE NEIGHBORBOOD
CENTERS AND HUBS THAT ARE IDENTIFIED IN THE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND REPEALING THE INTERIM
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS THAT WERE ADOPTED
WITH ORDINANCE 4382 AND EXTENDED WIITH
ORDINANCE 4396.
WHEREAS, the state legislature passed House Bill 1220 in 2021 (later codified as RCW
36.70A/070(2)(a) and 36.70A/070(2)()b)), which included a requirement for cities and counties to
plan for and accommodate the number of housing units needed for very low to moderate income
households, based on analysis and guidance from the state Department of Commerce
(“Commerce”); and
WHEREAS, HB 1220 and the Snohomish County Countywide Policies, require Edmonds
to plan for about 2400 housing units beyond its existing capacity; and
WHEREAS, the City’s strategy for compliance with the above planning requirements was
to designate neighborhood centers and hubs that could accommodate new multifamily housing and
commercial uses; and
WHEREAS, the City of Edmonds adopted its periodic Comprehensive Plan update on
December 17, 2024 to address the requirements for accommodating more housing, which includes
providing 20-year capacity for multifamily housing units in new neighborhood centers and hubs;
and
WHEREAS, the city’s development code needs to implement and be consistent with the
recently adopted comprehensive plan; and
WHEREAS, on January 14, 2025, the city council adopted Ordinance 4382, which adopted
interim regulations for neighborhood centers and hubs and codified those interim regulations in
chapter 16.120 ECDC; and
WHEREAS, the effectiveness of Ordinance 4382 was extended sixty days by the adoption
of Ordinance 4396 so that it will now expire on September 19, 2025; and
2
WHEREAS, the planning board made a recommendation to the city council concerning the
development standards for neighborhood centers and hubs on July 9, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the city council held a public hearing on the proposed permanent regulations
on July 22, 2025;
NOW, THEREFORE,
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, DO ORDAIN
AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Chapter 16.120 of the Edmonds Community Development Code, entitled
“Neighborhood Centers and Hubs,” is hereby amended to read as shown in Exhibit A, which is
attached hereto and incorporated herein as if set forth in full.
Section 2. Ordinances 4382 and 4396 are hereby repealed along with the prior version of
chapter 16.120 ECDC.
Section 3. The following portions of the Edmonds City Code and Edmonds Community
Development Code are hereby amended to conform with Section 1 and shall read as set forth in
Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein as if set forth in full (new text is
shown in underline; deleted text is shown in strikethrough):
A. ECC 4.12.055, entitled “Street Vendor Requirements;”
B. Chapter 3.38 ECC, entitled “Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption;”
C. Chapter 17.75 ECDC, entitled “Outdoor Dining;” and
D. Chapter 20.60 ECDC, entitled “Sign Code.”
Section 4. Severability. If any section, subsection, clause, sentence, or phrase of this
ordinance should be held invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of
the remaining portions of this ordinance.
Section 5. Effective Date. This ordinance being an exercise of a power specifically
delegated to the City legislative body, is not subject to referendum and shall take effect five (5)
days after passage and publication of an approved summary thereof consisting of the title.
APPROVED:
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED :
C~£;;);;SSEY
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY:
BY~
JEFFTARADA -
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK:
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL :
PUBLISHED:
EFFECTIVE DA TE:
ORDINANCE NO.:
MAYOR MIKE ROSEN
August 14, 2025
August 19, 2025
August 22, 2025
August 27, 2025
4405
3
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 4405
of the City of Edmonds, Washington
On the 19th day of August, 2025, the City Council of the City of Edmonds, passed
Ordinance No. 4405. A summary of the content of said ordinance, consisting of the title,
provides as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS,
WASHING TON, ADOPTING PERMANENT
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO
THE NEIGHBORBOOD CENTERS AND HUBS THAT
ARE IDENTIFIED IN THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
AND REPEALING THE INTERIM DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS THAT WERE ADOPTED WITH
ORDINANCE 4382 AND EXTENDED WIITH
ORDINANCE 4396.
The full text of this Ordinance will be mailed upon request.
DATED this 19th day of August, 2025.
4
SEY
Chapter 16.120
Neighborhood Centers and Hubs
Sections:
16.120.000 Purpose
16.120.010 EƯect and applicability
16.120.020 Definitions
16.120.030 Subdistricts
16.120.040 Uses
16.120.050 Site development standards
16.120.060 Community benefit for an incentive floor
16.120.070 Multifamily building types
16.120.080 Design standards
16.120.090 Signage
16.120.100 Motor vehicle parking
16.120.110 Bicycle parking facilities
16.120.120 Electric vehicle charging
16.120.000 Purpose.
The Neighborhood Centers and Hubs (NCH) Zone is established to promote the development of
neighborhood centers and neighborhood hubs as focal points within the city. Neighborhood
centers and hubs bring a mix of neighborhood retail, amenities, and services in proximity to
residents. They also help ensure capacity for multifamily housing to meet the city’s
forecasted need to accommodate a broad range of income levels, consistent with the
City’s Comprehensive Plan. Development in a neighborhood center or hub is intended to
be at a scale not much greater than what is possible around it and to encourage walkability
and an attractive environment that includes trees and open spaces.
16.120.010 EƯect and applicability.
A. This chapter applies to the neighborhood centers and hubs as designated in the
Comprehensive Plan.
B. Neighborhood centers are the areas of Westgate, Five Corners, Medical District
Expansion, and Firdale Village, as shown in Figure 2.5 of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
C. Neighborhood hubs are the areas of North Bowl, East Seaview, South Lake Ballinger,
West Edmonds Way, and Maplewood, as shown in Figure 2.5 of the City’s Comprehensive
Plan.
D. In the centers and hubs, single-family houses and their accessory or secondary uses
shall be subject to the requirements of Chapter 16.20 ECDC for single-family residential
uses.
E. Where this chapter conflicts with any other, this chapter shall prevail for the designated
centers and hubs.
16.120.020 Definitions. In implementing this chapter, the following definitions apply.
A. “Community services” mean services provided by a nonprofit or religious organization to
aid people in obtaining housing, food, or medical treatment.
B. “Incentive floor” means the extra or bonus story allowed in a Mixed-Use 4 or Mixed-Use 5
subdistrict if the conditions in ECD 16.120.060 are met.
C.” Indoor gathering space” mean an indoor space, such as a lobby, shared common
space, and meeting room, for permitted primary uses.
D. “Multifamily housing” means housing of at least four units attached to each other in
some combination or attached to commercial uses or community facilities.
E. “Pedestrian zone” means the area between the primary street and the exterior of a
building, excluding single-family houses and their accessory or secondary buildings, that is
less than twenty feet from a primary street.
F. “Pocket park” means a small outdoor area that provides dedicated space for passive or
active recreation, open to the public.
G. “Portable sign” means an A-frame sign that stands no taller than 36 inches or a
stanchion sign that stands no taller than 42 inches.
H. “Primary street” means the public street right-of-way that a building faces or when a
property borders two or more streets, the street that typically has the most traƯic.
I. “Retail” means the direct sale of goods to the public for use or consumption.
J. “Right-of-way-related uses” means bus stops, utilities, bicycle paths, pedestrian access,
landscape, and other uses for public benefit, as typically allowed within or adjacent to a
public right of way.
K. “Voluntary housing” means assisted living, retirement homes, senior housing, adult
family homes, and other housing where residents may voluntarily live.
16.20.030 Subdistricts. The NCH zone has the following subdistricts:
A. Mixed-Use 3, which provides for an allowed land use or mix of land uses where the
maximum standard height of buildings is no more than three stories and no additional
incentive floor is allowed;
B. Mixed-Use 4, which provides for an allowed land use or mix of land uses where the
maximum standard height of buildings is three stories without an incentive floor and where
four stories are allowed with an incentive floor;
C. “Mixed-Use 5”, which provides for an allowed land use or mix of land uses where the
maximum standard height of buildings is no more than four stories without an incentive
floor and where five stories are allowed with an incentive floor.
16.120.040 Uses.
A. Permitted primary uses are one or more of the following: multiple dwellings, single-
family dwellings built or permitted prior to January 1, 2025 and on the same building
footprint, other forms of voluntary housing, bed-and-breakfasts, commercial uses,
community facilities, community services, oƯices, open space, open air markets, pocket
parks, plazas, right-of-way-related uses, and community services.
B. Permitted accessory and secondary uses are one or more of the following: accessory
dwellings, home occupations, daycare, garages, workshops, mechanical equipment,
storage facilities, recreation, art, meeting rooms, commuter parking lots containing less
than ten designated spaces in association with a permitted primary use, private parking of
vehicles, indoor gathering spaces, and other uses that do not create a nuisance.
C. Prohibited uses are as follows: sexually oriented businesses, recreational marijuana,
half-way houses, hospitals, and hotels.
D. Any development may have a mix of permitted uses.
E. Multifamily housing that is developed with more than twenty units shall provide ground
floor commercial space that is equal to at least ten percent of the ground floor footprint.
F. Grocery and convenience stores must sell fresh produce and dairy or dairy-substitute
products. Less than half of the shelf and case space must be for the sale of alcoholic
beverages and packaged snack foods.
G. Outdoor dining is allowed, provided that, when within ten feet of a property in single-
family use, it is screened with a combination of plantings and fencing at six feet or more in
height. The provisions of EDC 17.70.040 do not apply to this district.
16.120.050 Site development standards.
A. Height.
1. The height of detached single-family houses and their accessory/secondary uses
is subject to ECDC 16.20.030 and 16.20.050, respectively.
2. Maximum number of stories for buildings in a center or hub, excluding detached
single-family houses and their accessory or secondary uses, shall be consistent
with Figure 2.5 of the Comprehensive Plan. Maximum standard height is identified
in this subsection, provided that exceptions may apply, pursuant to ECDC
16.120.050.A.3 and ECDC 16.120.060.
a. For Mixed-Use 3 subdistricts, buildings may be three stories tall and the
standard maximum building height is 30 feet, provided that it may be 33 feet
when the first-floor height is 12 feet. However, for any lot abutting or
immediately across the street from a single-family zone, the height of any
portion of a building that is within 20 feet of the property line shall be no
greater than 30 feet under any circumstances, even where criteria for height
exceptions, incentives or bonuses in this chapter are otherwise met.
b. For Mixed-Use 4 subdistricts, buildings may be either three stories tall,
with a standard maximum building height of 30 feet (or 33 feet when the first-
floor height is 12 feet) and not including an incentive floor, or four stories tall,
with a maximum height of 40 feet (or 42 feet if the first-floor height is 12 feet)
that includes one incentive floor. However, for any lot abutting or
immediately across the street from a single-family zone, the height of any
portion of a building that is within 20 feet of the property line shall be no
greater than 30 feet under any circumstances, even where criteria for height
exceptions, incentives or bonuses in this chapter are otherwise met.
c. For Mixed-Use 5 subdistricts, buildings may be four stories tall, with a
standard maximum building height of 40 feet (or 42 feet if the first-floor
height is 12 feet) and not including an incentive floor, or five stories tall, with
a maximum height of 50 feet (or 52 feet if the first-floor height is 12 feet) that
includes one incentive floor. However, for any lot abutting or immediately
across the street from a single-family zone, the height of any portion of a
building that is within 20 feet of the property line shall be no greater than 30
feet under any circumstances, even where criteria for height exceptions,
incentives or bonuses in this chapter are otherwise met.
3. Exceptions for additional building height may apply only to the extent that one of
the conditions in this subsection is met. Exceptions are not additive; no more than
one of the exceptions shall apply to any building.
a. For buildings achieving green building certification pursuant to ECDC
16.45.040 or ECDC 16.45.045 and that have commercial uses (excluding for
vehicle parking) comprising at least 50% of the ground floor area, up to five feet
higher than the standard maximum height in that location;
b. For areas of centers and hubs that are eligible for an incentive or bonus floor,
as identified in Figure 2.5 of the Comprehensive Plan, and that meet the criteria
for community benefit, pursuant to ECDC 16.120.060, an additional floor up to
10 feet in height is allowed.
B. Setbacks. For single-family houses and their accessory or secondary uses, the minimum
setbacks are as stated in Chapter 16.20 ECDC. For other buildings: Minimum street
setback is15 ft, except that the minimum street setback for a retail facility on a corner lot is
a minimum of 10 ft; Minimum side setback is 10 ft; Minimum rear setback is15 ft.
C. Lot coverage. Maximum coverage of a lot is 45%, provided that maximum lot coverage
for a single-family house is 35%.
D. Building location. At least one building on a site containing a primary use must have a
street-facing façade, of which two-thirds or more of the ground floor is located no further
than twenty feet from the primary street, provided that for a detached single-family and its
accessory or secondary uses, the setback requirements of Chapter 16.20 ECDC prevail.
E. Landscaping and lighting.
1. Any site not covered by an allowed use, such as a building or paved area, must be
landscaped. Up to 10% of the landscaping may be comprised of hardscape
materials, such as boulders and rockeries. Small wooded areas and areas planned
for environmental conservation may remain in a more natural state, as approved in
the site plan.
2. Outdoor lighting must be provided at all external building entries and stairways
and to illuminate the site’s address.
16.120.060 Community benefit for an incentive floor. An incentive or bonus floor at a
height up to 10 feet above the standard maximum height for its location will be permitted
when a development provides an approved plaza, pocket park, accessible open space, or
outdoor recreational site of at least 800 square feet for public use. The space must include
seating, landscaping, pedestrian access, and other amenities as part of a master plan that
has considered neighborhood input and been approved by the director or director’s
designee. The space must be maintained consistent with the approved master plan or a
revised master plan that has had public input and approval by the director or director’s
designee.
16.20.070 Multifamily building types. Multifamily building types may include apartments,
condominiums, townhomes, and mixed-use buildings that have at least four housing units.
16.120.080 Design Standards. Design standards are intended to encourage a pedestrian-
friendly appearance and avoid blank or unarticulated walls facing the street. The design
standards of this section do not apply to detached single-family houses and their
accessory or secondary uses. Design review will be conducted under ECDC 20.12.030.
A. The street-facing façade of a building must have one or more windows on the ground
floor with transparent glazing totaling at least fifty square feet for each thirty linear feet of
wall. Each floor above the ground floor must have one or more windows with transparent
glazing totaling at least twenty-five square feet for every thirty linear feet of wall.
B. At the ground floor, a garage shall not comprise more than 50% of the façade of a
building, including any townhome, that faces a primary street.
C. The street-facing façade of a building shall have at least two of the following:
1. Articulated walls that have 18 or more inches of plane change every 30 feet
2. Covered pedestrian entry, provided that the cover is: (a) at least one foot above
the pedestrian entry door: (b) a minimum of seven feet in width and two feet in
depth; and (c) attached to the building.
3. Masonry base that extends at least three feet high from ground level
4. Windows that result in 50% more transparent glazing area than the minimum
required in 16.120.080.A.
5. Landscaped courtyard that is at least one/third of the building width and at least
ten feet deep.
6. One balcony per unit above the ground floor that shares a common wall with the
street-facing facade. Such balconies must be a minimum of two feet in depth and
four feet in width and accessible from an interior room.
D. Buildings shall have either a pitched roof of at least 3:12 pitch visible to the primary
street or a roofline visible to the primary street that has a parapet or fascia to define its
edge.
E. Any oƯ-street parking must be provided at the side or rear of a building that fronts and is
within twenty feet of a primary street.
F. The pedestrian zone shall include pedestrian and ADA access to the building entry. The
remaining area must be filled by any combination of landscaping, planting containers,
seating, dining tables, receptacles for trash or recycling, artwork, bicycle or scooter
parking, rain gardens, paved pedestrian space (which may include pervious paving), other
approved pedestrian amenities, a maximum of one portable sign per twenty linear feet,
signage attached to the building, and as required, utility equipment and fire apparatus,
16.120.090 Signage. Only signage attached to a building and not supported from the
ground is permitted pursuant to requirements of Chapter 20.60 ECDC, provided that
portable signs are allowed within the pedestrian zone, up to one portable sign per twenty
linear feet. Wall signs, window signs, and projecting signs are subject respectively to ECDC
20.60.030, 20.60.035, and 20.60.040.
16.120.100 Motor vehicle parking. Motor vehicle parking, other than for electric bicycles
or electric scooters, is not allowed within the pedestrian zone.
A. For single-family houses, two oƯ-street parking spaces are required. For accessory
dwellings, the parking requirements of ECDC 16.20.050 apply.
B. For a multiple dwelling, oƯ-street parking is required at a ratio of:
1. At least 1.0 parking space per unit with less than 800 square feet living space;
2. At least 1.25 parking spaces per unit with 800-1200 square feet of living space;
3. At least 1.75 parking spaces per unit with more than 1200 square feet of living
space.
C. For commercial uses in a building, oƯ-street parking is required at a ratio of:
1. One space for 800 square feet of commercial use when street parking is available
in front of the building (measured from the nearest property line or within 60 feet of
it.
2. One space per 400 square feet if street parking is not available in front of the
building (measured from the nearest property line) or within 60 feet of it.
3. Bed and breakfasts must have one oƯ-street parking space per guest unit.
4. A commercial or mixed-use building that has less than 400 square feet of
commercial space is not required to have oƯ-street parking if street parking is
available in front of the building (measured from the nearest property line) or within
60 feet of it.
D. For community facilities, oƯ-street parking spaces are required pursuant to ECDC
17.50.020.C.
16.120.110 Bicycle parking facilities. Short-term and long-term bicycle parking is required
with development, pursuant to Chapter 17.20 ECDC.
16.120.120. Electric vehicle charging. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is required
per ECDC 17.115.040.
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 1 of 26
Chapter 16.120
NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS AND HUBS MIXED-USE
Sections:
16.120.000 Purpose
16.120.010 Applicability
16.120.020 Definitions
16.120.030 NCH Zoning District Overlays
16.120.040 Uses
16.120.050 Site Development Standards
16.120.060 Open Space and Amenity Space
16.120.070 Design Standards
16.120.080 Parking Requirements
16.120.090 Bonus Height Incentive Criteria
16.120.000 Purpose.
The Neighborhood Centers and Hubs (NCH) zoning designation is established to
implement the Comprehensive Plan’s vision for compact mixed-use areas that
accommodate future growth and development within the City. These areas are intended to
encourage and support:
A. Neighborhood-scale mixed-use developments with retail, offices, services, and amenity
spaces along with residential uses.
B. A variety of housing types to increase the availability of a diverse range of housing
options affordable across income levels.
C. Pedestrian-oriented environments that reduce vehicle dependency and provide access
to everyday needs.
D. Local businesses and attract a diverse range of enterprises and investments to promote
City’s economic vitality.
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 2 of 26
16.120.010 Applicability.
A. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all lots located within the designated NCH
zone, as indicated on the zoning map.
B. The standards established in this chapter apply to all new developments, including any
remodels or major additions where the total gross floor area of an existing building is
increased by 50 percent or more.
C. Where this chapter conflicts with any other chapters of the Edmonds Community
Development Code (ECDC), the standards of this chapter shall prevail.
16.120.020 Definitions.
In implementing this chapter, the following definitions apply:
“Active use” means a use that generates pedestrian activity and has publicly accessible
entrance and visible street-facing facades. Examples include retail, personal services, food
and beverage establishments, galleries, and similar uses that are open to the public during
regular business hours.
“Build-to-line” is a specified distance or range from the street property line where at least
60% of the primary building façade must be placed. Unlike a setback, which sets a
minimum distance, a build-to-line requires the building to front the street, helping create a
defined street edge and support walkable, engaging public spaces.
“Building Frontage” refers to the front part of the building that faces and interacts with the
street or public space. It focuses on the building's design and its relationship to the
pedestrian environment.
“Commercial Use, Neighborhood” refers to small-scale, pedestrian-focused businesses that
serve the immediate neighborhood by providing everyday goods or personal services on
site, such as, but not limited to, grocery (10,000ௗsf or less of total leasable floor area); cafés;
bakeries; pharmacies; salons; small retail or medical/professional offices (3,000 sf or less of
leasable floor area per tenant); fitness centers (10,000 sf or less of leasable floor area); and
commercial with limited outdoor display of goods such as landscaping and nursery
supplies, seasonal displays (e.g., pumpkins, Christmas trees, flower baskets) are allowed
provided the use is integrated into the site design and screened from adjacent uses and
public rights-of-way through landscaping, fencing, or similar design features. Uses
expressly not included in this definition are warehouses, self-storage, drive-through
facilities, automobile-related services, and wrecking yards.
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 3 of 26
“Community Benefit Amenity” refers to enhanced indoor or outdoor spaces that are made
permanently accessible to the general public and are provided as part of a development in
exchange for additional building height as an incentive bonus. These amenities go beyond
standard requirements. All types of public and private amenity spaces are accepted as
community benefit amenities.
“Incentive floor” refers to an additional or bonus story that can be added above the
maximum permitted base height in the Mixed-Use 4 or Mixed-Use 5 overlay areas ,
provided that the criteria outlined in ECDC 16.120.090.C are met.
“Industrial, Artisanal” refers to small-scale manufacturing or production facilities that focus
on the creation or assembly of goods with little to no perceptible off-site impact, such as
noise, smoke, fumes, or noxious gases to adjacent properties. These spaces typically
include enclosed fabrication studios, workshops, and craft production areas dedicated to
artisanal practices, offering hands-on work environments and often integrating on-site
learning or retail outlets. Examples include but not limited to art studios, ceramic studios,
custom furniture makers, woodshops, dyeing workshops, artisan bakeries, 3D printing, etc.
“Live/work unit” refers to a building or portion of a building that combines commercial or
light industrial activity with a residential living space for the owner of the business, the
owner’s employee, or their household. These units are designed to accommodate both
uses within the same space.
“Open Space”, for the purpose of this chapter refers to unbuilt, uncovered areas on-site,
excluding public amenity spaces. Examples include natural areas, protected critical areas,
including wetlands, stream buffers, steep slopes, stormwater management features,
buffers, and landscaped setback areas. Paved areas are not considered open spaces. These
areas are not required to be publicly accessible or usable.
“Pedestrian area” refers to the area adjacent to the street, extending from the curb (or
edge of pavement if there’s no curb) to the edge of the building within the street setback
area.
“Pedestrian Area” consists of three zones along the public frontage:
1. Activity Zone: the space between the building face and the Pedestrian Zone.
Accommodates features that enhance street-level activation, such as seating, retail
displays, planters, public art, signage and weather protection within 2’ from the building
front.
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 4 of 26
2. Pedestrian Zone: a continuous, unobstructed through-way, minimum 7 feet clear.
3. Streetscape Zone: area between the curb and the Pedestrian Zone for street trees
and furnishings, minimum 5 feet where mapped or required by engineering standards.
“Pocket Park” means a small outdoor area that provides dedicated space for passive or
active recreation, open to the public.
“Private Amenity Space” refers to shared indoor or outdoor areas within a private
development that are commonly used and accessible only to the residents of the building.
Examples include, but are not limited to lobbies, lounge areas , club room, fitness room,
play areas, co-working spaces, rooftop decks/terraces and other similar facilities.
“Public Amenity Space” refers to usable outdoor spaces within a private development that
are permanently open and accessible to the general public for recreation, relaxation, or
social interaction. Examples include, but are not limited to plazas, pocket parks, courtyards,
community gardens, active or passive recreational areas, outdoor dining areas and other
similar spaces.
“Right-of-way-related uses” means bus stops, utilities, lighting, public signage, bicycle paths,
pedestrian access, landscape, and other uses for public benefit, as typically allowed within
or adjacent to a public right of way.
“Stepback” means the upper portion of a building that is required to be set (or stepped)
further back than the minimum setback.
“Street Frontage” refers to the portion of the property that directly faces and is accessible
from a street or public right-of-way. It typically refers to the length of the property
boundary that abuts the street.
“Through-Block Connection” means a privately-owned, publicly accessible pedestrian route,
with bicycle access, that provides a continuous and accessible path through a residential
block, within a private development. It is typically connected to the street sidewalk, often
established through a public access easement. These are designed to improve pedestrian
and bicycle connectivity between two sides of a block or to adjacent streets, sites, or public
spaces.
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 5 of 26
16.120.030 NCH Zoning District Overlays
NCH is the base zoning designation for neighborhood centers and hubs, as identified in the
City’s Comprehensive Plan.
Three overlays found within the NCH zoning district. These overlays serve to manage
building form (e.g., building height) and designate where commercial uses are required.
NCH overlays are as follows:
A. NCH-4 Overlay
1. Applicable to areas designated as MU-4 in the Future Land Use Map of the
Comprehensive Plan.
2. Permits a bonus fourth floor when the project meets the criteria for an incentive
bonus floor, as outlined in Section 16.120.090 ECDC.
B. NCH-5 Overlay
1. Applicable to areas designated as MU-5 in the Future Land Use Map of the
Comprehensive Plan.
2. Allows a fourth floor by-right and permits a bonus fifth floor when the project meets
the criteria for an incentive bonus floor, as outlined in Section 16.120.090 ECDC.
C. Commercial Ground Floor Overlay (GFCO)
1. Applicable to areas designated in the maps located in (3) of this subsection.
2. Designates areas where ground-floor commercial uses are required to support a
comfortable and safe walking environment, as indicated in the Commercial Ground
Floor Overlay maps in this subsection.
3. Requirements:
a. New development must include active ground-floor uses that promote
walkability and engage the public realm
b. Ground-floor commercial uses must occupy at least 60 percent of the total
lineal frontage of any building façade that abuts a public street or public amenity
space, as applicable. These commercial uses must extend to a minimum depth
of 45 feet from the front face of the building.
c. Residential uses, including live-work units or parking-related uses shall not
be considered towards the active commercial ground floor overlay requirement.
D. Overlay Maps
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 6 of 26
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 7 of 26
Neighborhood Hubs
Lake Ballinger Maplewood
242ND STSW
3: ~ ~ ~ -"' ~ ;;s
" 3:
"' ~ ,l' 196th ST SW
~
3: .s ~ ~ ~ ;,
-,/,/
ff
LAKE BALLINGER WAY
West Edmonds Way North Bowl
Puget Dr
226TH STSW
East Seav iew
196thSTSW
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 8 of 26
16.120.040 Uses
The permitted uses are intended to support a vibrant, mixed-use environment by providing
access to neighborhood-oriented goods and services.
Primary Uses
Any primary use allowed in the LDR zone district
Multi-family housing
Co-living
Live/Work units
Commercial, General1
Commercial, Neighborhood2
Offices and Service uses
Industrial, Artisanal
Community and cultural facilities
Daycare centers
Hotels3
Religious institutions
1 Centers only.
2 Commercial use in hubs is limited to Commercial, Neighborhood only.
3 Westgate, Medical District Expansion, Five Corners Centers only.
Secondary and accessory uses
Accessory dwellings (only in conjunction with existing single-family homes)
Bed and Breakfast
Home occupations
Commuter Parking lots* (only in conjunction with a facility otherwise permitted in this
zone)
Loading zones
Private parking of vehicles
Outdoor dining consistent with ECDC 17.75
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 9 of 26
Prohibited Uses
Automobile sales and services
Industrial or heavy manufacturing
Warehouses or self-storage facilities
Mobile home parks
Sexually Oriented Businesses
Drive-in Businesses
Recreational Marijuana
Commercial parking lots
Hospitals
Motels
Wholesale
16.120.050 Site Development Standards
A. Applicability.
1. The standards in this section apply to all development in the NCH zone unless
stated otherwise.
2. Single-family dwellings and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the NCH zone shall
comply with these standards except:
a. Building height, lot coverage, and unit density are governed by the LDR -M
overlay standards in ECDCௗ16.20; and
b. Build-to-line requirements do not apply.
B. Site development standards table.
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 10 of 26
NCH NCH-4 NCH-5
Height Maximum, base1, 2 30’ 30’ 40’
Additional building height allowances:
Ground floor commercial projects +3’ +3’ +3’
Bonus height incentives (shall not be combined):
Community benefit incentive
(per subsection 16.120.90 ECDC)
N/A +10’ +10’
Green building incentive
(per subsection 16.120.90 ECDC)
+5’ +5’ +5’
Street setback 7’ 7’ 7’
Build-to-line 15’ 15’ 15’
Rear setback 0’2 0’2 0’2
Side setback 0’/10’2 0’/10’2 0’/10’2
1 Maximum height shall exclude railings, chimneys, parapets, mechanical equipment and
other exterior building appurtenances that do not provide interior livable space. However,
these features shall not occupy more than 20% of the building’s roof surface area if they
exceed the maximum height.
2 Site development standards when adjacent to an LDR zone:
Height: Any portion of a building located withinௗ20ௗft of an LDR-zoned lot is limited
toௗ30ௗft in height, regardless of other height allowances, bonuses, or incentives in this
chapter. Non-enclosed architectural elements, such as balconies, railings, parapets, and
similar features, may extend into the required stepback area up to a maximum of five
feet.
Side setback: 10 feet.
Rear setback: Equal to the required rear setback of the abutting LDR zone overlay.
16.120.060 Open Space and Amenity Space
A. Open Space
All new developments must provide a minimum of 15% of the lot area as open space.
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 11 of 26
B. Public Amenity Space
1. All mixed-use/commercial developments must include at least 10% of the building
footprint as public amenity space.
2. Development projects with no commercial or area less than 2,500 sf are exempt
from this requirement.
3. Parking only projects with lot area of 2,000 sf or more shall provide public amenity
space equal to at least five percent of the parking area.
C. Private amenity space
A minimum of 5% of the total residential floor area must be provided as private amenity
space, for all projects that include residential use.
16.120.070 Design Standards
A. Purpose.
These standards: (1) ensure a safe, pedestrian-oriented public realm; (2) enhance the
quality of mixed-use places; (3) support economic vitality; and (4) promote cohesive,
functional design.
B. Administration.
1. Planning and Development staff shall approve, conditionally approve, or deny
applications based on compliance with this section.
2. The Architectural Design Board may approve a departure as a Type III decision,
when the applicant demonstrates equal or better achievement of the purpose and
intents in this subsection. Any departure must be supported by specific findings.
C. Site access and circulation.
1. Intent. This section is intended to provide safe, direct, and convenient pedestrian
facilities between all buildings or structures, public streets and sidewalks, and parking.
Pedestrian access is important for the overall function, activity level, and comfort of all
users.
2. Sidewalks & Walkways.
a. Provide sidewalks consistent with the Pedestrian Area (subsection c) and
Engineering standards.
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 12 of 26
b. Provide on-site walkways at least five feet wide connecting all primary
entrances, public amenity spaces, parking areas, adjacent sidewalks, and transit
stops. All connections must be ADA-compliant.
Pedestrian Area Illustration
3. Through-Block Connections (where required).
a. Provide a publicly accessible connection at least 10 feet wide and ADA-
compliant. The exact alignment to be finalized during review.
b. Connections must remain open to the public at all times. These shall be
considered as public amenity space to satisfy the base requirement.
c. Activate at least 60 percent of the connection length with active ground-floor
uses, such as but not limited to storefronts, publicly accessible courts, plazas, or
pocket parks.
d. The Planning and Development Director may approve an alternative
provided that the proposal meets the intent of this subsection and maintains
connectivity.
e. Through-block connection illustration:
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 13 of 26
Through-block Connection Illustration
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 14 of 26
f. Through-block connection Maps
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 15 of 26
4. Vehicular Access & Parking.
a. Minimize curb cuts and design driveways to prioritize pedestrian safety.
b. Locate surface parking to the side or rear of the primary building. Within 100
feet of the primary street, surface parking may occupy no more than 40 percent
of the street frontage.
c. No parking or loading areas are allowed within 25 feet of the public right-of-
way except short-term loading approved during review.
d. Parking areas must provide perimeter landscape screening at least 5 feet
wide along streets and public amenity spaces, per 20.13 ECDC.
5. Parking Structures & Lot Connectivity
a. Structured parking is prohibited on the ground floor along the primary
frontage to a minimum depth of 20’ from the front face of the building.
b. Where adjacent lots include parking areas, provide vehicular and pedestrian
connections to facilitate circulation. Shared access points are encouraged.
D. Building Design.
1. Building Placement & Orientation.
a. Buildings shall be oriented to the public right-of-way or to a public amenity
space that is connected to the sidewalk.
b. At least 60 percent of the primary street-facing façade must be placed within
the build-to-line and setback.
c. Where a constraint prevents strict compliance with this requirement,
measure the build-to line one foot from the constraint.
d. Storage and mechanical rooms are not permitted along primary frontages
unless required for life safety.
2. Entries.
a. Buildings that abut the Pedestrian Area shall include a primary pedestrian
entrance opening directly to the Pedestrian Area or to a publicly accessible
amenity space that is connected by a walkway.
b. For ground floor commercial frontages, provide a pedestrian entrance at
least every 50 lineal feet of building along the primary frontage.
c. For rear/interior buildings behind the build-to line, the primary entrance may
face an internal pedestrian walkway that connects continuously to the public
sidewalk or a publicly accessible plaza/courtyard.
3. Frontage Types.
Every building must use one or more of the frontage types found in this subsection.
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 16 of 26
: Serbild<I R.O.W
I 5etbiKk R. 0 . W
r
I SetbiKk I R.O.W
SHOPFRONT
Characterized by large . transparent gl azing
with recessed entr ies, awn in gs, canopies, or
signage bands providing d irect access from
the si dewa lk, and space for comme rcial
d isp lay or entry.
Standards :
A
B
C
Minim um Setback
Height. Clear
Depth. Clear
7'min
8'min
4'min
A covered pedestrian walkway offering
con ti nuous si dewalk she lt er-ideal or mixed-
use or o ice bu il dings. T he gallery/arcade sha ll
be no less than 8'wide.
A Minimum Setbac k 7' min
B Heigh t, Cl ear 8'min
C Depth, Clear 4'min
D Ga ll er y/A r cade width 8'min
A sma ll communa l space, courtya r d. o r a
pl aza that serves an amen ity space and
pr im a ry access for multiple un its such as
cafes. r etai l stores. r es i dent i al units, etc.
A Minim um Setback 7' min
B Height. Cl ear 8'min
C Depth. Clear 4'min
D Courtya rd wi dth/length 1 5' min
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 17 of 26
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 18 of 26
Transparency & Blank Walls
a. Ground-floor commercial: minimum 65 percent transparency between 2 feet
and 10 feet above grade level along the primary building façade.
b. Ground-floor non-commercial: minimum 50 percent transparency between 2
feet and 10 feet above grade level along the primary building façade.
c. Upper floors on street-facing façades: minimum 30 percent transparency.
d. Glass must be transparent and non-reflective. Mirrored or darkly tinted glass
is prohibited.
e. Blank walls longer than 20 feet along primary frontages are prohibited unless
treated with art, green walls, or architectural detail at intervals of 20 feet or less.
4. Massing & Articulation
a. Applicability: Street-facing façades with three or more stories. Secondary
buildings that are set back behind a primary building and not visible to the street
are exempt from the requirements of this subsection.
b. Provide at least three strategies to provide articulation to a building,
including at least one horizontal and one vertical, such as recesses or projections
(minimum 18 inches), bay windows or balconies, canopies, upper-floor step-
backs (minimum 3 feet), use of materials, distinct volumes or modules, or
equivalent features that add depth.
c. Provide vertical articulation at intervals no greater than 40 feet.
d. Express a distinct base and top; color alone does not satisfy this
requirement.
e. Balconies: provide balconies for at least 30 percent of dwelling units.
Balconies facing streets or public spaces must be at least 5 feet deep by 6 feet
wide and shall not be used for storage.
f. Rooflines shall include modulation (e.g., parapets, cornices, gables, height
variation, step-backs/overhangs, or material changes).
E. Amenity Spaces
1. Public Amenity Space
a. Public amenity spaces must be provided at ground level, visible and directly
accessible from the sidewalk.
b. The minimum dimension of the space shall be a minimum of 15 feet wide in
any direction.
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 19 of 26
c. Shall be designed for year-round use with seating, paving, pedestrian-scaled
lighting, or similar elements. Public art, water features, and stormwater features
are encouraged.
d. In multi-building projects, at least 50 percent of the required public amenity
area shall be centrally located as a shared plaza/courtyard and be a minimum 15
feet in any direction.
e. Decorative planting areas shall not exceed more than 20 percent of the
amenity surface area.
f. A public access easement shall be recorded. The space shall be open to the
public daily, at a minimum from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
2. Private Amenity Space
a. For buildings without active ground-floor use, locate private interior amenity
spaces on the ground floor to provide street level activation. This requirement
may be waived if the applicant provides alternative solution that meets the
intent of providing street level activation.
F. Screening & Utilities
1. Screen mechanical equipment, utilities, open storage, and trash/recycling from
public streets and adjacent properties. Roof-mounted equipment shall be screened by
parapets, integrated roof forms, or similar method that obscures the mechanical
equipment from view at street level.
2. Open storage inside or rear yards shall be screened by a solid fence or vegetative
barrier at least 5 feet high.
3. Do not place screening, including fences, within the Pedestrian Area or required
front setback unless part of an approved outdoor seating or merchandise area.
4. Screening shall maintain required access clearances and use durable, weather-
resistant materials.
G. Site Lighting
1. Illuminate entrances, sidewalks, walkways, through-block connections, and amenity
spaces for safety using full cut-off, down-directed fixtures, bollards, and/or solar LED.
2. Parking-lot pole height: maximum 25 feet.
3. Pedestrian-area lighting height: maximum 14 feet.
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 20 of 26
H. Protected Slopes
Protected Slope Illustration
1. Retain all existing trees and vegetation within protected slope areas as mapped.
2. No clearing, grading, or construction, including walls, may extend upslope of the
protected slope line.
3. Protected slope areas may count toward required open space.
16.120.080 Parking Requirements
A. Applicability and measurement.
1. These standards apply to new buildings, changes of use that increase required
parking, and additions that increase the total gross floor area of a building by 25
percent or more.
2. Rounding. When calculating required spaces, fractional results shall be rounded up
to the next whole space.
3. Mixed-Use Projects. Calculate residential and non-residential parking separately;
shared parking may satisfy a portion or all of the total requirement per subsection G.
4. Measurement of Floor Area. For parking calculations, “floor area” means gross floor
area (GFA), unless otherwise specified.
5. On-Street Parking Availability. For the purpose of subsection C, on-street parking is
considered “available within 150 feet” when:
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 21 of 26
a. The closest point of a legal, publicly accessible curb parking space is located
within 150 feet of any property line, measured along a public sidewalk or
accessible pedestrian route; and
b. Parking spaces are generally available to the public during the hours the use
is open (time limits of 30 minutes or less, restricted loading/valet zones, and
ADA-accessible spaces do not count toward availability).
B. Residential Parking.
1. Single-family dwellings, additions, renovations, and accessory dwelling units: parking
shall comply with parking requirements in 16.20.050 ECDC.
2. Multiple dwellings (per dwelling unit):
a. Units with less than 800 square feet of living space: minimum 1.0 space per
unit.
b. Units with 800–1,200 square feet of living space: minimum 1.25 spaces per
unit.
c. Units with more than 1,200 square feet of living space: minimum 1.75 spaces
per unit.
C. Non-Residential (Commercial) Parking.
1. Where qualifying on-street parking is available within 150 feet (see A.5. of this
subsection): minimum 1 space per 800 square feet of gross floor area.
2. Where qualifying on-street parking is not available within 150 feet: minimum 1
space per 500 square feet of gross floor area.
3. Exemption for small commercial tenancies. A commercial or mixed-use building
with less than 1,000 square feet of commercial floor area is exempt from the
requirements of this subsection.
D. Electric vehicle spaces.
1. Parking for electric vehicles shall be provided per 17.115 ECDC.
E. Community Facilities.
1. Parking for community facilities shall be provided per 17.50.020.C ECDC.
F. Location and Design.
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 22 of 26
1. Parking location and design shall comply with the Design Standards in 16.120.070
ECDC, including requirements for screening, pedestrian connections, and structured
parking.
G. Bicycle Parking.
1. Bicycle parking shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 17.120 ECDC.
H. Shared Parking (Optional).
1. The Planning and Development Director may approve shared parking between
different uses on the same site or within 600 feet walking distance when the applicant
demonstrates, using accepted industry methodology (e.g., ITE Shared Parking or
equivalent), that peak demands occur at different times and adequate spaces will be
available for all uses.
2. A shared parking agreement shall be recorded against all participating properties
and shall run with the land. If the agreement terminates, each use must demonstrate
independent compliance within 90 days or cease use of the deficient portion.
16.120.90 Bonus Floor Incentives
A. Purpose and Applicability.
1. Purpose. Provide clear, measurable incentives that deliver public benefits—
sustainability and community amenities—while allowing limited additional height or
floor area
2. Applicability. This section applies to parcels in the NCH zone as specified below.
Incentives are not additive; a development may use one incentive per building.
3. Cap. Incentives may not exceed one additional floor or 10 feet of additional height
beyond the maximum otherwise allowed. Where both height (feet) and number of
floors are regulated, the more restrictive applies.
B. Administration.
1. Review. The Planning and Development Director or designee shall review and
approve, conditionally approve, or deny incentives during development review based
on compliance with this section.
2. Submittals. Applicants shall provide site plans, floor area and height calculations,
narratives, and any additional documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance.
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 23 of 26
3. Security. The Planning and Development Director or designee may require a
performance bond or recorded covenant to ensure delivery and maintenance of the
qualifying public benefits.
C. Green Building Incentive.
1. Eligibility.
a. Applies to mixed-use developments with commercial on the ground floor ,
within the NCH zone.
b. All single-family residences are ineligible.
c. Applies to new buildings and to additions that increase gross floor area by 50
percent or more.
2. Bonus. Up to 5 feet of additional building height per bonus height incentive in
16.120.050 ECDC.
3. Certification.
a. Achieve LEED® Gold (appropriate rating system) or Built Green® 4 -Star
certification, or a higher level.
b. Each building qualifies independently based on its own certification.
4. Ground-Floor Activation. Provide active commercial uses along at least 60 percent of
the primary street or public amenity space frontage.
5. Verification.
a. Prior to final inspection, submit documentation demonstrating the project is
on track for certification.
D. Community Benefit Incentive (NCH-4 and NCH-5 Overlays Only).
1. Intent. Encourage high-quality public and community-oriented amenity spaces by
allowing a limited bonus floor.
2. Bonus. One additional floor not to exceed 10 feet above the otherwise allowed
height, provided qualifying amenity areas are delivered per this subsection.
3. Exchange Rates.
a. Outdoor Community Benefit Amenity Area: For each 1 sq ft of qualifying
outdoor public amenity area, the applicant may build up to 5 sq ft of bonus
gross floor area.
b. Indoor Community Benefit Amenity Area: For each 1 sq ft of qualifying indoor
community amenity area, the applicant may build up to 10 sq ft of bonus
gross floor area.
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 24 of 26
c. The bonus floor area granted is limited to the gross floor area located within
the additional floor enabled by this incentive.
4. Qualifying Outdoor Community Benefit Amenity Area must meet all the design
standards applicable to public amenity spaces per 16.120.070.E
a. Required public amenity space under 16.120.060 ECDC may count towards
outdoor community benefit amenity only to the extent it exceeds the minimum
otherwise required.
5. Qualifying Indoor Community Benefit Amenity Areas.
a. Types include but are not limited to publicly accessible coworking rooms,
public meeting rooms, and indoor recreation spaces.
b. Must be located on the ground floor or mezzanine with direct public access
from the sidewalk or a publicly accessible amenity space.
c. Publicly accessible during standard operating hours, defined as a minimum
of 8 consecutive hours per day, 5 days per week, including at least 1 weekend
day; schedule shall be posted at the entry.
d. A public access covenant and maintenance agreement shall be recorded.
6. Activation.
a. Building frontages abutting qualifying amenity areas shall contain active uses
along at least 60 percent of the amenity frontage.
7. Art eligibility, valuation, siting, and review.
a. Eligibility.
i. Art must be original work by a professional artist or artist team.
ii. May be integrated into site elements or architecture (e.g., paving,
railings, lighting elements) if the artistic component is the dominate
purpose.
iii. Not eligible: signage or advertising, wayfinding, standard streetscape
furniture, generic planters, landscaping alone, or items required for
code compliance.
b. Minimum valuation.
i. Provide at least 1 percent of the qualifying building valuation toward
eligible art costs.
ii. “Qualifying building valuation” means the building permit valuation of
the qualifying building, approved by the Building Official, excluding
land.
iii. Eligible costs may include artist fees, design, fabrication, installation,
specialty engineering, foundations, and lighting and power to the
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 25 of 26
artwork. Ineligible costs include developer overhead, non-art building
work, and routine site furnishings.
c. Location, visibility, and access.
i. The artwork must be physically integrated with and visible from the
public right-of-way or within the publicly accessible amenity space
used to qualify the incentive.
d. Durability, safety, and materials.
i. Materials must be high-quality, weather resistant and suitable for the
Pacific Northwest climate; install to meet applicable building/fire
codes.
ii. Provide a lighting plan if illumination is proposed. Lighting shall be
limited to the minimum necessary to achieve the desired artistic
effect.
e. Ownership, maintenance, and alterations.
i. The artwork remains the property of the site owner, who must
maintain it in a clean, safe, and operable condition.
ii. Record a maintenance covenant prior to Certificate of Occupancy.
iii. Relocation, alteration, or deaccession requires Planning and
Development Director approval consistent with City deaccession
guidelines.
f. Findings. The reviewing body shall approve the art when the applicant
demonstrates:
i. Artistic quality and integration with site/amenity function;
ii. Contextual fit (responds to neighborhood character or project
narrative) without advertising;
iii. Visibility & public benefit (meets access hours and plaque
requirement);
iv. Durability & safety (materials, anchorage, and lighting appropriate;
vandal resistance addressed)
v. Feasible maintenance (plan and funding in place); and
vi. Compliance with the valuation threshold and all submittal
requirements.
8. Maintenance and Changes.
a. The property owner (or designated entity) shall maintain amenity areas in a
clean, safe, operable condition for the life of the project.
ECDC Title 16, Zoning Page 26 of 26
E. Findings.
1. To approve an incentive, the Planning and Development Director or decision body
shall find that: (1) the proposal meets all objective standards of this section; (2) public
benefits will be provided as proposed and secured by easement/covenant or bond; and
(3) the project remains consistent with the purpose and maximum height/floor limits of
the NCH zone.
Chapter 3.38 ECC, Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption 1
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
Chapter 3.38
MULTIFAMILY HOUSING TAX EXEMPTION
Sections:
3.38.010 Purpose.
3.38.020 Definitions.
3.38.030 Tax exemption – Duration – Valuation – Exceptions.
3.38.040 Residential targeted areas – Designation.
3.38.050 Project eligibility.
3.38.060 Application procedure.
3.38.070 Application review – Approval – Required findings – Issuance of conditional
certificate – Denial – Appeal.
3.38.080 Amendment of contract.
3.38.090 Extension of conditional certificate – Required findings – Denial – Appeal.
3.38.100 Final certificate – Application – Issuance – Denial – Appeal.
3.38.110 Annual certification.
3.38.120 Cancellation of tax exemption – Appeal.
3.38.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter, pursuant to Chapter 84.14 RCW, is to stimulate the construction of
new multifamily housing and the rehabilitation of existing vacant and underutilized buildings
for multifamily housing, which may include affordable housing opportunities, in keeping with
the goals and mandates of the Growth Management Act (particularly Chapter 36.70A RCW),
within urban centers designated as residential targeted areas where the city has found
insufficient housing opportunities, including affordable housing opportunities. To achieve these
purposes, this chapter provides for special valuations in residentially deficient urban centers for
eligible improvements associated with multiunit housing, which may include affordable
housing. [Ord. 4047 § 1, 2016].
Chapter 3.38 ECC, Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption 2
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
3.38.020 Definitions.
Unless expressly provided for below, in construing the provisions of this chapter, definitions of
key terms in this chapter shall follow the definitions as set out in RCW 84.14.010.
A. “City” means the city of Edmonds, Washington.
B. “Director” means the director of the city’s department of planning and development or
authorized designee.
C. “Low-income household” means a single person, family, or unrelated persons living together
whose adjusted income is at or below 80 percent of the median family income adjusted for
family size, as calculated using the United States Census Bureau’s median family income data
for Snohomish County in conjunction with the median family income documentation system
published by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
D. “Moderate-income household” means a single person, family, or unrelated persons living
together whose adjusted income is more than 80 percent but is at or below 115 percent of the
median family income adjusted for family size, as calculated using the United States Census
Bureau’s median family income data for Snohomish County in conjunction with the median
family income documentation system published by the United States Department of Housing
and Urban Development.
E. “Residential targeted area” means any urban center so designated by the Edmonds city
council in accordance with this chapter and Chapter 84.14 RCW, and which has been found by
the city council to be lacking sufficient available, convenient, attractive, livable, and desirable
residential housing to meet the needs of the public.
F. “Urban center” means any district or subarea of the city of Edmonds designated as a mixed-
use center through a subarea or comprehensive planning process, where urban residents may
obtain a variety of products and services including several business establishments, such as
shops, offices, banks, restaurants, medical facilities, governmental agencies and a mixture of
uses and activities that may include housing, recreation, and cultural activities in association
with either commercial or office uses, or both uses. [Ord. 4299 § 5 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 4080 § 1, 2017;
Ord. 4047 § 1, 2016].
Chapter 3.38 ECC, Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption 3
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
3.38.030 Tax exemption – Duration – Valuation – Exceptions.
A. The value of new housing construction, conversion, and rehabilitation improvements
qualifying under this chapter is exempt from ad valorem property taxation for 12 successive
years beginning January 1st of the year immediately following the calendar year of issuance of
the final certificate of tax exemption if the property otherwise qualifies for the exemption under
this chapter and the applicant commits to renting or selling at least 10 percent of the
multifamily housing units as affordable housing units to low-income households and 10
percent of the multifamily housing units as affordable housing units to moderate-income
households, and the property must satisfy that commitment.
B. The exemption does not apply to the value of land or to the value of nonhousing
improvements not qualifying under ECC 3.38.050, nor does the exemption apply to increases in
assessed valuation of land and nonqualifying improvements. This article also does not apply to
increases in assessed valuation made by the assessor on nonqualifying portions of building and
value of land, nor to increases made by lawful order of a county board of equalization, the
Department of Revenue, or a county, to a class of property throughout the county or specific
area of the county to achieve the uniformity of assessment or appraisal required by law. [Ord.
4080 § 1, 2017; Ord. 4047 § 1, 2016].
3.38.040 Residential targeted areas – Designation.
A. The following area is designated by the city council as a residential targeted area, consistent
with the requirements of RCW 84.14.040:
1.Westgate Mixed Use (WMU) Zoning District. Westgate Center-Neighborhood Centers and
Hubs (NCH) Mixed Use Zone.
2. Highway 99 Subarea, as designated in the Highway 99 Subarea Plan.
B. If part of any legal lot is within a residential targeted area, the entire lot shall be deemed to
lie within the residential targeted area.
C. The area(s) designated in subsection (A) of this section may be amended and other areas
may be added by action of the city council consistent with requirements of RCW 84.14.040. Any
amendment to the residential targeted areas shall not affect the status of a project for which
Chapter 3.38 ECC, Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption 4
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
the city has received a complete application for property tax exemption under this chapter.
[Ord. 4080 § 1, 2017; Ord. 4047 § 1, 2016].
3.38.050 Project eligibility.
To qualify for temporary exemption from property taxation under this chapter, the property
shall satisfy all of the following requirements:
A. The property must be located in a designated residential targeted area.
B. The project must consist of at least 20 dwelling units of multifamily housing, located within a
residential structure or a mixed-use development, in which at least 50 percent of the space
within such residential structure or mixed-use development is intended for permanent
residential occupancy.
C. The project must comply with all zoning requirements, land use regulations, and building
code requirements contained in the Edmonds City Code and applicable upon land use permit
approval or submittal of a complete building permit application, whichever occurs sooner.
D. For the duration of the exemption granted under this chapter, the property shall have no
violations of applicable zoning requirements, land use regulations, or building code
requirements contained in the Edmonds Community Development Code for which the planning
and development department shall have issued an order to correct (“OTC”) or notice of
violation (“NOV”) that are not resolved by a voluntary correction agreement, vacation by the
hearing examiner, or action of the property owner in compliance with the applicable code
requirements as determined by the director, within the time period for compliance provided in
such OTC or NOV and any extension of the time period for compliance granted by the director.
E. New construction multifamily housing must be completed within three years from the date
of approval of the application or by any extended deadline granted by the director pursuant to
ECC 3.38.090.
F. The owner must enter into a contract with the city, approved by the mayor, under which the
owner has agreed to the implementation of the development on terms and conditions
satisfactory to the city and in compliance with this chapter. [Ord. 4299 § 6 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 4047
§ 1, 2016].
Chapter 3.38 ECC, Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption 5
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
3.38.060 Application procedure.
The owner of property applying for exemption under this chapter shall submit an application to
the director on a form established by the director. The owner shall verify the correctness of the
information contained in the application by his/her signature and affirmation made under
penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington. The application shall contain such
information as the director may deem necessary or useful, which at a minimum shall include:
A. A completed city of Edmonds application form, including information setting forth the
grounds for tax exemption;
B. A brief written description of the project, and schematic site and floor plans of the
multifamily units and the structure(s) in which they are proposed to be located;
C. Floor and site plans of the proposed project, which plans may be revised by the owner
provided such revisions are made prior to the city’s final action on the exemption application;
D. A statement from the owner acknowledging the potential tax liability when the property
ceases to be eligible for exemption under this chapter;
E. At the time of initial application under this section, the owner shall pay to the city an initial
application fee of $1,000, plus an amount necessary to cover recording fees as set out in the
city’s development fee table;
F. Except as otherwise provided for in subsection (G) of this section, the application shall be
submitted any time before a complete application for a building or other construction permit is
submitted;
G. If, on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, the owner has applied for
a permit identified in subsection (F) of this section, then application for exemption under this
section may be submitted any time prior to issuance of a building permit. [Ord. 4047 § 1, 2016].
3.38.070 Application review – Approval – Required findings –
Issuance of conditional certificate – Denial – Appeal.
A. The director may approve an application if he or she finds that:
Chapter 3.38 ECC, Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption 6
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
1. A minimum of 20 new units are being constructed;
2. The proposed project is or will be, at the time of completion, in conformance with all
approved plans, and all applicable requirements of the Edmonds City Code or other
applicable requirements or regulations in effect at the time the application is approved;
3. The owner has complied with all of the requirements of this chapter, including but not
limited to project eligibility requirements contained in ECC 3.38.050 and application
requirements contained in ECC 3.38.060;
4. The project site is located within a designated residential targeted area; and
5. If applicable, the proposed multiunit housing project meets the affordable housing
requirements as described in ECC 3.38.030.
B. The director shall deny an application if the foregoing criteria are not met.
C. If the application is approved, the owner shall enter into a contract with the city, approved
by the mayor, who is hereby authorized to approve such contracts, regarding the terms and
conditions of the project under this chapter.
D. Following mayor approval of the contract, the director shall issue a conditional certificate of
acceptance of tax exemption. The conditional certificate shall expire three years from the date
of approval unless an extension is granted as provided in ECC 3.38.090.
E. If the application is denied, the director shall state in writing the reasons for the denial and
send notice of denial to the owner’s last known address within 10 days of the denial.
F. An owner may appeal a denial of a tax exemption application to the hearing examiner by
filing a notice of appeal with the city clerk within 30 calendar days of receipt of notice of the
denial. The appeal before the hearing examiner shall follow the procedures for appeal of Type II
decisions, shall be based upon the record before the director, and the director’s decision will be
upheld unless the owner can show that there is no substantial evidence on the record to
support the director’s decision. The hearing examiner’s decision on appeal shall constitute the
final action of the city. [Ord. 4047 § 1, 2016].
Chapter 3.38 ECC, Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption 7
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
3.38.080 Amendment of contract.
A. Any owner seeking amendment(s) to the contract approved by the mayor may do so by
submitting a request in writing to the director at any time within three years of the date of the
mayor’s approval of the contract.
B. Any owner seeking amendments to the approved form of contract shall pay to the city an
amendment application fee of $200.00 for administrative costs, plus any amount necessary to
cover recording fees as set out in the city’s development fee table.
C. The director may approve amendments to the contract that comport with the intent of the
original contract approved by the mayor. [Ord. 4047 § 1, 2016].
3.38.090 Extension of conditional certificate – Required findings –
Denial – Appeal.
A. The conditional certificate may be extended by the director for a period not to exceed 24
consecutive months. The owner shall submit a written request stating the grounds for the
extension together with a fee of $300.00 for the city’s administrative cost to process the
request. The director may grant an extension if the director finds that:
1. The anticipated failure to complete construction within the required time period is due
to circumstances beyond the control of the owner; and
2. The owner has been acting, and could reasonably be expected to continue to act, in
good faith and with due diligence; and
3. All the conditions of the original contract between the owner and the city will be
satisfied upon completion of the project.
B. If an extension is denied, the director shall state in writing the reason for denial and shall
send notice to the owner’s last known address within 10 calendar days of the denial. An owner
may appeal the denial of an extension to the hearing examiner, using the process for appeals
of Type II decisions. [Ord. 4047 § 1, 2016].
Chapter 3.38 ECC, Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption 8
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
3.38.100 Final certificate – Application – Issuance – Denial – Appeal.
A. Upon completion of the construction as provided in the contract between the owner and
the city, and upon issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the owner may request a final
certificate of tax exemption. The owner shall file with the director such information as the
director may deem necessary or useful to evaluate eligibility for the final certificate, which shall
at a minimum include:
1. A statement of expenditures made with respect to each multifamily housing unit and
the total expenditures made with respect to the entire property;
2. A description of the completed work and a statement of qualification for the exemption;
3. If applicable, a statement that the project meets the affordable housing requirements
as described in ECC 3.38.030;
4. A statement that the work was completed within the required three-year period or any
approved extension.
B. At the time of application for final certificate under this section, the owner shall pay to the
city a fee of $300.00 to cover the city’s administrative costs, in addition to recording costs.
C. Within 30 days of receipt of all materials required for a final certificate, the director shall
determine whether the completed work, and the affordability of the units if applicable, is
consistent with the contract between the city and owner, whether all or a portion of the
completed work qualifies for exemption under this chapter and, if so, which specific
improvements satisfy the requirements of this chapter.
D. If the director determines that the project has been completed in accordance with the
contract between the owner and the city and the requirements of this chapter, the city shall file
a final certificate of tax exemption with the assessor within 10 days of the expiration of the 30-
day period provided under subsection (C) of this section.
E. The director is authorized to cause to be recorded, or to require the owner to record, in the
real property records of the Snohomish County auditor’s department, recording division, the
contract with the city required under ECC 3.38.070(C), or such other document(s) as will identify
such terms and conditions of eligibility for exemption under this chapter as the director deems
appropriate for recording.
Chapter 3.38 ECC, Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption 9
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
F. The director shall notify the owner in writing that the city will not file a final certificate if the
director determines that the project was not completed within the required three-year period
or any approved extension, or was not completed in accordance with the contract between the
owner and the city and the requirements of this chapter, or, if applicable, the affordable
housing requirements as described in ECC 3.38.030 were not met, or the owner’s property is
otherwise not qualified for the limited exemption under this chapter.
G. The owner may appeal the director’s decision to the hearing examiner by filing a notice of
appeal with the city clerk within 14 calendar days after issuance of the notice of the denial. The
appeal before the hearing examiner shall follow the provisions for appeals of Type II decisions.
The owner may appeal the hearing examiner’s decision to the Snohomish County superior
court according to the procedures contained in RCW 34.05.510 through 34.05.598, as provided
in RCW 84.14.090(6), within 30 days of notification by the city to the owner of the decision. [Ord.
4047 § 1, 2016].
3.38.110 Annual certification.
A. Within 30 days after the first anniversary of the date the city filed the final certificate of tax
exemption and each year thereafter during the tax exemption period, the property owner shall
file a certification with the director, verified upon signed affirmation under penalty of perjury
under the laws of the state of Washington. The certification shall contain such information as
the director may deem necessary or useful, and shall at a minimum include the following
information:
1. A statement of occupancy and vacancy of the multifamily units during the previous
year;
2. A certification that the property has not changed use and, if applicable, that the
property has been in compliance with the affordable housing requirements as described in
ECC 3.38.030 since the date of filing of the final certificate of tax exemption, and continues
to be in compliance with the contract with the city and the requirements of this chapter;
3. A description of any improvements or changes to the property made after the filing of
the final certificate or most recent certification, as applicable.
Chapter 3.38 ECC, Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption 10
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
B. Failure to submit the annual certification may result in cancellation of the tax exemption.
[Ord. 4047 § 1, 2016].
3.38.120 Cancellation of tax exemption – Appeal.
A. If at any time the director determines that the property no longer complies with the terms
of the contract or with the requirements of this chapter, or the use of the property is changed
or will be changed to a use that is other than residential, or if the owner intends to discontinue
compliance with the affordable housing requirements as described in ECC 3.38.030, or the
property for any reason no longer qualifies for the tax exemption, the tax exemption shall be
canceled and additional taxes, interest and penalties imposed pursuant to state law.
B. If the owner intends to convert the multifamily housing to another use or intends to
discontinue compliance with the affordable housing requirements as described in ECC 3.38.030,
the owner must notify the director and the Snohomish County assessor within 60 days of the
change in use. Upon such change in use, the tax exemption shall be canceled and additional
taxes, interest and penalties imposed pursuant to state law.
C. Upon determining that a tax exemption shall be canceled, the director shall notify the
property owner by certified mail, return receipt requested. The property owner may appeal the
determination by filing a notice of appeal with the city clerk, within 30 days after issuance of the
decision by the director, specifying the factual and legal basis for the appeal. The appeal before
the hearing examiner shall follow the procedures set forth for appeals of Type II decisions. At
the appeal hearing, all affected parties may be heard and all competent evidence received. The
hearing examiner shall affirm, modify, or repeal the decision to cancel the exemption based on
the evidence received. The hearing examiner shall give substantial weight to the director’s
decision to cancel the exemption, and the burden of proof and the burden of overcoming the
weight accorded to the director’s decision shall be upon the appellant. An aggrieved party may
appeal the hearing examiner’s decision to the Snohomish County superior court in accordance
with the procedures in RCW 34.05.510 through 34.05.598, as provided in RCW 84.14.110(2),
within 30 days after issuance of the decision of the hearing examiner. [Ord. 4047 § 1, 2016].
Chapter 3.38 ECC, Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption 11
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
Disclaimer: The city clerk’s office has the official version of the Edmonds City Code. Users
should contact the city clerk’s office for ordinances passed subsequent to the ordinance cited
above.
City Website: www.edmondswa.gov
Hosted by General Code
Chapter 17.75 ECDC, Outdoor Dining 1
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
Chapter 17.75
OUTDOOR DINING
Sections:
17.75.010 Outdoor dining – Permitted secondary use.
17.75.020 Outdoor dining – Secondary uses requiring permit.
17.75.030 Repealed.
17.75.010 Outdoor dining – Permitted secondary use.
A. Limited outdoor seating for outdoor dining is allowed as a permitted secondary use in the
BN – neighborhood business zone, BC – community business zone, BP – planned business zone,
BD – downtown business zone, CW – commercial waterfront zone, CG – general commercial
zone, WMU – Westgate Mixed Use, MU – medical use zone, and FVMU – Firdale Village mixed
use NCH – Neighborhood Centers and Hubs zone. To be established as a permitted secondary
use, the outdoor dining area shall comply with at least one of the following criteria:
1. The site is not directly adjacent to any residentially zoned property(ies);
2. The site complies with the landscaping requirements found in Chapter 20.13 ECDC
along the property line(s) directly adjacent to residentially zoned property(ies); or
3. The dining area is screened from adjoining residentially zoned property(ies) by a
building and/or a four-foot wall, hedge, or solid fence.
In addition, all outdoor dining areas shall comply with both of the following criteria:
4. Seating shall be limited to an additional 50 percent of the existing interior seating of the
establishment or 30 seats, whichever is greater.
5. Any dining area adjacent to vehicle parking shall be separated by landscaping, curb
stop, wall or other suitable barrier to serve as a safety barrier.
B. For sites directly adjacent to residentially zoned property, the outdoor dining area shall be
closed between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Chapter 17.75 ECDC, Outdoor Dining 2
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
C. Areas utilized for outdoor dining shall comply with setback requirements applicable to the
site. Temporary buildings or structures used for the outdoor dining use do not require a
separate conditional use permit.
D. Seating shall be located outside of public rights-of-way. Seating within public rights-of-way is
reviewed as bistro dining pursuant to the requirements of ECDC 18.70.030.
E. No additional parking stalls shall be required for outdoor dining usage. For any outdoor
dining area that would utilize existing nonrequired on-site parking spaces, at least one ADA-
accessible space must remain or be located on the site. [Ord. 4299 § 24 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 4232 § 1
(Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 3871 § 1 (Att. A), 2012; Ord. 3628 § 3, 2007; Ord. 3312 § 1, 2000].
17.75.020 Outdoor dining – Secondary uses requiring permit.
Outdoor dining shall be a secondary use requiring a permit only if the use includes a
component subject to a building or fire permit. Components requiring a building or fire permit
include, but are not limited to, detached (freestanding) structures and structures attached to a
building, such as awnings, canopies, roofs, and pergolas. This use shall be established and
maintained in accordance with the terms of this chapter. Any building or structure such as a
service stand, fence, planter, kiosk, awning or other shelter utilized in serving outdoor diners
shall fully comply with all provisions of ECDC Title 19 building and fire codes. [Ord. 4232 § 1 (Exh.
A), 2021; Ord. 3871 § 1 (Att. A), 2012; Ord. 3736 § 19, 2009; Ord. 3628 § 4, 2007; Ord. 3312 § 1, 2000].
17.75.030 Outdoor dining buildings or structures.
Repealed by Ord. 4232. The Edmonds Community Development Code is current through
Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
Disclaimer: The city clerk’s office has the official version of the Edmonds Community
Development Code. Users should contact the city clerk’s office for ordinances passed
subsequent to the ordinance cited above.
Chapter 17.75 ECDC, Outdoor Dining 3
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
City Website: www.edmondswa.gov
Hosted by General Code
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 1
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
Chapter 20.60
SIGN CODE
Sections:
20.60.000 Purpose.
20.60.005 Definitions.
20.60.010 Permit required.
20.60.015 Design review procedures.
20.60.020 General regulations for permanent signs.
20.60.025 Total maximum permanent sign area.
20.60.030 Wall signs – Maximum area and height.
20.60.035 Window signs – Maximum area.
20.60.040 Projecting signs – Maximum area and height restrictions.
20.60.045 Freestanding signs – Regulations.
20.60.050 Wall graphic and identification structures.
20.60.055 Pedestrian signs.
20.60.060 Campaign signs.
20.60.065 Real estate signs.
20.60.070 Construction signs.
20.60.075 Governmental signs.
20.60.080 Temporary signs.
20.60.090 Prohibited signs.
20.60.095 Exempt signs.
20.60.100 Administration.
20.60.000 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to enact regulatory measures to implement those goals and
policies stated in the Edmonds Comprehensive Policy Plan and to achieve the following
objectives:
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 2
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
A. Protect the public right-of-way from obstructions which would impair the public’s use of
their right-of-way.
B. Minimize the hazard to the public represented by distractions to drivers from moving,
blinking, or other similar forms of signage or visual clutter.
C. Provide for distinct signage for each distinct property.
D. Encourage the use of graphics/symbols to reduce the visual clutter associated with overly
large letters or extensive use of lettering.
E. Minimize potential for view blockage and visual clutter along public rights-of-way. [Ord. 4064
§ 1 (Att. A), 2017; Ord. 4039 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.005 Definitions.
For the purposes of the enforcement of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
“Attached sign” is any sign attached or affixed to a building. Attached signs include wall signs,
projecting signs, and window signs.
“Boxed cabinet sign” is a permanent sign that is mounted on the face of a building that is
roughly rectangular in shape and provides for internal illumination and changing the message
of the sign by replacing a single transparent or translucent material such as a Plexiglass/Lexan
face. This definition is meant to distinguish between a cabinet sign that is essentially a
rectangular box and one that follows the outlines of the letters of the sign, or an “outline
cabinet sign.”
“Building ID/historic sign” is a permanent sign that identifies or names a building and assists in
creating landmarks in the city. Examples include dates, “1890”; names, “Beeson Building”; or
addresses.
“Campaign sign” is a temporary sign displaying a message relating to a candidate, political
party, or issue that is registered or certified for an upcoming election.
“Commercial sign” is a sign displayed for the purpose of identifying a commercial use, or
advertising a service, product, business or venture that is offered for trade or sale.
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 3
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
“Community event banner” is a noncommercial sign composed of cloth, fabric, canvas or
similarly flexible material that promotes a temporary community event endorsed, operated or
sponsored wholly or in part by a local public entity the jurisdiction of which includes the city of
Edmonds. “Community events” are nonprofit, governmental or charitable festivals, contests,
programs, fairs, carnivals or recreational contests conducted within the city.
“Construction sign” is a permanent or temporary sign displayed on premises where any
physical excavation, construction, demolition, rehabilitation, structural alteration or related
work is currently occurring, pursuant to a valid building permit.
“Directional symbols” are small in size (two square feet or less) and intended to provide on-site
directions to specific locations or areas (such as parking areas, drive-through facilities, ATMs
and entries and/or exits), hours of operation, parking limitations, warnings of hazards,
prohibition of activities (such as “no parking”), historical markers and similar public information.
Directional symbols are not considered to be signage as regulated in this chapter.
“Fixed sign” is any sign attached or affixed to the ground or any structure in such a manner so
as to provide for continuous display for an extended or indeterminable period of time. Fixed
signs include, but are not limited to, freestanding signs and wall signs.
“Freestanding sign” is any sign that is not attached or affixed to a building. Freestanding signs
can be further described as “monument signs” or “pole signs.”
“Governmental sign” is a sign owned, operated or sponsored by a governmental entity, and
which promotes the public health, safety or welfare. Governmental signs include, but are not
limited to, traffic signs, directional and informational signs, publicly sponsored warning or
hazard signs, and community event banners displayed by a governmental entity on public
property.
“Group sign” is a sign or signs on one sign structure serving two or more businesses sharing a
parking facility.
“Halo sign” is a sign where the light source is concealed behind an opaque face and the rays of
illumination are projected outward around the edges of the sign or directed against the surface
behind the sign forming a silhouette or halo effect. Halo signs are not considered to be
internally illuminated signs for the purposes of this chapter.
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 4
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
“Identification structure” is a structure intended to attract the attention of the public to a site,
without the use of words or symbols identifying the businesses. Examples include fountains,
sculptures, awnings, and totem poles.
“Internally illuminated signs” include any sign where light shines through a transparent or semi-
transparent sign face to illuminate the sign’s message. Exposed neon is considered to be a form
of internal illumination.
“Marquee” or “canopy” is a permanent roofed structure attached and supported by the
building.
“Marquee sign” is any sign attached to or made a part of a building marquee. A marquee sign is
a form of projecting sign.
“Monument signs” are freestanding signs that have integrated the structural component of the
sign into the design of the sign and sign base.
“Noncommercial sign” is a sign that is intended to display a religious, charitable, cultural,
governmental, informational, political, educational, or artistic message, that is not primarily
associated with a good, product, or service offered for sale or trade. Noncommercial signs
include signs advertising incidental and temporary commercial activities conducted by churches
and nonprofit businesses, clubs, groups, associations or organizations.
“Off-premises sign” is any sign that advertises or relates to a good, product, service, event, or
meeting, that is offered, sold, traded, provided, or conducted at some location or premises
other than that upon which the sign is posted or displayed. Off-premises signs include all signs
posted or displayed in the public right-of-way.
“On-premises sign” is any sign that advertises or relates to a good, product, service, event, or
meeting that is lawfully permitted to be offered, sold, traded, provided, or conducted at the
location or premises upon which the sign is posted or displayed. On-premises signs also include
signs not related to any particular location or premises, such as signs displaying religious,
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 5
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
charitable, cultural, governmental, informational, political, educational, or artistic messages that
are intentionally displayed by the owner of the property or premises upon which the sign is
displayed.
“Outline cabinet sign” is a permanent sign that is mounted on the face of a building that roughly
follows the shape of the text or symbology of the sign and provides for internal illumination.
This definition is meant to distinguish between a cabinet sign that follows the outlines of the
letters of the sign and one that is essentially a rectangular box or a “boxed cabinet sign.” An
“outlined cabinet sign” will be treated more like an “individual letter sign” where the area of the
sign is calculated based on the actual outlined shape of the sign.
“Permanent sign” is a fixed or portable sign intended for continuous or intermittent display for
periods exceeding 60 days in any calendar year.
“Pole signs” are freestanding signs where the structural support for the sign is one or more
exposed pole(s). Pole signs may include community event banners where the banner is
supported by at least two poles that are permanently attached to the ground (“pole-mounted
community event banners”). However, pole signs with two poles that are not more than six feet
in height are considered to be monument signs.
“Portable sign” is any sign that is readily capable of being moved or removed, whether attached
or affixed to the ground, or any structure that is typically intended for temporary display.
Portable signs include, but are not limited to:
1. Signs designed and constructed with a chassis or support with or without wheels;
2. Pedestrian signs, including signs such as A-frame (sandwich board), stanchion, easel, or
post-style signs intended as freestanding signs in pedestrian environments;
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 6
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
Left: Stanchion
sign
3. Wooden, metal, or plastic “stake” or “yard” signs;
4. Posters or banners affixed to windows, railings, overhangs, trees, hedges, or other
structures or vegetation, except for pole-mounted community event banners;
5. Signs mounted upon vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way, except
signs identifying the related business when the vehicle is being used in the normal day-to-
day operation of the business, and except for signs advertising for sale the vehicle upon
which the sign is mounted;
6. Searchlights;
7. Inflatables.
“Premises” is the actual physical area of the lot upon which a sign is posted or displayed.
“Projecting sign” is any sign attached or affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its
leading edge extends more than 12 inches beyond the surface of such building or wall.
“Reader board sign” is a sign that is designed to allow for a change in the message, either by
adding or removing plastic letters, or by means of electronics and lights. Reader boards do not
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 7
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
include signs which have a changeable message where the sign does not change more than
once per day and where the changeable features are integrated with the background and
overall design of the sign, including the sign’s typefaces, colors and symbology. Individual
letters or numbers placed on a solid-colored background is considered to be a reader board.
Two signs at left: Acceptable changeable message sign;
Two signs at right: A reader board.
“Real estate sign” is a sign displaying a message relating to the sale or rent of real property.
“Sign” is any structure, device or fixture that is visible from a public place, that incorporates
graphics, symbols, or written copy for the purposes of conveying a particular message to public
observers, including wall graphics or identification structures.
“Sign area” is the area of a sign on which copy is to be placed, as set forth in ECDC 20.60.020(A).
“Temporary sign” is a sign intended for short-term display, not to exceed 60 calendar days in
any calendar year. Window signs meeting the requirements of ECDC 20.60.035 are not
regulated as temporary signs.
“Wall graphic” is a wall sign, including murals, in which color and form, and primarily without
the use of words, are a part of the overall design on the building(s) where the wall graphic is
proposed. A wall graphic may be painted or applied (not to exceed one-half inch in thickness) to
a building as a part of its overall color and design, but may not be internally lighted. Internally
lighted assemblies, including those which project from the wall of the structure, or which are
located on any accessory structure on the site, shall be considered wall signs and comply with
the requirements of this chapter.
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 8
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
“Wall sign” is a sign that is attached or affixed to a wall and that is parallel to and not projecting
more than 12 inches at any angle from such wall. Wall signs include signs that are painted
directly upon a wall.
“Window sign” is a sign that is attached or affixed to a window, or a sign displayed within 24
inches of the inside of a window in such a manner as to be visible from any public place. [Ord.
4064 § 1 (Att. A), 2017; Ord. 4039 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 3800 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3631 § 1, 2007; Ord. 3628 § 8, 2007;
Ord. 3561 § 1, 2005; Ord. 3514 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.010 Permit required.
A. Except as provided in this chapter, no permanent sign may be constructed, installed,
posted, displayed or modified without first obtaining a sign permit approving the proposed
sign’s size, design, location, and display as provided for in this chapter.
B. Design approval is not required for the posting of permanent signs in residential zones;
provided, that the restrictions and standards of this chapter are met. If additional signage is
requested for conditional or nonconforming uses in residential zones, the property owner shall
apply for design review. Design review is not required for any sign which does not require a
building permit.
C. A sign modification shall include, but is not limited to, relocations, modifications to size,
design, height or color scheme, or the replacement of 25 percent or more of the structural
material in the sign area. Normal and ordinary maintenance and repair, and changes to the
graphics, symbols, or copy of a sign, without affecting the size, structural design, height, or color
scheme, shall not constitute modifications for purposes of this section. [Ord. 4064 § 1 (Att. A), 2017;
Ord. 4039 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 3514 § 2, 2004; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.015 Design review procedures.
A. Staff Approval. Except as referred to the architectural design board pursuant to subsection
(A)(1) of this section, and except as provided in subsection (B) of this section, the planning
manager, or designee, shall review all applications for design review under this chapter, and
shall approve, conditionally approve or deny the application in accordance with the policies of
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 9
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
ECDC 20.10.000 and the standards and requirements of this chapter; provided, that for murals
and artwork the planning manager or designee shall review the application in accordance with
the criteria set forth in subsection (C) of this section. The decision of the planning manager on
any sign permit application shall be final except that signs reviewed by the architectural design
board are appealable to the hearing examiner.
1. The planning manager or designee may refer design review applications to the
architectural design board for the types of signs listed below, where the planning manager
determines that the proposed sign has the potential for significant adverse impacts on
community aesthetics or traffic safety:
a. Any sign application for an identification structure as defined by this chapter;
b. Any sign application for a wall graphic as defined by this chapter;
c. Any proposed sign that the planning manager determines to be obtrusive, garish or
otherwise not consistent with the architectural features of the surrounding
neighborhood.
B. Review by Architectural Design Board. The architectural design board shall review those
signs listed in subsection (B)(1) of this section and any sign permit referred by the planning
manager pursuant to subsection (A)(1) of this section.
1. The ADB shall review any sign permit application that requests a modification to any of
the standards prescribed by this chapter. The ADB shall only approve modification
requests that arise from one of the following two situations:
a. The request is for signage on a site that has a unique configuration, such as
frontage on more than two streets, or has an unusual geometric shape or topography;
b. The request is for signage on a building that has unique architectural elements or
features or details that substantially restrict the placement or size of signage relative to
other buildings in the vicinity.
2. The ADB may approve the requested modification only if it meets the following criteria:
a. The design of the proposed signage must be compatible in its use of materials,
colors, design and proportions with development throughout the site and with similar
signage in the vicinity;
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 10
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
b. In no event shall the modification result in signage which exceeds the maximum
normally allowed by more than 50 percent.
C. Staff Review of Murals and Artwork. When a proposed wall graphic is proposed as a mural
or artwork, the planning manager or designee shall review and approve, conditionally approve,
or deny the application in accordance with the following criteria. While a separate sign permit is
required for each wall graphic, the staff may make a single design review decision on wall
graphics that consist of related murals or artwork. Related murals or artwork may include
multiple proposals for sites within reasonable proximity to each other that are related by
theme, style, materials used, and/or context. The decision of the staff on any design review
application containing a mural or art as a wall graphic may be appealed to the hearing
examiner pursuant to the procedure established in Chapter 20.06 ECDC.
1. Art, like other exercises of First Amendment rights, may be limited by reasonable time,
place, and manner restrictions. In this case, these criteria will be utilized to enhance the
aesthetics of the city and to ensure quality and maintenance standards are observed. No
recommendation shall be based upon the content or message expressed by an artist or in
a work of art. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate their artwork with the design or
architectural elements of the building and the historic and pedestrian-oriented character of
the downtown area.
2. Specific submission requirements for design review include, but are not limited to:
a. Site sketch showing locations of artwork;
b. Minimum one-fourth-inch scale color drawings of the art concept or art
component;
c. Material/color samples;
d. Written Proposal. A written proposal in eight-and-one-half-inch-by-11-inch format
to include a description and summary of a final design proposal for the artwork;
detailed maintenance requirements; a schedule for development, fabrication, and
completion; artist’s resume; and evidence of assumption of liability by applicant or
designee; and
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 11
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
e. When required pursuant to ECDC 20.45.050, a certificate of appropriateness shall
be obtained from the historic preservation commission for murals on designated
historic structures or within a designated historic district.
3. Review Criteria. Review criteria for the design review include:
a. Quality of the materials used to create the artwork. Materials should be resistant to
fading; no fluorescent paints;
b. Durability and permanence, including ability to withstand age, vandalism, and
weathering. Consideration should be given to anti-graffiti coating; and
c. Compatibility of the artwork with architectural elements, other elements of the
street, and adjacent structures. Compatibility shall be determined by relationships of
the elements of form, proportion, scale, color, materials, surface treatment, and size
and style of lettering. Lettering shall be minimized, but may be considered for inclusion
when necessary to the artistic content.
D. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (A), (B), and (C) of this section, sign permit
applications shall not be referred to or reviewed by the architectural design board if the
proposed sign constitutes a modification to an existing sign and involves no significant
alteration or modification to the size, height, design, lighting or color of the existing sign. Sign
permit applications for such sign modifications shall be processed and subject to review in the
same manner as provided for staff review in subsection (A) of this section. [Ord. 4154 § 22 (Att. D),
2019; Ord. 4064 § 1 (Att. A), 2017; Ord. 4039 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 3800 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3736 § 60, 2009; Ord.
3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.020 General regulations for permanent signs.
A. Sign Area. The area of a sign shall be calculated as follows:
1. The area of a sign is maximum actual area of a sign that is visible from any single point
of observation from any public vantage point. The sign area is normally the smallest
rectangle that encloses the entire copy area of the sign.
2. Individual letters, numbers or symbols applied directly to a wall or structure and used
to form the sign shall be calculated individually.
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 12
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
3. Supporting structures which are part of a sign display shall be included in the
calculation of the sign area, except that the supporting structure of a monument sign or
pole sign shall not be included when calculating the sign area.
Left: Sign area = X * Y Right: Applied individual letters are calculated
separately.
Monument sign: The base is not included in the calculation of sign area (dashed rectangle).
B. When located on a wall or mansard roof, no sign may extend above the highest point of the
wall or mansard roof when the mansard roof is on a one-story building. Other than a mansard
roof on a one-story building, a sign may not be attached above the eave or drip line on a
pitched roof.
C. Except for pole-mounted community event banners, no sign or any part of a sign may be
designed or constructed to be moving by any means and shall not contain items such as
banners, ribbons, streamers and spinners. Signs with type that is movable to change the
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 13
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
message (reader boards) are allowed, subject to the specific requirements detailed elsewhere
in this chapter.
D. Signs that extend into or over a public right-of-way shall comply with Chapter 18.70 ECDC.
E. Exposed braces and angle irons are prohibited unless they are part of a decorative design
that is integral to the design of the sign. Guywires are prohibited unless there are no other
practical means of supporting the sign.
F. No sign shall have blinking, flashing, fluttering or moving lights or other illuminating device
which has a changing light density or color; provided, however, temperature and/or time signs
that conform in all other respects to this chapter are allowed. Electronic reader boards may
have messages that change; however, moving messages are not allowed. Messages that change
at intervals less than 20 seconds will be considered blinking or flashing and not allowed.
G. No light source which exceeds 20 watts shall be directly exposed to any public street or
adjacent property.
H. No illumination source of fluorescent light shall exceed 425 milliamps or be spaced closer
than eight inches on center.
I. No commercial sign shall be illuminated after 11:00 p.m. unless the commercial enterprise is
open for business and then may remain on only as long as the enterprise is open.
J. No window signs above the first floor shall be illuminated.
K. Sign height shall be determined as follows:
1. For attached signs, sign height is the vertical distance from the highest point on the sign
to the average finished grade.
2. For freestanding signs, sign height is the vertical distance from the highest point of the
sign area or its support to the average elevation of the finished grade at the base of the
supports.
L. Portable signs may not be used as permanent signage; only fixed signs are permitted.
M. The following matrix summarizes the types of signs permitted in each
neighborhood/district within the city:
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 14
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
Sign Type Downtown1 SR-992
Westgate/SR-
104
Neighborhood
Centers and
Hubs(NCH)3
Neighborhood
Commercial
(BN, BP, and
BC BP and
FVMU Zones)
Business
Uses in RM
Zones
Wall-Mounted P P P P P
Monument C P P C C
Pole N P N N N
Projecting P P P P P
Internal
Illumination
C P P C N
Reader Boards C C C C C
Individual Letters P P P P P
Boxed Cabinet N P C C N
Building ID P P P P P
Pedestrian P N N N N
Wall Graphics C C C C C
1 Downtown includes all properties within the downtown activity center defined in the comprehensive plan.
2 SR-99 includes all properties within the medical/Highway 99 activity center and the Highway 99 corridor
defined in the comprehensive plan.
3 Westgate/SR-104 includes all properties within the Westgate corridor, the Edmonds Way corridor, and within
the Westgate community commercial area, as defined in the comprehensive plan Where there is overlap
with an Activity Center, the Centers and Hubs(NCH) requirements control.
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 15
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
Note: In the above table, P = Permitted; N = Not permitted; C = Conditionally permitted if consistent with the
standards itemized in subsection (N) of this section.
N. The following standards clarify how some signs identified as “conditionally permitted” must
be installed to be permitted in the city of Edmonds:
1. Monument signs over six feet in height must be reviewed to ensure that the materials,
colors, design and proportions proposed are consistent with those used throughout the
site.
2. Internally illuminated signs in the downtown area and neighborhood commercial areas
may only light the letters or logos/symbols. The background of a sign face may not be
illuminated.
3. Internally illuminated signs in the downtown area and the neighborhood commercial
areas must be mounted on the wall of the building. They may not be mounted on or under
an attached awning.
4. Internally illuminated signs that use exposed neon may only be located in the interior of
buildings in the downtown area and the neighborhood commercial areas.
5. Internally illuminated signs in the downtown area shall not be permitted to be higher
than 14 feet in height.
6. Reader board messages are limited to alphanumeric messages only.
7. Reader boards are only permitted for public uses or places of public assembly. Public
uses and places of assembly include, but are not limited to, schools and churches as well as
local and regional public facilities.
8. The background color of a boxed cabinet sign face must be coordinated with and
complement the colors used on the building.
9. The background color of a boxed cabinet sign face must be opaque and not allow any
internal illumination to shine through. [Ord. 4314 § 81 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 4064 § 1 (Att. A), 2017;
Ord. 4039 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 3631 § 2, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 16
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
20.60.025 Total maximum permanent sign area.
A. Business and Commercial Zone Districts (BN, BP, BC, BD, WMUNCH, CW and CG).
1. The maximum total permanent sign area for allowed or permitted uses in the BN, BP,
BC, BD, NCH and CW zones shall be one square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of wall
containing the main public entrance to the primary building or structure located upon a
separate legal lot. Within the downtown activity center defined in the comprehensive plan,
six square feet of sign area is added to the maximum permanent sign area available for
each ground floor storefront.
2. The maximum total permanent sign area for allowed or permitted uses in the CG zone
shall be one square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage along a public
street and/or along a side of the building containing the primary public entrance to a
maximum of 200 square feet. The allowable sign area shall be computed separately for
each qualifying building frontage, and only the sign area derived from that frontage may be
oriented along that frontage. Sign areas for wall-mounted signs may not be accumulated to
yield a total allowable sign area greater than that permitted upon such frontage, except
that businesses choosing not to erect a freestanding sign may use up to 50 percent of their
allowable freestanding sign area for additional attached sign area. Use of the additional
area shall be subject to the review of the architectural design board.
3. The maximum total permanent sign area may be divided between wall, projecting, and
freestanding signs, in accordance with regulations and maximum sign area and height for
each type of sign, as provided in ECDC 20.60.030 through 20.60.050. Projecting signs
(including blade signs) of four square feet or less and window signs meeting the
requirements of ECDC 20.60.035 do not count against the total permanent sign area
permitted.
4. The maximum number of permitted permanent signs is three per site, or three per
physically enclosed business space on commercial sites with multiple business tenants. A
site with more than one street frontage is allowed a maximum of five signs. Projecting
(including blade) signs of four square feet or less and window signs meeting the
requirements of ECDC 20.60.035 do not count against the total number of permitted
permanent signs. Multi-tenant sites are allowed one additional group sign per street
frontage identifying the individual subtenants at the site. The total sign area of all signs
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 17
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
permitted on site must also comply with the maximum total permanent sign area specified
in this chapter.
5. Where permitted, pedestrian signs do count against the permanent sign area and the
number of signs permitted.
B. Residential Zone Districts (RS, RM).
1. The maximum allowable signage area for individual residential lots shall be four square
feet per street frontage, except as provided in subsection (B)(2) of this section.
2. The maximum allowable signage area for formal residential subdivisions, planned
residential developments (PRD), or multifamily structures containing at least 10 dwelling
units shall be 10 square feet per main street entrance into the subdivision or PRD. Only one
sign may be provided at each main entrance.
3. The maximum total permanent sign area may be divided between wall and
freestanding signs, in accordance with regulations and maximum sign area and height for
each type of sign, as provided in ECDC 20.60.030 through 20.60.050. Window signs meeting
the requirements of ECDC 20.60.035 do not count against the total permanent sign area
permitted.
4. Signage in excess of that provided in subsections (B)(1) and (2) of this section for lawful
nonconforming or conditional nonresidential uses in residential zones may be approved
through the issuance of a sign permit pursuant to ECDC 20.60.010, subject to the maximum
area and height limitations established for signs in the BN zone.
5. The maximum number of permitted permanent signs is one, except that multifamily
sites with more than one vehicular entrance may have one permanent sign per entrance.
The total sign area of all signs (excluding incidental signs) permitted on site must also
comply with the maximum total permanent sign area specified in this chapter. [Ord. 4064 § 1
(Att. A), 2017; Ord. 4039 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 3805 § 1, 2010; Ord. 3628 § 9, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.030 Wall signs – Maximum area and height.
A. The maximum area of any wall sign shall be as follows:
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 18
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
Zone Maximum Area of Sign
RS, RM 4 square feet
BN, BP, BC,
BD, CW, CG,
WMU,
FVMUNCH
1 square foot per lineal
foot of attached wall
B. The maximum height of any attached sign shall be as follows:
Zone Maximum Height of
Sign
RS, RM 6 feet
BN, BP, BC,
BD, CW, CG,
WMU,
FVMUNCH
14 feet or the height of
the face of the building
on which the sign is
located, consistent with
ECDC 20.60.020(B)
[Ord. 4064 § 1 (Att. A), 2017; Ord. 4039 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 3628 § 10, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.035 Window signs – Maximum area.
The maximum area of any window sign shall be as follows:
Zone Maximum Area of Sign
RS, RM 4 square feet
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 19
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
Zone Maximum Area of Sign
BN, BP, BC,
BD, CW, CG,
WMU,
FVMUNCH
1 square foot per each
lineal foot of window
frontage
[Ord. 4064 § 1 (Att. A), 2017; Ord. 4039 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 3628 § 11, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.040 Projecting signs – Maximum area and height restrictions.
A. The maximum area of any projecting sign shall be as follows:
Zone Maximum Area of Sign
RS, RM Not permitted
BN, BP, BC,
BD, CW, WMU,
FVMUNCH
16 square feet
CG 32 square feet
B. The maximum height of any projecting sign shall be as follows:
Zone Maximum Height of
Sign
RS, RM Not permitted
BN, BP, BC,
BD, CW, CG,
Height of the wall to
which the sign is
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 20
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
Zone Maximum Height of
Sign
WMU,
FVMUNCH
attached
C. The sign area of a marquee sign may not exceed two feet in vertical dimension. [Ord. 4064 § 1
(Att. A), 2017; Ord. 4039 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 3628 § 12, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.045 Freestanding signs – Regulations.
A. Regulation. Permanent freestanding signs are discouraged. Freestanding signs shall be
approved only where the applicant demonstrates by substantial evidence that there are no
reasonable and feasible alternative signage methods to provide for adequate identification
and/or advertisement.
B. Maximum Area. The maximum area of a freestanding sign shall be as follows:
Zone Maximum Area of Sign
RS, RM 10 square feet (subdivision,
PRD, multifamily)
4 square feet (individual
residence sign)
BN, BP 24 square feet (single)
48 square feet (group)
BC, BD,
WMU,
FVMUNCH
32 square feet (single)
48 square feet (group)
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 21
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
Zone Maximum Area of Sign
CW 32 square feet (single)
48 square feet (group)
CG Sign area shall be governed
by subsection (C) of this
section
C. Allowable Sign Area for Freestanding Signs – CG Zone. The total allowable sign area for
freestanding signs on general commercial sites shall be 56 square feet or one-half square foot
of sign area for each lineal foot of street frontage, whichever is greater, up to a maximum of
160 square feet of freestanding sign area. Freestanding signs count against the overall
allowable permanent sign area. Multiple business or tenant sites shall further be allowed an
additional 24 square feet of freestanding sign area for each commercial tenant or occupant in
excess of one up to a maximum sign area of 160 square feet. Corner lots choosing to
accumulate sign area under the provisions of subsection (E) of this section shall be limited to
160 square feet.
D. Maximum Height. The maximum sign height of freestanding signs shall be as follows:
Zone Maximum Height of
Sign
RS, RM 6 feet
BN, BP, BC, BD,
CG, CW, WMU,
FVMUNCH
14 feet
E. Location. Freestanding signs shall be located as close as possible to the center of the street
frontage on which they are located. Except for pole-mounted community event banners,
freestanding signs may not be located on public property. Sites on a corner of two public
streets may have one sign on the corner instead of a sign for each frontage. Monument signs
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 22
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
not more than six feet in height may be located in a zoning setback, but not less than five feet
from a property line.
F. Number. In all zones, each lot or building site shall be permitted no more than one
freestanding sign, except in the business and commercial zones where a lot or site has frontage
on two arterial streets, in which case there may be permitted one sign per street frontage
subject to the restrictions on area contained within this chapter.
G. Landscaping.
1. Each freestanding sign shall have a landscaped area twice the size of the sign area at
the base of the sign. The landscaping and sign base shall be protected from vehicles by
substantial curbing.
2. The applicant shall provide a landscape performance bond in the amount of 125
percent of the estimated costs of the landscaping, or $1,000, whichever is more. The bond
shall be processed in accordance with Chapter 17.10 ECDC. [Ord. 4078 § 2 (Exh. 2), 2017; Ord.
4064 § 1 (Att. A), 2017; Ord. 4039 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 3631 § 3, 2007; Ord. 3628 § 13, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2,
2003].
20.60.050 Wall graphic and identification structures.
There are no area restrictions on wall graphics or identification structures. [Ord. 4064 § 1 (Att. A),
2017; Ord. 4039 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.055 Pedestrian signs.
Pedestrian signs are only permitted on private property and in the adjacent right-of-way in the
BC, BD, CW, and CG zones located within the downtown waterfront activity center, as defined in
the comprehensive plan. Pedestrian signs are only permitted if they meet the following
requirements:
A. Pedestrian signs may be permitted to be located either (1) between the business storefront
and the public right-of-way, or (2) on the sidewalk in front of the business storefront if the
pedestrian sign meets the following standards:
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 23
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
1. Only one pedestrian sign is permitted per ground floor storefront;
2. Businesses may make arrangements to rotate their pedestrian signs provided they
meet the one-sign-per-storefront standard;
3. The sign shall be located within 10 feet of the building entry and must be placed within
two feet of the building. The planning and development director may approve an
alternative location under the following circumstances:
a. An alternative location in front of the building or on the property occupied by the
business is less intrusive to pedestrian movement or accessibility; or
b. The building containing the business is set back from the property line and a
location on the property can be provided such that the sign does not encroach onto a
public sidewalk;
4. A business located on a corner property shall have no more than one pedestrian sign,
regardless of the number of streets the business fronts on;
5. If located on or near a sidewalk, building entry or pedestrian way, the sign shall be
located to provide a clear zone consistent with ECDC 18.70.030(C);
6. Pedestrian signs cannot be left outside during hours that the business is closed to the
public;
7. Pedestrian signs are limited to:
a. Six square feet in area, two and one-half feet in width, and three and one-half feet
in height for A-frame or sandwich board signs; and
b. Six square feet in area, two and one-half feet in width, and four and one-half feet in
height for stanchion, easel or other types of pedestrian signs. [Ord. 4299 § 51 (Exh. A),
2023; Ord. 4064 § 1 (Att. A), 2017; Ord. 4039 § 1 (Att. A), 2016].
20.60.060 Campaign signs.
A. On-premises campaign signs are permitted as a form of temporary signage in all zones,
subject to the maximum sign size limitations set forth in ECDC 20.60.080.
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 24
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
B. Off-premises campaign signs are permitted as a form of temporary signage in the public
right-of-way; provided, that the following requirements are met:
1. All campaign signs shall be posted in accordance with the regulations set forth in ECDC
20.60.080(B).
2. All off-premises campaign signs shall be removed within 10 days after the primary,
general, or special election to which they pertain.
3. Off-premises campaign signs shall be posted and displayed no earlier than upon
declaration of candidacy in accordance with Chapter 29.15 RCW, or other formal
registration or certification of the candidate, party, initiative, referendum or other ballot
issue for an upcoming election, or 60 days prior to the election, whichever time period is
greater.
C. There is no maximum number of off-premises campaign signs that may be posted. [Ord.
4064 § 1 (Att. A), 2017; Ord. 4039 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.065 Real estate signs.
A. On-premises real estate signs are permitted as a form of temporary signage in residential
and commercial zones, subject to the maximum signage area and sign number limitations set
forth in ECDC 20.60.080.
B. Off-premises real estate signs are permitted as a form of temporary signage, subject to the
following requirements:
1. Two and only two types of off-premises real estate signs shall be permitted:
a. An off-premises real estate directional sign is a sign displaying a directional arrow
and either a company or logo, or an indication that the property is for sale by its
owner, and installed for the purpose of directing the public to the property.
b. An off-premises open house sign is a form of temporary off-premises sign
indicating the property is currently open for viewing.
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 25
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
2. All off-premises real estate signs shall be posted in accordance with the regulations set
forth in ECDC 20.60.080(B).
3. The maximum number of off-premises real estate signs allowed per property shall only
be the number reasonably necessary to direct people to the premises. An agent or owner
shall be permitted no more than one off-premises real estate directional sign per
intersection and five in total. No more than one off-premises open house sign shall be
displayed per intersection and no more than five in total.
a. Each off-premises real estate directional sign shall bear a legible tag located on the
sign or supporting post indicating the date of posting and the address of the property
to which it pertains.
b. Off-premises real estate open house signs shall only be posted during daylight
hours when the real estate agent or owner is in attendance at the property for sale or
rent, and shall be removed immediately upon the termination of an “open house” or
other similar property display event.
4. No off-premises real estate signs shall be fastened to any traffic control device, public
structure, fence, rock, tree or shrub.
C. All on-premises and all off-premises real estate directional signs shall be removed within
seven days after the closing of the sale or lease of real property to which the sign pertains. [Ord.
4064 § 1 (Att. A), 2017; Ord. 4039 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.070 Construction signs.
Construction signs shall, irrespective of their duration, conform to the general regulations for
permanent signs specified under ECDC 20.60.020. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
chapter, the maximum area of a construction sign in any zone shall be 32 square feet. No sign
permit is required for the posting of construction signs; provided, that all construction signs
shall be removed from the premises within 10 days of the cessation of the excavation,
construction, demolition, rehabilitation, structural alteration or related work on site.
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 26
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
Zone Maximum Area of Signage
(per Street Frontage)
RS 16 square feet, or 32 square
feet if one sign is displayed for a
project consisting of building
permits issued for four lots or
more. Only one sign may be
displayed per project.
All
other
zones
32 square feet
The preceding square footages shall be in addition to any other temporary signage permitted
by ECDC 20.60.080. [Ord. 4064 § 1 (Att. A), 2017; Ord. 4039 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 3514 § 3, 2004].
20.60.075 Governmental signs.
Governmental signs, while exempt from the processes and development regulations required
by this chapter, shall be erected and maintained subject to rules and procedures established by
the planning and development director. In all cases, the city retains the right to remove any
governmental sign at its sole discretion. [Ord. 4299 § 52 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 4064 § 1 (Att. A), 2017].
20.60.080 Temporary signs.
A. On-Premises Temporary Signs. On-premises temporary signs are permitted in residential
and commercial zones, in addition to any allowed or permitted permanent signage, subject to
the following restrictions and standards:
1. Residential Zones (RS, RM).
a. Only portable, freestanding or attached signs may be used as temporary signage.
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 27
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
b. Commercial on-premises temporary signage is not permitted, except for real estate
signs as defined by ECDC 20.60.065.
c. Maximum number is one attached or freestanding sign.
2. Commercial Zones (BN, BP, BC, BD, WMU, FVMUNCH, CW, CG).
a. Only attached signs may be used for temporary signage. Attached signs may be
affixed to any existing building or sign structure that is permitted as a permanent
structure on the property. New temporary structures whose sole purpose is to display
the temporary sign are not otherwise permitted.
b. Maximum duration of display is 60 days in any calendar year for the cumulative
posting of all temporary commercial signage upon each commercial location or
premises.
c. Maximum number of temporary signs is one freestanding sign per property street
frontage, and one attached sign per building.
3. The total maximum area of on-premises temporary signage shall be as follows:
Zone Maximum Area of
Temporary Sign
RS, RM 6 square feet
BN, BP, BC, BD,
CW, WMU,
FVMUNCH
20 square feet
CG 30 square feet
4. The total maximum area for each allowed on-premises temporary sign shall be as
follows:
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 28
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
Zone Maximum Area of
Temporary Sign
RS, RM 6 square feet
(freestanding and
attached)
BN, BP, BC, BD,
CW, WMU,
FVMUNCH
20 square feet
(attached)
CG 30 square feet
(attached)
5. The maximum height of any allowed on-premises temporary sign shall be as follows:
Zone Maximum Height of
Sign
RS, RM 6 feet (freestanding and
attached)
BN, BP, BC, BD,
CW, CG, WMU,
FVMUNCH
14 feet (attached)
6. In no case shall temporary signage be posted, located, or displayed in violation of the
regulations for permanent signs set forth in ECDC 20.60.020 through 20.60.050.
B. Off-Premises Temporary Signage. Off-premises temporary signs are allowed in residential
and commercial zones, in accordance with the restrictions and standards set forth below:
1. Commercial off-premises temporary signage is prohibited, except for real estate signs
as permitted by ECDC 20.60.065; provided, that such off-premises real estate signs shall be
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 29
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
posted, displayed, and removed as provided for in that section, in addition to the
provisions of subsections (B)(5) through (9) of this section.
2. Noncommercial off-premises signs are permitted in the public right-of-way; provided,
that the posting and display of off-premises signs in the public right-of-way shall require a
street use permit where required pursuant to Chapter 18.70 ECDC.
3. Maximum duration of display for all temporary off-premises signs is a cumulative of 60
days in any calendar year, except as otherwise provided in ECDC 20.60.060 for campaign
signs. Display may be continuous or intermittent, except as otherwise provided in this
section.
4. Except for campaign signs as provided in ECDC 20.60.060, all off-premises
noncommercial signs relating to a specific meeting, event, or occurrence shall be removed
within 48 hours following the conclusion of the meeting, event, or occurrence to which they
relate.
5. Only portable freestanding signs may be used as temporary off-premises signage;
provided, that the following types of portable freestanding signs are prohibited from use as
an off-premises sign:
a. Signs with a vehicular chassis or support with or without wheels;
b. Posters and banners;
c. Signs mounted upon vehicles;
d. Searchlights;
e. Inflatables.
6. Maximum number of allowed off-premises signs to be displayed simultaneously shall
be one sign per sign poster except as provided in ECDC 20.60.060 for campaign signs and
in ECDC 20.60.065 for real estate signs.
7. Maximum allowable sign area for all temporary off-premises freestanding signs is six
square feet.
8. Maximum allowable sign height for all permitted off-premises signs is three feet.
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 30
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
9. All off-premises temporary signage shall be posted and displayed in accordance with
the following restrictions:
a. Off-premises signs may not be placed in any portion of the public right-of-way
typically used by motor vehicles in a lawful manner.
b. Off-premises signs shall be placed so as not to impede pedestrian, bicycle, or
handicapped travel or access.
c. Off-premises signs shall not be posted in a manner or location which impairs traffic
safety by unreasonably blocking line of sight at intersections.
d. Off-premises signs shall be constructed of suitable material and design to
adequately withstand the reasonably expected normal or average weather conditions
during the intended display period of the sign.
e. Off-premises signs shall be regularly inspected to ensure that they have not been
damaged or destroyed by natural forces or vandalism. Damaged and destroyed signs
shall be immediately removed or repaired so as to avoid threats to public health and
safety or the accumulation of unclaimed refuse upon the public rights-of-way.
f. Off-premises signs shall not be posted upon public property other than the public
right-of-way, and shall further not be posted within or upon planter boxes and flower
beds within the publicly maintained landscaped portions of the public right-of-way.
[Ord. 4064 § 1 (Att. A), 2017; Ord. 4039 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 3628 § 14, 2007; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.090 Prohibited signs.
A. General. All signs not expressly permitted by this chapter are prohibited.
B. Hazards. Signs which the director of public works determines to be a hazard to vehicle or
water traffic because they resemble or obscure a traffic control device, or because they obscure
visibility needed for safe traffic passage, are prohibited. These signs shall be removed if they
already exist.
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 31
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
C. Confiscation of Prohibited Signs in Public Rights-of-Way. All signs which are located within a
public right-of-way and that have been improperly posted or displayed are hereby declared to
be a public nuisance and shall be subject to immediate removal and confiscation.
D. Any signs confiscated by the city shall be held for 10 working days after which such signs
may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of. The owner of any confiscated signs may recover
the same upon payment of a $25.00 fee to cover the cost of confiscation and storage. [Ord. 4064
§ 1 (Att. A), 2017; Ord. 4039 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.095 Exempt signs.
The following types of signs are exempted from regulations of this chapter, except that the
dimensional and placement standards shall apply unless variance is required by other
provisions of local, state or federal law:
A. Signs required by provision of local, state, or federal law.
B. Official public notices required by provision of local, state, or federal law.
C. Signs not visible from a public location.
D. Seasonal and holiday displays not incorporating the use of written copy or graphics to
convey a message.
E. Gravestones. [Ord. 4064 § 1 (Att. A), 2017; Ord. 4039 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 3461 § 2, 2003].
20.60.100 Administration.
A. General. The planning and development director is responsible for administering and
enforcing the provisions of this chapter. He or she shall adopt application requirements for sign
permits. Fees shall be as stated in ECDC 15.00.020.
B. Installation Permits. Many signs require installation permits under Chapter 19.45 ECDC and
may require plan checking fees as well.
Chapter 20.60 ECDC, Sign Code 32
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
C. Notice of Violation. Whenever the planning director becomes aware of a violation of the
provisions of this chapter, the planning director shall cause a notice to be sent to the alleged
violator informing him or her of the violation, the applicable code section, and a time within
which to remedy the violation. The notice shall also advise of the penalties for continued
violation of the code as specified in this chapter. If the violation has not been corrected within
the time limit specified, the planning director shall refer the matter to the city attorney’s office
for institution of appropriate legal action.
D. Penalty. Any person violating any provision of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor,
and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of $25.00 for each day of continued
violation. [Ord. 4314 § 82 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 4064 § 1 (Att. A), 2017; Ord. 4039 § 1 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 3461 § 2,
2003].
The Edmonds Community Development Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed
May 6, 2025.
Disclaimer: The city clerk’s office has the official version of the Edmonds Community
Development Code. Users should contact the city clerk’s office for ordinances passed
subsequent to the ordinance cited above.
City Website: www.edmondswa.gov
Hosted by General Code
ECC 4.12.055, Street vendor requirements 1
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
4.12.055 Street vendor requirements.
Any person seeking a city of Edmonds business license for a street vendor license under the
definition of this chapter shall comply with the following requirements:
A. Mobile vending units may be allowed to operate within the following commercially zoned
areas including unzoned property or right-of-way adjacent to or abutting commercially zoned
areas:
1. Motorized and nonmotorized mobile vending units: neighborhood business (BN),
community business (BC), planned business (BP), downtown business zones (BD1, BD2,
BD3, BD4 and BD5), commercial waterfront (CW), general commercial (CG), Firdale Village
mixed-use (FVMU)Neighborhood Centers and Hubs (NCH), medical use (MU) and public use
(P).
B. In addition to the licensing requirements of this chapter, any street vendor shall be required
to obtain a street use permit. Application fees for street use permits are those established by
the city council by resolution in its sole legislative discretion. Application fees shall be paid to
the city prior to issuance of any permit.
C. Street vendors shall be subject to the same regulations regarding plastic bags,
noncompostable food service containers, and single-use plastic utensils that apply to retail
establishments and food service businesses.
D. All advertising shall be placed on the nonmotorized mobile vending unit and will not be
allowed on the street or sidewalk. Maximum sign area allowed shall be 10 square feet.
E. The vending site shall be kept clean and orderly at all times, and the vendor must provide a
refuse container and is encouraged to provide containers for recycling. No portion of a vendor’s
inventory, sales equipment, or any other structure or equipment used in the sales or
solicitation process shall be left overnight upon any unenclosed portion of any lot or site within
the city, nor upon any public street or right-of-way.
F. The city reserves the right to limit the number of vending permit sites in any given area of
the city. When the number of permitted mobile vendors reaches 15, a review before the city
council is triggered to determine if the number of mobile vendors should be limited. The city
ECC 4.12.055, Street vendor requirements 2
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
council review may consider the needs of the public, diversity of products offered for sale, the
smooth flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, number of complaints, and locations where the
vending units are located.
G. If located on a sidewalk, a minimum clearance of five feet shall be maintained by any street
vendor.
H. Street vendors shall not locate within that portion of improved street right-of-way designed
for vehicular traffic or parking. Street vendors seeking to locate in improved street rights-of-way
or on sidewalks shall be oriented toward pedestrian traffic movement or safety. Any application
to locate a street vendor in the street right-of-way shall require approval by the city traffic
engineer and shall not interfere in any way with vehicular or pedestrian traffic or safety.
I. No mechanical audio or noise making devices and no hawking is allowed. Hawking is the
loud, repeated oral solicitation of business by the vendor or an assistant.
J. Street vendors may operate in parks if they have a concession agreement with the city of
Edmonds to operate on a specific park property.
K. Street vendors are prohibited in residentially zoned areas, and unzoned property or right-
of-way adjacent to or abutting the residentially zoned areas.
L. All street vendors shall comply with all applicable Snohomish County health district
requirements.
M. The applicant shall submit with his application a copy of the written approval for the
vending site from the property owner when locating on private property. When locating on a
sidewalk within the right-of-way, the applicant shall have written approval for the vending site
from the abutting property owner and/or tenant. In the event that the property owner or
tenant shall disagree, the property owner’s decision shall be final.
1. In the event that the proposed site is on or abuts property owned by the city of
Edmonds, the applicant shall be required to obtain the city’s approval. Approvals relating to
park property shall be handled as a request to let a concession under the terms of this
chapter. Request for sites abutting all other public land owned by the city shall be
forwarded to the city council for their review and approval.
ECC 4.12.055, Street vendor requirements 3
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
2. In the event that the proposed site is on or abuts publicly owned property not owned by
the city of Edmonds, the applicant shall be required to obtain approval from the public
entity that owns the property.
3. In the event that the site for which approval is sought abuts vacant land, the applicant
shall make reasonable written attempts to secure the approval of the property owner. If
the applicant is unable to do so, the city may accept written proof of such attempts and
issue a conditional permit. If a complaint is later received from the owner of the land, the
license shall be revoked. The granting of such a conditional license shall vest no right in the
applicant.
N. When locating within a parking lot of a private location, the applicant shall:
1. Identify the location the mobile vending unit will be located and provide a circulation
plan. The location and circulation plan shall require approval by the city traffic engineer to
ensure the vending unit will not interfere in any way with vehicular or pedestrian traffic or
safety.
2. Demonstrate that the site will meet the parking requirements of Chapter 17.50 ECDC
excluding the parking space(s) occupied by the mobile vending unit.
O. The maximum permissible size for any nonmotorized mobile vending unit shall be:
1. Thirty square feet for sidewalk locations; and
2. Fifty square feet for locations within the street or other public right-of-way or when
located on private property;
3. In no event shall any nonmotorized mobile vending unit exceed 10 feet in length.
P. During special events held within the city where food providers are required to pay a fee to
participate (such as the Edmonds Art Festival and Taste of Edmonds), no mobile vending units
may be allowed to operate within one-quarter mile of the special event. [Ord. 4299 §§ 7, 15 (Exh. A),
2023; Ord. 4269 § 2, 2022; Ord. 3902 § 1 (Att. A), 2012; Ord. 3513 § 4, 2004; Ord. 3270 § 1, 1999; Ord. 2536 § 1,
1985].
ECC 4.12.055, Street vendor requirements 4
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
The Edmonds City Code is current through Ordinance 4393, passed May 6, 2025.
Disclaimer: The city clerk’s office has the official version of the Edmonds City Code. Users
should contact the city clerk’s office for ordinances passed subsequent to the ordinance cited
above.
City Website: www.edmondswa.gov
Hosted by General Code.
Everett Daily Herald
Affidavit of Publication
State of Washington }
County of Snohomish } ss
Michael Gates being first duly sworn, upon
oath deposes and says: that he/she is the legal
representative of the Everett Daily Herald a
daily newspaper. The said newspaper is a legal
newspaper by order of the superior court in the
county in which it is published and is now and
has been for more than six months prior to the
date of the first publication of the Notice
hereinafter referred to , published in the English
language continually as a daily newspaper in
Snohomish County, Washington and is and
always has been printed in whole or part in the
Everett Daily Herald and is of general
circulation in said County, and is a legal
newspaper, in accordance with the Chapter 99
of the Laws of 1921 , as amended by Chapter
213, Laws of 1941, and approved as a legal
newspaper by order of the Superior Court of
Snohomish County, State of Washington, by
order dated June 16, 1941 , and that the annexed
is a true copy of EDH1018568 ORD NOS:
4404-4406 as it was published in the regular and
entire issue of said paper and not as a
supplement form thereof for a period of I
issue(s), such publication commencing on
08/22/2025 and ending on 08/22/2025 and that
said newspaper was regularly distributed to its
subscribers during all of said period.
The amoun
$44.72.
Subscribed and sworn
7,1_.~ dayof
-z...o~.
publication is
before me on this
~~.
Notary Public in and for the State of
Washington.
C:ily of Edmund~· LEGAL ADS J 14101416
SCOTT PASSEY
, ··rt11 •
Cfassified Proof
or 11·"'
0
JlW~i1o</J;,~~~
1
~:~Jngton
On lhe 19th Day of Aug\lsl, 2025, lhe City Council of the City ol
Edmonds , plls .. d lhe ro ,owirig Otdina,ic~. the summary of said
01d fnances consl.slJng or (1tles are pro ded as follows:
ORDINANCE NO . .UO<
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS,
WASHINGTON , f(ElATING TO THE IMPOSITION Of A
PUBUC SAFETY SALES ANO USE TAX F~ CRIMINAL
JUSTICE PURPOSES.
QRDJNANCE NO. ¥0S
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY Of EDMONDS,
WAS)"IINGTO,-4 , ADOP'l'lNG PERMANENT DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO THE NEIGHBORBOOO
~!PrEMN\~v~'t.~iNT~-i; ~~J~rJIJ'~~r 1m-E17~ ,, 1
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS THAT WERE ADOPTED
WITH ORDINANCE 4382 ANO EXTENDED WIJTH
ORD INANCE 4396.
ORDINANCE NO 4406
AN OROINI\NCE Of THE CITY OF EDMONDS,
WASHINGTON, AMENDING CHAPTER 2.10 OF THE
EDMONDS CITY CODE RELAl"ING TO ACTING OFFICERS,
DATED u,!1 19111 03'/ of Aug\131, 2025.
CITY CL!cRK . SCOTT PASSEY
Published : August 22, 2025. EDH1018568
Proofed by Pospical, Randie , 08/22/2025 12:06:39 pm
''''I
I I
Page:2