2014.03.14 CC Retreat Agenda Packet
AGENDA
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL RETREAT
Brackett Room ~ 3rd Floor, City Hall
121 5th Avenue North, Edmonds
FRIDAY
MARCH 14, 2014
9:00 A.M. - CALL TO ORDER / FLAG SALUTE
1.(5 Minutes)Roll Call
2.(5 Minutes)Opening Remarks
3.(5 Minutes)Approval/Amendments to Agenda
4.(45 Minutes)
AM-6662
Code update and review
5.(30 Minutes)
AM-6650
Update on Strategic Action Plan - Information on Action Items Related to City
Council
(15 Minutes)BREAK
6.(30 Minutes)
AM-6648
Report on Senior Center Strategic Plan
7.(15 Minutes)
AM-6651
Discussion regarding Green Resource Center
8.(30 Minutes)
AM-6647
Transportation Forecasting including re-establishing the Transportation
Committee
(60 Minutes)12:00 Noon - Lunch
9.(90 Minutes)
AM-6660
Discussion regarding City Council Consultant Services to improve
communication between Council members and Council members and
Administration.
Packet Page 1 of 265
10.(10 Minutes)
AM-6655
Committee Assignments
11.(15 Minutes)
AM-6656
Discussion Regarding a Youth Coordinator
12.Audience Comments (3 minute limit per person)
ADJOURN
Packet Page 2 of 265
AM-6662 4.
City Council Retreat
Meeting Date:03/14/2014
Time:45 Minutes
Submitted By:Rob Chave
Department:Planning
Review Committee: Committee Action:
Type: Information
Information
Subject Title
Code update and review
Recommendation
N/A
Previous Council Action
N/A
Narrative
The code revision project began in 2013 and is continuing this year (2014). Carol Morris is nearing the
completion of her review of various code chapters; see the attachments for some of her work. Ms. Morris
is providing model code chapters as well as commentary on our existing codes so that we can reconstruct
the code in a legally defensible manner with improved organization and clarity. There are two additional
parts to the reorganization: Step 1: Complete the reorganization, using Ms. Morris' legal guidance and
suggestions as a base, but integrating Edmonds' standards and unique requirements and paying close
attention to how people will access and understand the code -- i.e. the code's usability. Step 2: Finalize
the code in an online format, making full use of the capabilities and features available via the City's
online publisher, Code Publishing. After Carol Morris' work is complete, we will have $110,000
available to complete the project. Approximately $10,000 should be reserved for Code Publishing's work
(step 2 above), with the balance ($100,000) available for a consultant to help complete the reorganization
(step 1 above). The new Development Services Director will obviously be a key player in the project, and
we anticipate this will be a very high priority for the balance of the year.
Attachments
Exhibit 1: Enforcement chapter
Exhibit 2: Zoning Code chapter comments
Exhibit 3: New Zoning Code draft
Exhibit 4: Zoning issues memo
Exhibit 5: Conditional Use chapter
Form Review
Inbox Reviewed By Date
Packet Page 3 of 265
City Clerk Scott Passey 03/10/2014 02:24 PM
Mayor Dave Earling 03/10/2014 02:28 PM
Finalize for Agenda Scott Passey 03/10/2014 03:22 PM
Form Started By: Rob Chave Started On: 03/10/2014 11:45 AM
Final Approval Date: 03/10/2014
Packet Page 4 of 265
DRAFT 7/19/13
ORDINANCE NO. _____
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON,
RELATING TO ZONING AND SUBDIVISION CODE ENFORCEMENT,
REPEALING CURRENT CODE ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES AND
PENALTY PROVISIONS AND ADOPTING NEW, COMPREHENSIVE
ZONING AND SUBDIVISION ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES WHICH
DESCRIBING VIOLATIONS, EXPLAINING THE PROCESS FOR
INVESTIGATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT, LISTING THE ELEMENTS
OF A NOTICE OF VIOLATION, DESCRIBING THE PROCEDURES FOR
NOTICE, ISSUANCE AND SERVICE OF NOTICES OF VIOLATION,
STOP WORK ORDERS AND EMERGENCY ORDERS, PROVIDING FOR
HEARINGS ON APPEALS, DESCRIBING THE HEARING PROCESS,
LISTING PENALTIES, REPEALING EMC SECTIONS 17.00.040,
20.110.010, 20.110.020, 20.110.030, 20.110.040 AND 20.110.050 AND
ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 17.03 TO THE EDMONDS MUNICIPAL
CODE.
WHEREAS, the City has decided to update its Zoning and Subdivision Code
enforcement procedures; and
WHEREAS, the City SEPA Responsible Official has determined that this Ordinance is
categorically exempt from SEPA as affecting only procedural and no substantive standards,
pursuant to WAC 197-11-800(19); and
WHEREAS, on _______________, 2013, the Planning Commission held a public
hearing on this Ordinance and made a recommendation of _________ to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the City Council considered this Ordinance during its regular City Council
meetings on ___________________ and _______________, Now, Therefore,
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON,
ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
Packet Page 5 of 265
Section 1. Section 17.00.040 of the Edmonds Municipal Code is hereby repealed.
Section 2. Chapter 20.110 of the Edmonds Municipal Code is hereby repealed.
Section 3. A new Chapter 17.03 is hereby added to the Edmonds Municipal Code,
which shall read as follows:
Chapter 17.03
ENFORCEMENT
Sections:
17.03.001 Intent.
17.03.002 Violations.
17.03.003 Responsibility to Enforce.
17.03.004 Investigation and Notice of Violation.
17.03.005 Time to Comply.
17.03.006 Stop Work Order.
17.03.007 Emergency Order
17.03.008 Appeals.
17.03.009 Appeal Hearing.
17.03.010 Civil Penalty.
17.03.011 Criminal Penalties.
17.03.012 Additional Relief.
17.03.013 Penalties for Subdivision Violations.
17.03.001 Intent. This chapter shall be enforced for the benefit of the health, safety
and welfare of the general public, and not for the benefit of any particular person or class of
persons. It is the intent of this chapter to place the obligation of complying with its requirements
upon the owner, occupier or other person responsible for the condition of the land and buildings
within the scope of the Zoning Code, Title 17 and the Subdivision Code, Title 21. No provision
of, or any term used in this chapter, is intended to impose any duty to enforce, or any other duty
upon the City o r any of its officers or employees which would subject them to damages in a civil
action.
17.03.002 Violations.
A. It is a violation of the Zoning Code, Title 17 and the Subdivision Code, Title 21,
for any person to initiate, maintain or cause to be initiated or maintained, the use of any structure,
land or property within the City, in a manner inconsistent with the underlying zone, or without
first obtaining the permits or authorizations required for the use by the aforementioned codes.
Packet Page 6 of 265
B. It is a violation of the Zoning Code, Title 17 and the Subdivision Code, Title 21,
for any person to use, construct, locate, demolish or cause to be used, constructed, located, or
demolished any structure, land or property within the City, in any manner that is not permitted by
the terms of any permit or authorization issued pursuant to the aforementioned Titles; provided,
that the terms or conditions are explicitly stated on the permit or the approved plans.
C. In addition to the above, it is a violation of Titles 17 and 21 EMC to:
1. Remove or deface any sign, notice, complaint or order required by or
posted in accordance with the aforementioned Titles;
2. To misrepresent any material fact in any application, plans or other
information submitted to obtain any building or construction authorization;
3. Fail to comply with any of the requirements of Title 17, including:
a) Storage of junk in residential zones (Sections _______ and
_______);
b) Keep litter or solid waste or allow litter or solid waste to
accumulate on any property, sidewalks or planting strips, whether the litter or solid
waste is deposited by the owner of the property or not. Solid waste and litter that is
prohibited to accumulate includes but is not limited to: disposable packages and
containers, cigarette butts, burning or smoldering materials, garbage and rubbish. This
subsection applies to any solid waste or litter accumulation of which the total volume, if
gathered together is in an amount in excess of (1) cubic foot or which contains any
hazardous substances or which is an immediate threat to the health and safety of the
public (Sections ___________);1
b) Construction or maintenance of structures in required yards in
residential zones (Sections ______ and ______); and
c) Keeping of animals (Section _____).
17.03.003 Responsibility to enforce.
A. The Community Services Director shall have the responsibility to enforce this
Chapter. The Director may call upon the police, fire, building, public works or other appropriate
1 I put this in as a place holder for language that would state that accumulation of litter is a
violation of the Zoning Code. I added some language to define litter and solid waste, but this should be in
your Zoning Code. This is just sample language and I suggest that you include the prohibition against
accumulation of litter and solid waste in the Zoning Code, only referencing it here.
Packet Page 7 of 265
City departments to assist in enforcement. As used in this chapter, “Community Services
Director” or “Director” shall also mean his or her duly authorized representative.
B. Upon presentation of proper credentials, the Director may, with the consent of the
owner or occupier of a building or premises, or pursuant to a lawfully issued inspection warrant,
enter at reasonable times any building or premises subject to the consent or warrant, in order to
perform the responsibilities imposed by this Chapter.
17.03.004 Investigation and Notice of Violation.
A. Investigation. The Director is authorized to investigate any structure or use which
he/she reasonably believes does not comply with the standards and requirements of the Zoning
Code, Title 17 or the Subdivision Code, Title 21.
B. Notice of Correction. If, after investigation, the Director determines that the
standards or requirements of the Zoning Code, Title 15, and the Subdivision Code, Title 17 or
the provisions of this chapter have been violated, the Director may serve a Notice of Correction
upon the owner, tenant or other person responsible for the condition using the service procedure
set forth in subsection G herein. The Notice of Correction shall contain the following
information:
1. The name and address of the person to whom it is directed;
2. The location and specific description of the violation;
3. A specific identification of each standard, code provision or requirement
violated;
4. A specific description of the actions required to correct, remedy or avoid
the violation or to comply with the standards, code provision or requirements, including
but not limited to, replacement, repair, supplementation, re-vegetation or restoration;
5. The date by which compliance is required in order to avoid the imposition
of monetary penalties. This date will be no less than 24 hours from the date and time that
the notice is posed on the property or no less than three days from the date that the Notice
of Correction is placed in the U.S. Mail addressed to the person identified in subsection
(B)(1) above; and
6. A statement that failure to comply with the Notice of Correction may
result in further enforcement actions, including the issuance of a Notice of Violation,
civil fines and criminal penalties.
C. Notice of Violation. After issuance of the Notice of Correction and expiration of
the deadline established therein, the Director shall investigate to determine whether a violation
still exists. If so, the Director may serve a Notice of Violation upon the owner, tenant or other
Packet Page 8 of 265
person responsible for the condition of the property, using the service procedure set forth in
subsection G herein. The Notice of Violation shall contain the following information:
1. The name and address of the person to whom it is directed;
2. The location and specific description of the violation;
3. A statement that the Notice (or Order, in the case of a Stop Work or
Emergency Order) is effective immediately upon posting at the site and/or receipt by the
person to whom it is directed;
4. The Notice of Violation may include or reference a Stop Work Order or
Emergency Order requiring that the violation immediately cease, or that the potential
violation be avoided;
5. The Notice of Violation may include or reference a Stop Work or
Emergency Order requiring that the person cease all work on the premises until
correction and/or remediation of the violation as specified in the Order;
6. A specific identification of each standard, code provision or requirement
violated;
7. A specific description of the actions required to correct, remedy or avoid
the violation or to comply with the standards, code provision or requirements, including
but not limited to, replacement, repair, supplementation, re-vegetation or restoration;
8. A reasonable time for compliance;
9. A statement that the violation may result in the imposition of penalties,
and if the violation is not already subject to criminal prosecution, that any subsequent
violations may result in criminal prosecution as provided in Section 17.03.011 (or
17.03.013 for subdivision violations);
10. A statement that failure to comply with the Notice of Violation may result
in further enforcement actions, including issuance of additional Notices of Violation,
civil fines and criminal penalties; and
11. A statement that the Notice of Violation represents a determination that a
violation has been committed by the person named in the Notice of Violation, and that
the determination shall be final unless appealed as provided in Section 17.03.008, and
that the appeal must be timely filed under the procedures set forth in 17.03.008(E)
(within 15 calendar days of service of the Notice of Violation).
D. Each Day a Separate Violation. Each day a person or entity fails to comply with
the code provision cited in the Notice of Violation may be considered a separate violation for
which a penalty may be imposed. However, no additional penalty for a continuing violation may
Packet Page 9 of 265
be assessed without the provision of an additional Notice of Violation and an opportunity for an
appeal.
E. Service. The Notice of Violation shall be served on the owner, tenant or other
person responsible for the condition in the manner set forth in RCW 4.28.080 for service of a
summons, or personally, as set forth in RCW 4.28.080(15). In lieu of service under RCW
4.28.080(15), where the person cannot with reasonable diligence be served as described, the
Notice of Violation may be served as provided in RCW 4.28.080(16).
F. Posting. A copy of the Notice of Violation shall be posted at a conspicuous place
on the property, unless posting the notice is not physically possible.
G. Other Actions May Be Taken. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to limit or
preclude any action or proceeding pursuant to Sections 17.03.006 (Stop Work Order), 17.03.007
(Emergency Order), 17.03.010 (Civil Penalty), 17.03.011 (Criminal Penalties), 17.03.012
(Additional Relief), or 17.03.013 (Subdivision Violations).
H. Additional Notice to Others. The Director may mail, or cause to be delivered to
all residential and/or nonresidential rental units in the structure, or post at a conspicuous place on
the property, a notice which informs each recipient or resident about the Notice of Violation,
Stop Work Order or Emergency Order and the applicable requirements and procedures.
I. Recording. A copy of the Notice of Violation may be filed with the County
Auditor when the responsible party fails to correct the violation and no appeal is filed, or the
Director requests that the City Attorney take appropriate enforcement action. The Director may
choose not to file a copy of the Notice or Order if the Notice or Order is directed only to a
responsible person other than the owner of the property.
J. Amendment. A Notice or Order may be amended at any time in order to:
1. Correct clerical errors; or
2. Cite additional authority for a stated violation.
17.03.005 Time to comply. When calculating a reasonable time for compliance in the
Notice of Correction or Notice of Violation, the Director shall consider the following criteria:
A. The type and degree of violation cited in the Notice;
B. The stated intent, if any, of a responsible party to take steps to comply;
C. The procedural requirements for obtaining a permit to carry out corrective action;
D. The complexity of the corrective action, including seasonal considerations,
construction requirements and the legal prerogatives of landlords and tenants; and
Packet Page 10 of 265
E. Any other circumstances beyond the control of the responsible party.
17.03.006 Stop Work Order.
A. Whenever a continuing violation of Titles 17 or 21 will materially impair the
Director’s ability to secure compliance, or when the continuing violation threatens the health or
safety of the public, the Director has the authority to issue a Stop Work Order prohibiting any
work or other activity at the site. The Stop Work Order shall be in writing and served upon
persons engaged in doing such work or causing such work to be done. The Stop Work Order
shall be immediately posted on the property. Failure to comply with a Stop Work Order shall
constitute a violation of this chapter.
B. The Stop Work Order shall include the information in Section 17.03.004(B)(1)
through (6). In addition, the Stop Work Order shall include a statement that the person to whom
the Stop Work Order is directed or the property owner may file an appeal and request an
expedited hearing with the Hearing Examiner within seven (7) calendar days after service of the
Stop Work Order. If no appeal is filed and compliance is not achieved within the compliance
date, the Director may ask the City Attorney to seek additional relief under Section 17.03.012
and/or the Director may file a Notice of Violation for the violation pursuant to 17.03.004,
seeking compliance and describing penalties.
C. Expedited appeal. The Hearing Examiner shall hold the expedited appeal hearing
on a Stop Work Order according to the applicable procedures in Section 17.03.009. If the
Hearing Examiner finds that a violation has occurred which has not been corrected by the
deadline established for compliance, the Director may ask the City Attorney to seek additional
relief under Section 17.03.012 and/or the Director may issue a Notice of Violation for the
violation pursuant to 17.03.004, describing penalties.
17.03.007 Emergency order.
A. Whenever any use or activity in violation of Title 17 or Title 21 threatens the
health and safety of the occupants of the premises or any member of the public, the Director has
the authority to issue an Emergency Order directing that the use or activity be discontinued and
the condition causing the threat to the public health and safety be corrected. The Emergency
Order shall be immediately posted on the property and served on the person(s) responsible.
Failure to comply with an Emergency Order shall constitute a violation of this Chapter.
B. The Emergency Order shall include all of the information in Section
17.03.004(B)(1) through (6). In addition, the Emergency Order shall include a statement that the
person to whom the Emergency Order is directed may file an appeal and request an expedited
hearing with the Hearing Examiner within seven (7) calendar days after service or posting of the
Emergency Order. If no appeal is filed and compliance is not achieved, the Director may ask the
City Attorney to seek additional relief under Section 17.03.012 and/or the Director may issue a
Notice of Violation pursuant to 17.03.004, seeking compliance and penalties.
Packet Page 11 of 265
C. Expedited appeal. The Hearing Examiner shall hold the expedited appeal hearing
on an Emergency Order according to the applicable procedures in 17.03.009. If the Hearing
Examiner finds that the violation described in the Emergency Order occurred or exist, any
condition described in the Emergency Order which is not corrected within the time specified is
hereby declared to be a public nuisance and the Director may ask that the City Attorney take
action to obtain a warrant of abatement for the property in Superior Court. The owner or person
responsible (or both) shall be responsible for the costs associated with the abatement, in the
manner provided by law.
17.03.008 Appeals and Mediation.
A. No appeal of a Notice of Violation citing criminal penalties. There is no
administrative appeal of a Notice of Violation issued pursuant to 17.03.004 for violations which
would subject the violator to criminal prosecution and/or the imposition of criminal penalties. A
Notice of Violation or citation for a violation that subjects the violator to criminal penalties is
enforced in municipal court.
B. Expedited Appeal Hearings on Stop Work and Emergency Orders. An expedited
public hearing shall be held by the Hearing Examiner, according to the procedures in this
Section, on an appeal of a Stop Work or Emergency Order, regardless of whether the violations
described in the Stop Work Order or Emergency Order would eventually subject the violator to
civil or criminal prosecution and/or the imposition of civil or criminal penalties. The expedited
appeal hearing shall be for the sole purpose of determining whether the Stop Work or Emergency
Order was correctly issued and/or whether a violation occurred.
C. Appeal Hearings on Notices of Violations Citing Civil Penalties. Unless an
appeal of a Notice of Violation is filed with the Director in accordance with this Section, or an
appeal involving an expedited hearing is filed, the Notice of Violation shall become the Final
Order of the Director. The Final Order, including the collection of penalties, may be enforced
by the City Attorney in Superior Court.
D. Standing to file appeal.
1. Notice of Violation. Only parties of record have standing to file an appeal
of a Notice of Violation. Parties of record are defined to mean:
a. The property owner or the person responsible for the condition of
the property;
b. Any person who can demonstrate that he/she is aggrieved by the
decision; and
c. The City Council.
Packet Page 12 of 265
2. Stop Work Order and Emergency Order. Only the property owner or the
person responsible for the condition of the property may request an expedited appeal hearing for
a Stop Work Order or Emergency order.
E. Time to file appeal.
1. Notice of Violation under 17.03.004. The party of record must file
an appeal with the Director within fifteen (15) calendar days of service of the Notice of
Violation.
2. Stop Work or Emergency Orders under 17.03.006 or 17.03.007.
The property owner or the person responsible for the condition of the property may request an
expedited appeal hearing within seven (7) calendar days after service of the Stop Work or
Emergency Order.
3. Computing deadline for filing appeal. For purposes of computing
the time for filing an appeal, the day the decision issued shall not be counted. If the last day of
the deadline for filing the appeal is a Saturday, Sunday or holiday designated by RCW 1.16.050
or city ordinance, then the appeal must be filed on the next business day. Appeals shall be
delivered to the Director by mail, by personal delivery or by fax before 5:00 p.m. on the last
business day of the appeal period. Appeals received by mail after 5:00 p.m. on the last day of the
appeal period will not be accepted, no matter when such appeals were mailed or postmarked.
E. Content of appeal. Appeals shall be in writing, be accompanied by the required
appeal fee, and contain the following information:
1. Appellant’s name, address and phone number;
2. A statement describing appellant’s standing to appeal;
3. Appellant’s statement of grounds for appeal and the facts upon
which the appeal is based with specific references to the facts in the record;
4. The specific relief sought;
5. A statement that the appellant has read the appeal and believe the
contents to be true, followed by the appellant’s signature.
F. Effect. The timely filing of an appeal shall stay any enforcement action based on
a Stop Work Order, Emergency Order or Notice of Violation until the Hearing Examiner’s
decision issues unless the Director finds that the violation causes an immediate threat to public
health or safety.
Packet Page 13 of 265
G. Mediation. After an appeal is filed, either party (the appellant or the City) may
contact the other party to request mediation. If mediation is desired by both parties, and they are
in agreement on all mediation issues (whether a mediator will be hired to mediate the dispute,
who will pay the cost of the mediator, when mediation will take place, where mediation will
occur, etc.) scheduling of the appeal hearing shall be held in abeyance. The appellant’s willful or
negligent failure to appear at the mediation will terminate the mediation procedure, and the City
will proceed to schedule the appeal hearing.
17.03.009 Appeal Hearing.
A. The public hearing on an appeal shall include the following elements and be
conducted as follows:
1. The Hearing Examiner shall set the time and place of the hearing, and
arrange for notice of the public hearing to be provided, except in cases involving an expedited
hearing. For expedited hearings, notice of the hearing shall be provided to the appellant and
every reasonable effort shall be made to schedule the hearing within one week after receipt of the
appeal.
2. A party to the appeal may participate personally or by an attorney.
4. The Hearing Examiner shall, at the appropriate stage in the proceeding,
give all parties full opportunity to submit and respond to motions and file briefs and objections.
5. If the person requesting the hearing fails to attend or participate in the
hearing (other than filing the timely request for an appeal hearing as provided in this chapter),
the Hearing Examiner may issue a default order of dismissal.
6. To the extent necessary for full disclosure of all relevant facts and issues,
the Hearing Examiner shall afford to all parties the opportunity to respond, present evidence and
argument, conduct cross-examination and submit rebuttal evidence.
7. The Hearing Examiner shall cause the hearing to be recorded by a method
chosen by the City, which shall allow preparation of a verbatim transcript.
8. The hearing shall be open to public observation.
9. All testimony of parties and witnesses shall be made under oath or
affirmation.
10. Ex parte communications shall be addressed as set forth in chapter 42.36
RCW.
11. The scope and standard of review shall be de novo. The City shall have
the initial burden of proof in cases involving notices of violation, stop work orders, emergency
orders or penalties, to demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence the existence of a
Packet Page 14 of 265
violation or that the legal standard for imposing the penalty has been met. The Examiner shall
grant substantial weight or otherwise accord deference whenever directed by ordinance or
statute.
12. After the conclusion of the public hearing, the Hearing Examiner may
allow the parties a designated time for the submission of memos, briefs or proposed findings, as
long as the Hearing Examiner can still issue his/her final decision according to any applicable
deadline established by this chapter.
13. At or after the appeal hearing on a Notice of Violation, the Hearing
Examiner may:
(a) Sustain the notice of violation;
(b) Withdraw the notice of violation;
(c) Continue the review to a date certain for receipt of additional
information;
(d) Modify the notice of violation, which may include an extension of
the compliance date.
D. Except with regard to expedited hearings, the Hearing Examiner shall issue
written findings of fact and conclusions of law within 10 calendar days of the date of the
completion of the hearing and shall cause the same to be mailed by regular first class mail to the
person(s) named on the notice of violation, mailed to the complainant, if possible. A copy of the
final decision may be recorded against the property in the County Auditor’s office. The decision
on expedited hearings shall issue within five (5) business days after the completion of the
hearing.
E. The decision of the Hearing Examiner shall be final on a Notice of Violation, and
no further administrative appeal may be filed. In order to appeal the decision of the Hearing
Examiner on a Notice of Violation, a person with standing to appeal must file an appeal of the
decision to superior court as provided under Chapter 36.70C RCW within the deadline set forth
in RCW 36.70C.040.2 Following a finding of the Hearing Examiner of the existence of a
violation at the appeal hearing, continuing penalties may be imposed by the provision of
additional Notices of Violation and an opportunity for an appeal hearing. No additional penalty
for a continuing violation may be imposed without the provision of additional Notices and
opportunity for a hearing.
17.03.010 Civil Penalty.
2 Do you want to change this procedure?
Packet Page 15 of 265
A. In addition to any other sanction or remedial procedure which may be available,
any person violating or failing to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter relating to the
Zoning Code (Title 17), shall be subject to a penalty in the amount of one hundred dollars
($100.00) (Is this the correct amount? Do you want a per day penalty?)
B. The penalty imposed by this section shall be collected by civil action brought in
the name of the City. The Director shall notify the City Attorney in writing of the name of any
person subject to the penalty, and the City Attorney shall, with the assistance of the Director,
take appropriate action to collect the penalty. Each day of noncompliance with any of the
provisions of the Zoning Code (Title 17) shall constitute a separate offense.
C. The violator may show as full or partial mitigation of liability:
1. That the violation giving rise to the action was caused by the willful act, or
neglect, or abuse of another; or
2. That correction of the violation was commenced promptly upon receipt of
the notice thereof, but that full compliance within the time specified was prevented by
inability to obtain necessary materials or labor, inability to gain access to the subject
structure, or other condition or circumstance beyond the control of the defendant.
17.03.011 Criminal penalties.
A. Any person violating or failing to comply with any of the provisions of this
chapter or the Zoning Code (Title 17) who has had a judgment entered against him or her
pursuant to 17.03.010 or 17.03.011 for the same violation within the past five years shall be
subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction of a subsequent violation shall be fined in a
sum not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000) or be imprisoned for a term not exceeding one
year or be both fined and imprisoned. Each day of noncompliance with any of the provisions of
this chapter or the Zoning Code, Title 15, shall constitute a separate offense.
B. The above criminal penalty may also be imposed:
1. For any other violation of the Zoning Code, Title 17, for which corrective
action is not possible; and
2. For any willful, intentional, or bad faith failure or refusal to comply with
the standards or requirements of the Zoning Code, Title 17.
17.03.012 Additional relief.
The Director may seek legal or equitable relief to enjoin any acts or practices and abate
any condition which constitutes or will constitute a violation of the Zoning Code, Title 17 or
Title 21, the Subdivision Code, when civil or criminal penalties are inadequate to effect
compliance.
Packet Page 16 of 265
17.03.013 Penalties for Subdivision Violations.
A. Any person, firm, corporation or association or any agency or any person, firm,
corporation or association who violates any provision of Subdivisions, Title 21, relating to the
sale, offer for sale, lease or transfer of any lot, tract, or parcel of land, shall be guilty of a gross
misdemeanor and each sale, offer for sale, lease or transfer of each separate lot, tract or parcel of
land in violation of any provision of Subdivisions, Title 21, shall be deemed a separate and
distinct offense and subject to a separate citation. Continuing fines may be imposed by the
provision of additional Notice of Violations and an opportunity for hearing. No additional fine
for a continuing violation may be imposed without the provision of notice and the opportunity
for hearing.
B. Whenever land within a subdivision granted final approval is used in a manner or
for a purpose which violates any provision of Subdivisions, Title 21, or any condition of plat
approval prescribed for the plat by the city, the City Attorney may commence an action to
restrain and enjoin such use and compel compliance with the provisions of Subdivisions, Title
21, or with such terms and conditions. The costs of such action shall be taxed against the
violator.
Section 4. Publication. This Ordinance shall be published by an approved summary
consisting of the title.
Section 5. Severability. If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance
should be held to be unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or
unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of any other section, sentence,
clause or phrase of this Ordinance.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately after
publication as provided by law.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Edmonds, signed by the Mayor and
attested by the City Clerk in authentication of such passage on this ___ day of ____________,
2013.
______________________________
_______ Mayor
Packet Page 17 of 265
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________
City Attorney
Packet Page 18 of 265
Title 16
ZONE DISTRICTS
Chapters:
16.00 Zone Districts – Preface and Purpose ...................................................3
16.10 Residential Zones – Purposes ...............................................................4
16.20 RS – Single-Family Residential ............................................................4
16.30 RM – Multiple Residential...............................................................10.1
16.40 Business and Commercial Zones – Purposes......................................12
16.43 BD – Downtown Business ..................................................................12
16.45 BN – Neighborhood Business ..........................................................16.7
16.50 BC – Community Business ..............................................................16.9
16.53 BP – Planned Business...................................................................16.13
16.55 CW – Commercial Waterfront .......................................................16.16
16.60 CG – General Commercial: CG and CG2 Zones ................................17
16.62 MU – Medical Use Zone.....................................................................19
16.65 OS – Open Space ................................................................................21
16.70 MR – Marine Resource .......................................................................22
16.75 MP – Master Plan Hillside Mixed-Use Zone ...................................22.1
16.77 OR – Office-Residential ..................................................................22.5
16.80 P – Public Use .....................................................................................23
16.100 Firdale Village Mixed-Use Zoning Criteria ........................................25
Carol’s comment: I have prepared a new chapter for the purpose sections only. This
was because of our earlier understanding that the City will be inserting the permitted uses in
each zone into a graph. Other comments appear in this chapter in red.
Packet Page 19 of 265
Chapter 16.00
ZONE DISTRICTS – PREFACE AND PURPOSE
Sections:
16.00.000 Title.
16.00.010 Purposes.
16.00.020 Applicable to other titles.
16.00.030 Repealed.
16.00.000
Title.
ECDC Titles 16 and 17 may be referred to as the zoning ordinance.
16.00.010
Purposes.
In addition to the purposes stated in the city’s comprehensive plan, the zoning ordinance shall
have the following purposes:
A. To assist in the implementation of the adopted comprehensive plan for the physical
development of the city by regulating and providing for existing uses and planning for the future as
specified in the comprehensive plan; and
B. To protect the character and the social and economic stability of residential, commercial,
industrial and other uses within the city, and to ensure the orderly and beneficial development of
those uses by:
1. Preserving and retaining appropriate areas for each type of use;
2. Preventing encroachment into these areas by incompatible uses; and
3. By regulating the use of individual parcels of land to prevent unreasonable detrimental
effects of nearby uses. [Ord. 3240 § 1, 1999].
16.00.020
Applicable to other titles.
All uses in every zone district are subject to the general zoning regulations of ECDC Title 17 and
to applicable regulations and policies contained in other titles of the community development code.
16.00.030
Adult motion picture theaters, etc., prohibited.
Repealed by Ord. 3117. [Ord. 2279 § 6, 1982].
Packet Page 20 of 265
Chapter 16.10
RESIDENTIAL ZONES – PURPOSES
Sections:
16.10.000 Purposes.
16.10.000
Purposes.
The general purposes of the residential, or R, zones are:
A. To provide for areas of residential uses at a range of densities consistent with public
health and safety and the adopted comprehensive plan;
B. Any growth or development should strive to preserve for itself and its neighbors the
following values:
1. Light (including direct sunlight),
2. Privacy,
3. Views, open spaces, shorelines and other natural features,
4. Freedom from air, water, noise and visual pollution;
C. To provide for community facilities which complement residential areas and benefit
from a residential environment;
D. To minimize traffic congestion and avoid the overloading of utilities by relating the
size and density of new buildings to the land around them, the capacity of nearby streets,
and the availability of utilities;
E. To protect residential uses from hazards and nuisances, such as fire, explosion,
noxious fumes and noise, odor, dust, dirt, smoke, vibration, heat, glare, and heavy truck
traffic, which may result from other, more intense, land uses.
Packet Page 21 of 265
Chapter 16.20
RS – SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
Sections:
16.20.000 Purposes.
16.20.010 Uses.
16.20.020 Subdistricts.
16.20.030 Table of site development standards.
16.20.040 Site development exceptions.
16.20.045 Site development standards – Single-family master plan.
16.20.050 Site development standards – Accessory buildings.
16.20.000
Purposes.
The RS zone has the following specific purposes in addition to the general purposes for
residential zones of ECDC 16.00.010 and 16.10.000:
A. To reserve and regulate areas primarily for family living in single-family dwellings;
B. To provide for additional nonresidential uses which complement and are compatible
with single-family dwelling use. [Ord. 3547 § 1, 2005].
16.20.010
Uses.
A. Permitted Primary Uses. Carol’s comment: I know that the City will be transferring
the text of uses allowed in a particular zone to a graph. The first thing that the City needs to
do is ensure that all uses are defined in the definitions chapter. In the definitions, the City
can add any qualifiers. For example, that a church must meet the requirements of Section
17.100.020. The reason I am making this suggestion is because some of the text in this
chapter doesn’t just identify uses or development standards. In some of the text, there
appears to be permit procedures and this can be very confusing.
1. Single-family dwelling units;
2. Churches, subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.020;
3. Primary schools subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.050(G) through (R);
4. Local public facilities that are planned, designated, and sited in the capital
improvement plan, subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.050; Carol’s comment:
What is a capital improvement plan and why would this type of facility be allowed without
a CUP simply because an agency outside of the City included it in their capital
improvement plan? Does the City even have a capital improvement plan? If the lack of a
capital improvement plan can mean that a CUP must be obtained, the term must be defined.
5. Neighborhood parks, natural open spaces, and community parks with an adopted
master plan subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.070. Carol’s comment: If the
property owner has to get an approval, like a master plan, in order to site the use in the
single family residential zone, then it shouldn’t be listed as a permitted primary use. It’s not
permitted outright – only after a plan is approved.
B. Permitted Secondary Uses.
1. Foster homes;
Packet Page 22 of 265
2. Home occupation, subject to the requirements of Chapter 20.20 ECDC;
3. The renting of rooms without separate kitchens to one or more persons;
4. The keeping of three or fewer domestic animals;
5. The keeping of horses, subject to the requirements of Chapter 5.05 ECC;
6. The following accessory buildings:
a. Fallout shelters,
b. Private greenhouses covering no more than five percent of the site,
c. Private stables,
d. Private parking for no more than five cars,
e. Private swimming pools and other private recreational facilities;
7. Private residential docks or piers;
8. Family day-care in a residential home; Carol’s Comment: See my memo dated 2-
18-14 on family day cares, adult family homes and mini-day cares.
9. Commuter parking lots that contain less than 10 designated parking spaces in con-
junction with a church, school, or local public facility allowed or conditionally permitted in
this zone. Any additionally designated parking spaces that increase the total number of
spaces in a commuter parking lot to 10 or more shall subject the entire commuter parking
lot to a conditional use permit as specified in subsection (D)(5) of this section, including
commuter parking lots that are located upon more than one lot as specified in ECDC
21.15.075.
10. Bed and breakfasts, as in ECDC 20.23.020(A)(1). Carol’s comment: a bed and
breakfast with 2 rental bedrooms is permitted as a secondary use, but a guest house with not
more than 2 bedrooms requires a conditional use permit?
Carol’s comment: The City is required to allow “adult family homes” as a permitted
use in all areas zoned for residential or commercial purposes. RCW 70.128.140. The
definitions do not include “adult family home,” which is “a residential home in which a
person or persons provide personal care, special care, room and board to not more than six
adults who are not related by blood or marriage to the person or persons providing the
services.” RCW 70.128.010(1).
C. Primary Uses Requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
1. High schools, subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.050(G) through (R);
2. Local public facilities that are not planned, designated, and sited in the capital
improvement plan, subject to ECDC 17.100.050; Carol’s comment: Same as above.
3. Regional parks and community parks without a master plan subject to the require-
ments of ECDC 17.100.070.
D. Secondary Uses Requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
1. Preschools; Carol’s comment: I don’t understand why a primary school is
permitted outright, but a preschool requires a CUP.
2. Guest house; Carol’s comment: I don’t understand why a bed and breakfast with 2
rental bedrooms is a permitted secondary use, but a guest house requires a CUP.
3. Amateur radio transmitting antennas;
4. Accessory dwelling units; and
5. Commuter parking lots with 10 or more designated parking spaces in conjunction
with a church, school, or local public facility allowed or conditionally permitted in this
zone.
6. Bed and breakfasts, as in ECDC 20.23.020(A)(2). [Ord. 3900 § 4, 2012; Ord. 3702
§ 1, 2008; Ord. 3547 § 1, 2005].
Packet Page 23 of 265
16.20.020
Subdistricts.
There are established seven subdistricts of the RS zone in order to provide site develop-
ment standards for areas which differ in topography, location, existing development and
other factors. These subdistricts shall be known as the RS-6 zone, the RS-8 zone, the RS-10
zone, the RS-12 zone, the RSW-12 zone, the RS-20 zone, and the RS-MP zone. [Ord. 3547
§ 1, 2005].
Packet Page 24 of 265
16.20.030
Table of site development standards.
Sub
District
Minimum
Lot Area
(Sq. Ft.)
Maximum
Density1
Minimum
Lot Width
Minimum
Street
Setback
Minimum
Side
Setback
Minimum
Rear
Setback
Maximum
Height
Maximum
Coverage
(%)
Minimum
Parking
Spaces2
RS-20 20,000 2.2 100' 25' 35'3 & 10' 25' 25' 35% 2
RS-12 12,000 3.7 80' 25' 10' 25' 25' 35% 2
RSW-124 12,000 3.7 — 15' 10' 35' 25' 35% 2
RS-10 10,000 4.4 75' 25' 10' 20' 25' 35% 2
RS-8 8,000 5.5 70' 25' 7-1/2' 15' 25' 35% 2
RS-6 6,000 7.3 60' 20' 5' 15' 25' 35% 2
RS-MP5 12,0005 3.75 80'5 25'5 10'5 25'5 25' 35% 2
1 Density means “dwelling units per acre” determined by dividing the total lot area by the density allowed by
the underlying zoning; the number of lots or units permitted shall be rounded down to the nearest whole
number.
2 See Chapter 17.50 ECDC for specific parking requirements.
3 Thirty-five feet total of both sides, 10 feet minimum on either side.
4 Lots must have frontage on the ordinary high water line and a public street or access easement approved by
the hearing examiner.
5 “MP” signifies “master plan.” The standards in this section show the standards applicable to development
without an approved master plan. Properties in this zone may be developed at a higher urban density lot
pattern equivalent to RS-8 but this shall only be permitted in accordance with a duly adopted master plan
adopted under the provisions of ECDC 16.20.045.
[Ord. 3547 § 1, 2005].
16.20.040
Site development exceptions. Carol’s comment: Do these exceptions apply
only to the single family residential zone, or do they also apply to the other
residential zones? If so, should they be in a separate chapter or different
location so that it is clear that they apply to all residential zones?
A. Average Front Setback. If a block has residential buildings on more than one-half of
the lots on the same side of the block, the owner of a lot on that block may use the average
of all the setbacks of the existing residential buildings on the same side of the street as the
minimum required front setback for the lot. Detached structures such as garages; carports;
and uncovered porches, decks, steps and patios less than 30 inches in height, and other
uncovered structures less than 30 inches in height shall not be included in the “average front
setback” determination.
An applicant for such a determination shall provide a drawing which locates the street
property line for the entire block, as well as the existing street setbacks of all buildings
Packet Page 25 of 265
required to be used for the purpose of calculating the “average front setback.” The drawing
shall be prepared and stamped by a land surveyor registered in the state of Washington.
B. Eaves and Chimneys. Eaves and chimneys may project into a required setback not
more than 30 inches.
C. Porches and Decks. Uncovered and unenclosed porches, steps, patios, and decks may
project into a required setback not more than one-third of the required setback, or four feet,
whichever is less; provided, that they are no more than 30 inches above ground level at any
point.
D. Reserved.
E. Corner Lots. Corner lots have no rear setback; all setbacks other than the street set-
backs shall be side setbacks.
F. Docks, Piers, Floats. Carol’s comment: Does the City’s SMP include these terms and
regulations? Has someone reviewed the SMP to make sure that the Zoning Code and the
SMP are consistent?
1. Height. The height of a residential dock or pier shall not exceed five feet above the
ordinary high water mark. The height of attendant pilings shall not exceed five feet above
the ordinary high water mark or that height necessary to provide for temporary emergency
protection of floating docks.
Packet Page 26 of 265
2. Length. The length of any residential dock or pier shall not exceed the lesser of 35
feet or the average length of existing docks or piers within 300 feet of the subject dock or
pier.
3. Width. The width of any residential dock or pier shall not exceed 25 percent of the
lot width when measured parallel to the shoreline.
4. Setbacks. All residential docks or piers shall observe a minimum 10-foot side yard
setback from a property line or a storm drainage outfall. Joint use docks or piers may be
located on the side property line; provided, that the abutting waterfront property owners
shall file a joint use maintenance agreement with the Snohomish County auditor in con-
junction with, and as a condition of, the issuance of a building permit. Joint use docks or
piers shall observe all other regulations of this subsection.
5. Number. No lot shall have more than one dock or pier or portion thereof located on
the lot.
6. Size. No residential dock or pier shall exceed 400 square feet.
7. Floats. Offshore recreational floats are prohibited.
8. Covered Buildings. No covered building shall be allowed on any residential dock or
pier. [Ord. 3845 § 5, 2011; Ord. 3547 § 1, 2005].
16.20.045
Site development standards – Single-family master plan. Carol’s
comment: So the single-family master plan is a separate zone?
A. General. The “single-family – master plan” zone is intended to apply to the area lying
along the south side of SR-104 north of 228th Street SW, where there are development
constraints related to access and traffic on SR-104. Development in this zone may be
approved at RS-12 standards without an approved master plan. Without an approved master
plan or WITH an approved master plan? An approved master plan is required before any
development can occur at RS-8 densities.
B. Criteria for Approving a Master Plan. Properties seeking to develop at RS-6 or RS-8
densities shall be developed according to a master plan (such as through a PRD) that clearly
demonstrates the following: What does this mean – the property owner has to apply for a
PRD or is there a separate procedure for a “master plan?” If the latter, the City needs to
establish this procedure in the section re: permits and approvals. It should not be in the
zone development standards chapter.
1. That access and lot configurations shall not result in additional curb cuts or
unmitigated traffic impacts on SR-104; at a minimum, a traffic study prepared by a traffic
engineer approved by the city shall clearly demonstrate this requirement.
2. That the configuration and arrangement of lots within the master plan area provide
for setbacks on the perimeter of the proposed development that are compatible with the
zoning standards applied to adjoining developed properties. For example, a master plan
adjoining developed lots in an RS-MP zone that were developed under RS-12 standards
shall have RS-12 setbacks along common property lines, although the lot sizes, widths, and
other bulk standards may conform to the higher density lot configuration approved through
the master plan. [Ord. 3547 § 1, 2005].
Packet Page 27 of 265
16.20.050
Site development standards – Accessory buildings.
A. General. Accessory buildings and structures shall meet all of the standards of ECDC
16.20.030 except as specifically provided in this section.
B. Height. Height shall be limited to 15 feet, except for amateur radio transmitting
antennas and their supporting structures. Garages or other accessory buildings attached by a
breezeway, hallway, or other similar connection to the main building which results in a
separation exceeding 10 feet in length may not exceed the 15-foot height limit. The
separation shall be determined by the minimum distance between the outside walls of the
main building and accessory building, exclusive of the connecting structure.
Packet Page 28 of 265
C. Rear Setbacks. The normally required rear setback may be reduced to a minimum of
five feet for accessory buildings covering less than 600 square feet of the site.
Carol’s comment: I don’t understand why the standards relating to antennas are in the
development standards for residential uses. The City has a separate section for wireless
antennas, maybe the chapter could deal with antennas in general, and this could be inserted
there.
D. Satellite Television Antenna. A satellite television antenna which measures greater
than one meter or 1.1 yards in diameter shall comply with the following regulations:
1. General. Satellite television antennas must be installed and maintained in compli-
ance with the Uniform Building and Electrical Codes as the same exist or are hereafter
amended. A building permit shall be required in order to install any such device. So, no
zoning permit is required, only a building permit?
2. Setbacks. In all zones subject to the provisions contained herein, a satellite televi-
sion antenna shall be located only in the rear yard of any lot. In the event that no usable sat-
ellite signal can be obtained in the rear lot location or in the event that no rear lot exists as in
the case of a corner lot, satellite television antennas shall then be located in the side yard. In
the event that a usable satellite signal cannot be obtained in either the rear or side yard, then
a roof-mounted location may be approved by the staff; provided, however, that any roof-
mounted satellite antenna shall be in a color calculated to blend in with existing roof mate-
rials and, in the case of a parabolic, spherical or dish antenna, shall not exceed nine feet in
diameter unless otherwise provided for by this section. In no event shall any roof-mounted
satellite television antenna exceed the maximum height limitations established by this sec-
tion.
3. Aesthetic. Satellite television antennas shall be finished in a nongarish, nonreflec-
tive color and surface which shall blend into their surroundings. In the case of a parabolic,
spherical or dish antenna, said antenna shall be of a mesh construction. No commercial
advertising of any kind shall be displayed on the satellite television antenna.
4. Size and Height. Maximum size for a ground-mounted parabolic, spherical or dish
antenna shall be 12 feet in diameter. No ground-mounted antenna shall be greater than 15
feet in height unless otherwise approved for waiver as herein provided. The height of roof-
mounted satellite television antennas shall not exceed the lesser of the height of the antenna
when mounted on a standard base provided by the manufacturer or installer for ordinary
operation of the antenna or the height limitation provided by the zoning code.
5. Number. Only one satellite television antenna shall be permitted on any residential
lot or parcel of land. In no case shall a satellite television antenna be permitted to be placed
on wheels or attached to a portable device for the purpose of relocating the entire antenna
on the property in order to circumvent the intentions of this section.
Carol’s comment: Same comment as above – this ham radio section should be in a
chapter dealing with antennas, rather than in the chapter on residential uses. It is difficult to
find here.
E. Amateur Radio Antennas.
1. The following applications for the following approvals shall be processed as a Type
II development project permit application (see Chapter 20.01 ECDC): Is a building permit
also required?
Packet Page 29 of 265
a. Requests to utilize an amateur radio antenna dish which measures greater than
one meter or 1.1 yards in diameter;
b. Requests to utilize an antenna which:
i. Would be greater than 12 feet in height above the principal building on a site.
The height of the antenna shall be determined by reference to the highest point of the roof
of the principal building, exclusive of the chimney or other roof-mounted equipment. The
request to locate a 12-foot antenna on a building is limited to buildings whose height con-
forms to the highest limit of the zone in which the building is located.
ii. Would exceed the height limit of the zone when mounted on the ground or on
any accessory structure (see subsection (E)(2)(d) of this section).
2. The application shall comply with the following regulations:
Packet Page 30 of 265
a. Definition. “Amateur radio antenna” means an antenna, or any combination of a
mast or tower plus an attached or mounted antenna, which transmits noncommercial
communication signals and is utilized by an operator licensed by the Federal Com-
munications Commission. Guy wires for amateur radio antennas are considered part of the
structure for the purpose of meeting development standards.
b. General. Amateur radio antennas must be installed and maintained in compliance
with the Uniform Building and Electrical Codes, as the same exist or are hereafter amended.
A building permit shall be required to install an amateur radio antenna.
c. Location. Amateur radio antennas may be ground- or roof-mounted, however,
these devices shall:
i. Be located and constructed in such a manner as to reasonably ensure that, in
its fully extended position, it will not fall in or onto adjoining properties;
ii. Not be located within any required setback area; and
iii. Be retracted in inclement weather posing a hazard to the antenna.
d. Height. The height of a ground-mounted tower or roof-top antenna may not
exceed the greater of the height limit applicable to the zone or 65 feet when extended by a
telescoping or crank-up mechanism unless an applicant obtains a waiver (see subsection (F)
of this section). Carol’s comment: This is another reason that the regulations applicable to
antennas should be in a separate chapter. They include permit processes, like this waiver.
If the City wants to have a process for an antenna waiver, it needs to include all of the
requirements (list of elements of a complete application, description of the process,
identification of decision-makers, etc.)
i. Only telescoping towers may exceed the height limits established by subsec-
tion (E)(1)(b) of this section. Such towers shall comply with the height limit within the
applicable zone and may only exceed the height limit of the applicable zone and/or 65-foot
height limit when extended and operating and if a waiver has been granted.
ii. An antenna located on a nonconforming building or structure which exceeds
the height limit of the zone in which it is located shall be limited to height limit of the zone
plus 12 feet.
e. Aesthetic. To the extent technically feasible and in compliance with safety
regulations, specific paint colors may be required to allow the tower to blend better with its
setting.
F. Technological Impracticality – Request for Waiver.
1. The owner, licensee or adjacent property owner may apply for a waiver if:
a. Strict application of the provisions of this zoning code would make it impossible
for the owner of a satellite television antenna to receive a usable satellite signal;
b. Strict application of the provisions of this zoning code would make it impossible
for the holder of any amateur radio license to enjoy the full benefits of an FCC license or
FCC protected right; or
c. An adjacent property owner or holder of an FCC license or right believes that
alternatives exist which are less burdensome to adjacent property owners.
2. The request for waiver shall be reviewed by the hearing examiner as a Type III-A
decision and may be granted upon a finding that one of the following sets of criteria have
been met:
a. Technological Impracticality.
i. Actual compliance with the existing provisions of the city’s zoning ordinance
would prevent the satellite television antenna from receiving a usable satellite signal or
Packet Page 31 of 265
prevent an individual from exercising the rights granted to him or her by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) by license, law or FCC regulation; or
ii. The alternatives proposed by the property owner or licensee constitute the
minimum necessary to permit acquisition of a usable satellite signal by a satellite television
antenna or to exercise the rights granted pursuant to a valid FCC license, law or FCC
regulation.
b. Less Burdensome Alternatives. The hearing examiner is also authorized to
consider the application of adjacent property owners for a waiver consistent with the provi-
sions of subsection (F)(1)(c) of this section without the requirement of a finding that a
usable satellite signal cannot be acquired when the applicant or adjacent property owner(s)
establish that the alternatives proposed by the applicant are less burdensome to the adjacent
property owners than the requirements which would otherwise be imposed under this sec-
tion.(Carol’s comment: What? Adjacent property owners can apply for a waiver? I don’t
understand the preceding sentence.) For example, adjacent property owners may request
alternative or additional screening or the relocation of the antenna on the licensee’s
property. In the interactive process described in subsection (F)(3) of this section, the hearing
examiner shall attempt to balance the impact of the tower on the views of adjacent
properties, as well as the impacts of alternative screening and relocation in order to
equitably distribute any negative impacts among the neighbors while imposing reasonable
conditions on the antenna, its location and screening that do not impair the rights granted by
the FCC to the licensee.
Packet Page 32 of 265
3. The process shall be an interactive one in which the hearing examiner works with
the licensee to craft conditions which place the minimum possible burden on adjacent prop-
erty owners while permitting the owner of the satellite antenna or holder of an amateur
radio license to fully exercise the rights which he or she has been granted by federal law.
For example, the number of antennas and size of the array shall be no greater than that
necessary to enjoy full use of the FCC license. Carol’s comment: Is there an “array” in a
ham radio antenna? Or are these regulations copied from wireless antenna regulation and
not applicable here? Conditions may include but are not limited to requirements for
screening and landscaping, review of the color, reflectivity and mass of the proposed
satellite television antenna or amateur radio facilities, and other reasonable restrictions. Any
restriction shall be consistent with the intent of the city council that a waiver to the antenna
owner be granted only when necessary to permit the satellite television antenna to acquire
usable satellite signal or to allow the licensee to exercise the rights granted by Federal
Communications Commission license after consideration of aesthetic harmony of the
community. The process employed should involve the interaction of the licensee or owner
and the neighborhood. Certain issues have been preempted by federal law and shall not be
considered by the hearing examiner. Such issues include, but are not limited to, the impacts
of electromagnetic radiation, the potential interference of the amateur radio facility with
electronic devices in the neighborhood and any other matter preempted by federal law or
regulation. Impact on view and on the values of neighboring properties may be considered
in imposing reasonable conditions but shall not be a basis for denial of a permit to construct
the antenna.
4. The application fee and notification for consideration of the waiver by an owner of
a satellite television antenna shall be the same as that provided for processing a variance.
No fee shall be charged to the holder of a valid FCC amateur radio license. Carol’s
comment: These regulations need to be re-written and relocated to a permit processing
section of the code, and state exactly what is needed for a complete application, to describe
the procedure for approval, criteria for approval, etc. They are very difficult to follow.
5. In the event that an applicant for waiver is also obligated to undergo architectural
design review, the architectural design board shall defer any issues relating to the antenna
and/or other amateur radio equipment to the hearing examiner. Carol’s comment: What is
the trigger or section of the code that requires a ham radio antenna to undergo architectural
design review? The hearing examiner may, at his or her discretion, request the architectural
design board review and comment regarding required screening and landscaping and its
integration into sight and landscaping plans. No additional fee shall be required of the
applicant upon such referral. Carol’s comment: I don’t understand this. First, this
subsection appears to state that an applicant could be required to undergo architectural
design review (What exactly can be done with this type of antenna? Just install landscaping
at the bottom of the antenna?) The next sentence states that the examiner has the discretion
to put this in the lap of the architectural review board. This section needs to be eliminated.
The code needs to identify the permit processes and all steps in the process, including the
decision-makers. The hearing examiner should not have the authority to determine when a
permit is referred to a different decision-maker.
G. The provisions of subsections (D), (E) and (F) of this section shall be interpreted in
accordance with the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission including but
not limited to PRB-1. In the event of ambiguity or conflict with any of the apparent
Packet Page 33 of 265
provisions of this section, the provisions of federal regulations shall control. [Ord. 3736
§§ 8, 9, 2009; Ord. 3728 § 3, 2009; Ord. 3547 § 1, 2005].
Packet Page 34 of 265
Chapter 16.30
RM – MULTIPLE RESIDENTIAL
Sections:
16.30.000 Purposes.
16.30.010 Uses.
16.30.020 Subdistricts.
16.30.030 Site development standards.
16.30.040 Site development exceptions.
16.30.000
Purposes.
The RM zone has the following specific purposes in addition to the general purposes for
residential zones of ECDC 16.00.010 and 16.10.000:
A. To reserve and regulate areas for a variety of housing types, and a range of greater
densities than are available in the single-family residential zone, while still maintaining a
residential environment;
B. To provide for those additional uses which complement and are compatible with
multiple residential uses. [Ord. 3627 § 1, 2007].
16.30.010
Uses.
A. Permitted Primary Uses.
1. Multiple dwellings;
2. Single-family dwellings;
3. Retirement homes;
4. Group homes for the disabled, foster family homes and state-licensed group homes
for foster care of minors; provided, however, that halfway houses and group homes licensed
for juvenile offenders are not permitted uses in a residential zone of the city;
5. Boarding houses and rooming houses;
6. Housing for low income elderly in accordance with the requirements of Chapter
20.25 ECDC;
7. Churches, subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.020;
8. Primary schools subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.050(G) through (R);
9. Local public facilities that are planned, designated, and sited in the capital
improvement plan, subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.050; Carol’s comment:
what is a “capital improvement plan,” and do all agencies that could construct “local public
facilities” have them?
10. Neighborhood parks, natural open spaces, and community parks with an adopted
master plan subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.070. Carol’s comment: I think
this section for permitted primary uses, should only include uses that are permitted without
additional permits, like an “adopted master plan.”
Carol’s comment: See my memo dated 2-18-14 re: family day care, adult family
homes and mini day cares.
B. Permitted Secondary Uses.
Packet Page 35 of 265
1. All permitted secondary uses in the RS zone, if in conjunction with a single-family
dwelling;
2. Home occupations, subject to the requirements of Chapter 20.20 ECDC;
3. The keeping of one domestic animal per dwelling unit in multiple-family buildings;
4. The following accessory uses:
a. Private parking,
b. Private swimming pools and other private recreational facilities,
c. Private greenhouses covering no more than five percent of the site in total;
5. Commuter parking lots containing less than 10 designated parking spaces in con-
junction with a church, school, or local public facility allowed or conditionally permitted in
this zone. Any additionally designated parking spaces that increase the total number of
spaces in a commuter parking lot to 10 or more shall subject the entire commuter parking
lot to a conditional use permit as specified in subsection (D)(2) of this section, including
commuter parking lots that are located upon more than one lot as specified in ECDC
21.15.075.
C. Primary Uses Requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
1. Offices, other than local public facilities;
2. Local public facilities not planned, designated, or sited in the capital improvement
plan, subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.050;
3. Day-care centers; Carol’s comment: See my memo of 2-18-14 re: “day care
centers,” family day care, adult family home, mini-day cares.
4. Hospitals, convalescent homes, rest homes, sanitariums;
Packet Page 36 of 265
5. Museums, art galleries, zoos, and aquariums of primarily local concern that do not
meet the criteria for regional public facilities as defined in ECDC 21.85.033;
6. Counseling centers and residential treatment facilities for current alcoholics and
drug abusers;
7. High schools, subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.050(G) through (R);
8. Regional parks and community parks without a master plan subject to the require-
ments of ECDC 17.100.070.
D. Secondary Uses Requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
1. Day-care facilities of any size to be operated in a separate, nonresidential portion of
a multifamily residential dwelling structure operated primarily for the benefit of the resi-
dents thereof; Carol’s comment: See my memo of 2-18-14 re: family day care, adult
family homes, etc.
2. Commuter parking lots with 10 or more designated parking spaces in conjunction
with a church, school, or local public facility allowed or conditionally permitted in this
zone. [Ord. 3627 § 1, 2007].
16.30.020
Subdistricts.
There are established four subdistricts of the RM zone, in order to provide site
development standards for areas which differ in topography, location, existing development
and other factors. These subdistricts shall be known as the RM-1.5, RM – Edmonds Way
(RM-EW), RM-2.4, and RM-3 zones. [Ord. 3627 § 1, 2007].
16.30.030
Site development standards.
A. Table.
Subdistrict Minimum Lot
Area Per
Dwelling Unit4
(Sq. Ft.)
Minimum
Street
Setback2
Minimum
Side
Setback2
Minimum
Rear
Setback
Maximum
Height
Maximum
Coverage
Minimum3
Parking
(Spaces
Per Unit)
RM-1.5 1,500 15′ 10′ 15′ 25′1,5 45% 2
RM-EW 1,500 15′ 10′ 15′ 25′5,6,7 45% 2
RM-2.4 2,400 15′ 10′ 15′ 25′1,5 45% 2
RM-3 3,000 15′ 15′ 15′ 25′1,5 45% 2
1 Roof only may extend five feet above the stated height limit if all portions of the roof above the stated height limit have a
slope of four inches in 12 inches or greater.
2 RS setbacks may be used for single-family homes on lots of 10,000 square feet or less in all RM zones.
3 See Chapter 17.50 ECDC for specific parking requirements.
4 See definition of townhouse.
5 Maximum height for accessory structures of 15 feet.
Packet Page 37 of 265
6 The maximum base height of any building fronting on Edmonds Way may be increased to 30 feet if the following apply
to the site and proposed development:
(a) At least 50 percent of the parking for the subject building shall be enclosed inside a building or buildings;
(b) The subject property is at least five feet lower at its lowest elevation than any adjacent residentially (R) zoned
property measured at its lowest elevation; and
(c) The proposed development integrates low impact development techniques where reasonably feasible. For the
purposes of this subsection, “low impact development techniques” shall include, but shall not be limited to, the
following: the use of bioswales, green roofs, and grasscrete. “Reasonably feasible” shall be determined based upon
the physical characteristics of the property and its suitability for the technique; cost alone shall not make the use of
the impact development unreasonable or unfeasible. Carol’s comment. The definition of “low
impact development techniques should not be inserted here, in a footnote. The City
should have regulations addressing the manner in which low impact development
techniques can be used.
7 In addition to any height bonus under note 6, the building may extend up to an additional five feet if all portions of
the roof above the height limit (after adding the height bonus under note 6) provide a minimum 15 percent slope or
pitch.
Packet Page 38 of 265
B. Signs and Design Review. See Chapters 20.10 and 20.60 ECDC for regulations.
C. Location of Parking. No parking spaces may be located within the street setback.
Carol’s comment: What is a “street setback?” Does this mean that the property owner has
to provide off-street parking?
D. Landscaping. In addition to the landscaping requirements set forth in Chapter 20.13
ECDC, any development in the RM – Edmonds Way zone shall retain at least 35 percent of
the existing healthy significant trees within the side and rear setbacks of the development
site. The applicant shall retain an arborist to determine the health of all significant trees
within the side and rear setbacks. For the purposes of this section, “significant tree” shall be
defined as any tree with a caliper greater than six inches measured at four feet above grade.
Where it is not reasonably feasible for the applicant to retain 35 percent of the existing
healthy significant trees within the side and rear setbacks, the applicant may replace any
significant trees below the 35 percent threshold as follows: each significant tree removed
that reduces the percentage of retained significant healthy trees below 35 percent shall be
replaced with three new trees, each of no less than three-inch caliper measured at four feet
above grade. [Ord. 3627 § 1, 2007].
16.30.040
Site development exceptions.
A. Housing for the Elderly. Housing projects for the elderly are eligible for special park-
ing and density provisions. See Chapter 20.25 ECDC. Carol’s comment: Doesn’t the City
allow housing for the elderly in other zones? If so, shouldn’t this be in the chapter relating
to parking standards?
B. Satellite Television Antenna. Satellite television antennas shall be regulated as set
forth in ECDC 16.20.050 and reviewed by the architectural design board. Carol’s
comment: Even the small ones? If all antenna standards were in a separate chapter, this
would not need to be repeated in each chapter relating to each zone.
C. Setback Encroachments.
1. Eaves and chimneys may project into a required setback not more than 30 inches.
2. Except as authorized by subsection (C)(3) of this section, uncovered and unen-
closed porches, steps, patios, and decks may project into a required setback not more than
one-third of the required setback, or four feet, whichever is less; provided, that they are no
more than 30 inches above the ground level at any point.
3. In the RM – Edmonds Way zone, uncovered and unenclosed porches, steps, patios,
and decks may occupy up to one-half of the required street setback area along Edmonds
Way; provided, that these structures or uses are located no more than 20 feet above the
ground level at any point.
D. Corner Lots. Corner lots shall have no rear setback; all setbacks other than street set-
backs shall be side setbacks. [Ord. 3652 § 1, 2007; Ord. 3627 § 1, 2007].
Packet Page 39 of 265
Carol’s comment; Consider the adoption of chapters relating to development standards in
all zones. If corner lots in all zones have no rear setback, this doesn’t need to be repeated in
each chapter relating to each zone.
Packet Page 40 of 265
Chapter 16.40
BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL
ZONES – PURPOSES
Sections:
16.40.000 Purposes.
16.40.000
Purposes.
The general purposes of the business and commercial (B or C) zones are:
A. To provide for areas for commercial uses offering various goods and services
according to the different geographical areas and various categories of customers they
serve;
B. To provide for areas where commercial uses may concentrate for the convenience of
the public and in mutually beneficial relationships to each other;
C. To provide for residential uses, community facilities and institutions which may
appropriately locate in commercial areas;
D. To require adequate landscaping and off-street parking and loading facilities;
E. To protect commercial uses from hazards such as fire, explosion and noxious fumes,
and also nuisances created by industrial uses such as noise, odor, dust, dirt, smoke, vibra-
tion, heat, glare and heavy truck traffic.
Packet Page 41 of 265
Chapter 16.43
BD – DOWNTOWN BUSINESS
Sections:
16.43.000 Purposes.
16.43.010 Subdistricts.
16.43.020 Uses.
16.43.030 Site development standards.
16.43.035 Design standards – BD zones.
16.43.040 Operating restrictions.
16.43.000
Purposes.
The BD zone has the following specific purposes in addition to the general purposes for
business and commercial zones listed in Chapter 16.40 ECDC:
A. Promote downtown Edmonds as a setting for retail, office, entertainment and associ-
ated businesses supported by nearby residents and the larger Edmonds community, and as a
destination for visitors from throughout the region.
B. Define the downtown commercial and retail core along streets having the strongest
pedestrian links and pedestrian-oriented design elements, while protecting downtown’s
identity.
C. Identify supporting arts and mixed use residential and office areas which support and
complement downtown retail use areas. Provide for a strong central retail core at down-
town’s focal center while providing for a mixture of supporting commercial and residential
uses in the area surrounding this retail core area.
D. Focus development between the commercial and retail core and the Edmonds Center
for the Arts on small-scale retail, service, and multifamily residential uses. [Ord. 3918 § 1
(Att. 1), 2013; Ord. 3700 § 1, 2008].
16.43.010
Subdistricts.
The “downtown business” zone is subdivided into five distinct subdistricts, each intended
to implement specific aspects of the comprehensive plan that pertain to the Downtown
Waterfront Activity Center. Each subdistrict contains its own unique mix of uses and zoning
regulations, as described in this chapter. The five subdistricts are:
Packet Page 42 of 265
BD1 – Downtown Retail Core;
BD2 – Downtown Mixed Commercial;
BD3 – Downtown Convenience Commercial;
BD4 – Downtown Mixed Residential;
BD5 – Downtown Arts Corridor. [Ord. 3918 § 1 (Att. 1), 2013; Ord. 3700 § 1, 2008].
16.43.020
Uses.
A. Table 16.43-1.
Permitted Uses BD1 BD2 BD3 BD4 BD5
Commercial Uses
Retail stores or sales A A A A A
Offices A A A A A
Service uses A A A A A
Retail sales requiring intensive outdoor display or storage
areas, such as trailer sales, used car lots (except as part of a
new car sales and service dealer), and heavy equipment
storage, sales or services
X X X X X
Enclosed fabrication or assembly areas associated with and
on the same property as an art studio, art gallery, restaurant
or food service establishment that also provides an on-site
retail outlet open to the public
A A A A A
Automobile sales and service X A A X X
Dry cleaning and laundry plants which use only
nonflammable and nonexplosive cleaning agents
C A A A X
Printing, publishing and binding establishments C A A A C
Public markets licensed pursuant to provisions in Chapter
4.90 ECC
A A A A A
Residential Uses
Single-family dwelling
Family day care? Adult family home?
A A A A A
Multiple dwelling unit(s) A A A A A
Other Uses
Bus stop shelters A A A A A
Churches, subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.020 A A A A A
Primary and high schools, subject to the requirements of
ECDC 17.100.050(G) through (R)
A A A A A
Packet Page 43 of 265
Permitted Uses BD1 BD2 BD3 BD4 BD5
Local public facilities, subject to the requirements of ECDC
17.100.050
C C C A C
Neighborhood parks, natural open spaces, and community
parks with an adopted master plan subject to the
requirements of ECDC 17.100.070
A A A A A
Off-street parking and loading areas to serve a permitted use B B B B B
Commuter parking lots in conjunction with a facility
otherwise permitted in this zone
B B B B X
Commercial parking lots C C C C X
Wholesale uses X X C X X
Hotels and motels A A A A A
Amusement establishments C C C C C
Auction businesses, excluding vehicle or livestock auctions C C C C C
Drive-in businesses C C A C X
Laboratories X C C C X
Fabrication of light industrial products not otherwise listed as
a permitted use
X X C X X
Day-care centers Carol’s comment: As commented earlier,
the City needs to separately identify and define the uses that
are statutorily defined and regulated.
C C C A C
Hospitals, health clinics, convalescent homes, rest homes,
sanitariums
X C C A X
Museums and art galleries of primarily local concern that do
not meet the criteria for regional public facilities as defined
in ECDC 21.85.033
A A A A A
Zoos and aquariums of primarily local concern that do not
meet the criteria for regional public facilities as defined in
ECDC 21.85.033
C C C C A
Counseling centers and residential treatment facilities for
current alcoholics and drug abusers
X C C A X
Regional parks and community parks without a master plan
subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.070
C C C C C
Outdoor storage, incidental to a permitted use D D D D D
Aircraft landings as regulated by Chapter 4.80 ECC D D D D D
Packet Page 44 of 265
A = Permitted primary use
B = Permitted secondary use
C = Primary uses requiring a conditional use permit
D = Secondary uses requiring a conditional use permit
X = Not permitted
For conditional uses listed in Table 16.43-1, the use may be permitted if the proposal
meets the criteria for conditional uses found in Chapter 20.05 ECDC, and all of the
following criteria are met: Carol’s comment: Shouldn’t the criteria for approval of a CUP,
even specific criteria applicable to a particular zone, be in the chapter relating to CUP? If
there are criteria in each chapter relating to each zone, there is a risk that the criteria could
be inconsistent with the criteria in the chapter on CUPs.
1. Access and Parking. Pedestrian access shall be provided from the sidewalk.
Vehicular access shall only be provided consistent with ECDC 18.80.060. When a curb cut
is necessary, it shall be landscaped to be compatible with the pedestrian streetscape and
shall be located and designed to be as unobtrusive as possible.
Packet Page 45 of 265
2. Design and Landscaping. The project shall be designed so that it is oriented to the
street and contributes to the pedestrian streetscape environment. Fences more than four feet
in height along street lot lines shall only be permitted if they are at least 50 percent open,
such as a lattice pattern. Blank walls shall be discouraged, and when unavoidable due to the
nature of the use shall be decorated by a combination of at least two of the following:
a. Architectural features or details;
b. Artwork;
c. Landscaping. [Ord. 3932 § 6, 2013; Ord. 3918 § 1 (Att. 1), 2013; Ord. 3894 § 4,
2012; Ord. 3700 § 1, 2008].
16.43.030
Site development standards.
A. Table 16.43-2.
Sub
District
Minimum Lot
Area
Minimum
Lot Width
Minimum
Street
Setback
Minimum
Side
Setback1
Minimum
Rear
Setback1
Maximum
Height2
Minimum
Height of
Ground Floor
within the
Designated
Street Front4
BD15 0 0 0 0 0 30' 15'
BD25 0 0 0 0 0 30' 12'
BD35 0 0 0 0 0 30' 12'
BD43,5 0 0 0 0 0 30' 12'
BD55 0 0 0 0 0 25' 12'
1 The setback for buildings and structures located at or above grade (exempting buildings and structures entirely below the
surface of the ground) shall be 15 feet from the lot line adjacent to residentially (R) zoned property.
2 Specific provisions regarding building heights are contained in ECDC 16.43.030(C).
3 Within the BD4 zone, site development standards listed in Table 16.43-2 apply when a building contains a ground floor
consisting of commercial space to a depth of at least 45 feet measured from the street front of the building. If a proposed
building does not meet this ground floor commercial space requirement (e.g., an entirely residential building is
proposed), then the building setbacks listed for the RM-1.5 zone shall apply. See ECDC 16.43.030(B)(8) for further
details.
4 “Minimum height of ground floor within the designated street-front” means the vertical distance from top to top of the
successive finished floor surfaces for that portion of the ground floor located within the designated street front (see
ECDC 16.43.030(B)); and, if the ground floor is the only floor above street grade, from the top of the floor finish to the
top of the ceiling joists or, where there is not a ceiling, to the top of the roof rafters. “Floor finish” is the exposed floor
surface, including coverings applied over a finished floor, and includes, but is not limited to, wood, vinyl flooring, wall-
to-wall carpet, and concrete, as illustrated in Figure 16.43-1. Figure 16.43-1 shows an example of a ground floor height
of 15 feet; note that the “finished” ceiling height is only approximately 11 feet in this example.
5 Site development standards for single-family dwellings are the same as those specified for the RS-6 zone.
Packet Page 46 of 265
Map 16.43-1: Designated Street Front for BD Zones
Packet Page 47 of 265
Figure 16.43-1: Ground Floor Height Measurement
B. Ground Floor. This section describes requirements for development of the ground
floor of buildings in the BD zones.
1. For all BD zones, the ground floor is considered to be that floor of a building which
is closest in elevation to the finished grade along the width of the side of the structure that is
principally oriented to the designated street front of the building (this is normally the adja-
cent sidewalk). For the purposes of this section, the ground “floor” is considered to be the
sum of the floor planes which, in combination, run the full extent of the building and are
closest in elevation to one another. For the purposes of this chapter, the definition of
“ground floor” contained in ECDC 21.35.017 does not apply.
2. Designated Street Front. Map 16.43-1 shows the streets that define the designated
street front for all properties lying within the BD zones. The designated street front is
defined as the 45 feet measured perpendicular to the street front of the building lot fronting
on each of the mapped streets.
3. Minimum Height of the Ground Floor within the Designated Street Front. The mini-
mum height of the ground floor specified in Table 16.43-2 only applies to the height of the
ground floor located within the designated street front established in subsection (B)(2) of
this section. Carol’s comment: Have you thought of adopting a chapter that describes the
manner in which measurements will be done? It would prevent the City from adopting
inconsistent measurement procedures from zone to zone. The Seattle Zoning Code has one,
if you want to take a look.
Packet Page 48 of 265
4. Access to Commercial Uses within the Designated Street Front. When a commer-
cial use is located on the ground floor within a designated street front as defined in
subsection (B)(2) of this section, the elevation of the ground floor and associated entry shall
be within seven inches of the grade level of the adjoining sidewalk. “Grade” shall be as
measured at the entry location. Portions of the ground floor outside the designated street
front of the building need not comply with the access requirements specified in this section.
5. When the designated street front of a building is on a slope which does not allow
both the elevation of the entry and ground floor within the designated street front to be
entirely within seven inches of the grade level of the sidewalk, as specified in subsection
(B)(4) of this section, the portion of the ground floor of the building located within the
designated street front may be designed so that either:
a. The entry is located within seven inches of the grade of the adjacent sidewalk,
and the commercial portion of the ground floor located within the designated street front is
within seven inches of the grade level of the entry; or
b. The building may be broken up into multiple frontages, so that each entry/ground
floor combination is within seven inches of the grade of the sidewalk.
c. For corner lots, a primary entry shall be established for the purposes of deter-
mining where the ground floor entry rules detailed in this section shall apply. The first
choice for the primary entry shall be either 5th Avenue or Main Street. In the case of the
BD5 zone, the primary entry shall always be on 4th Avenue.
Packet Page 49 of 265
6. Within the BD1 zone, development on the ground floor shall consist of only com-
mercial uses, except that parking may be located on the ground floor so long as it is not
located within the designated street front.
7. Within the BD2 and BD3 zones, development on the ground floor shall consist of
only commercial uses within the designated street front. Any permitted use may be located
on the ground floor outside of the designated street front.
8. Within the BD4 zone, there are two options for developing the ground floor of a
building. One option is to develop the ground floor with commercial space, meeting the
same requirements detailed for the BD2 and BD3 zones in subsection (B)(7) of this section.
As a second option, if more residential space is provided so that the ground floor does not
meet the commercial use requirements described in subsection (B)(7) of this section, then
the building setbacks listed for the RM-1.5 zone shall apply. In the case where RM-1.5
setbacks are required, the required street setback shall be landscaped and no fence or wall in
the setback shall be over four feet in height above sidewalk grade unless it is at least 50
percent open, such as in a lattice pattern.
9. Within the BD5 zone, one option is to develop the ground floor with commercial
space, meeting the same requirements detailed for the BD2 zone in subsection (B)(7) of this
section. When development of the ground floor does not conform to these requirements,
then development within the BD5 zone shall meet the following requirements:
a. The building shall be oriented to 4th Avenue. “Orientation to 4th Avenue” shall
mean that:
i. At least one building entry shall face 4th Avenue.
ii. If the building is located adjacent to the public right-of-way, architectural
details and/or applied art shall be incorporated into the building design to add interest at the
pedestrian (i.e., ground floor) level.
iii. If the building is set back from the street, landscaping and/or artwork shall be
located between the building and the street front.
b. Live/work uses are encouraged within the BD5 zone, and potential live/work
space is required for new residential buildings if no other commercial use is provided on-
site.
i. If multiple residential uses are located on the ground floor, the building shall
incorporate live/work space into the ground floor design in such a way as to enable building
occupants to use portion(s) of their space for a commercial or art/fabrication use.
“Live/work space” means a structure or portion of a structure that combines a commercial
or manufacturing activity that is allowed in the zone with a residential living space for the
owner of the commercial or manufacturing business, or the owner’s employee, and that
person’s household. The live/work space shall be designed so that a commercial or fabrica-
tion or home occupation use can be established within the space.
Packet Page 50 of 265
Figure 16.43-2: BD5 Development
Building at right (foreground) shows landscaping located between building and street.
Building at left (background) shows commercial space integrated with residential uses, and the entry oriented
to the street.
Packet Page 51 of 265
10. Exceptions and Clarifications. The regulations for the ground floor contained in
subsections (B)(1) through (9) of this section apply with the following exceptions or clarifi-
cations:
a. That in all areas the provision of pedestrian access to permitted residential uses is
allowed as a permitted secondary use.
b. The restrictions on the location of residential uses shall not apply when a single-
family use is the only permitted primary use located on the property.
c. Existing buildings may be added onto or remodeled without adjusting the exist-
ing height of the ground floor to meet the specified minimum height, so long as the addition
or remodel does not increase the building footprint or its frontage along a street by more
than 25 percent. Permitted uses may occupy an existing space regardless of whether that
space meets the ground floor requirements for height.
d. Parking is not considered to be a commercial use for the purposes of satisfying
the ground floor commercial use requirement within the designated street front (e.g., when
the first 45 feet of a building are within a designated street front in the BD1 zone, parking
may not be located within that 45 feet).
e. For properties within the BD2 or BD3 zone which have less than 90 feet of depth
measured from the street front, parking may be located in the rearmost 45 feet of the
property, even if a portion of the parking extends into the first 45 feet of the building. In no
case shall the depth of commercial space as measured from the street front of the building
be less than 30 feet.
f. Within the BD2, BD3 and BD4 zones, if the first 45 feet of the building as
measured perpendicular to the street consist only of commercial uses and permitted sec-
ondary uses, then permitted multiple-family residential unit(s) may be located behind the
commercial uses.
g. Recodified as ECDC 22.43.050(B)(4).
h. Within the BD1 zone, each commercial space located on the ground floor within
the designated street front shall be directly accessible by an entry from the sidewalk.
C. Building Height Regulations.
1. The basic height limit for each BD zone is described in Table 16.43-2 (see defini-
tion of “height” detailed in ECDC 21.40.030).
2. Within the BD5 zone, the maximum height may be increased to 30 feet if the build-
ing meets one of the following conditions. In addition, if the building is located within 15
feet of the public right-of-way, architectural details and/or applied art shall be incorporated
into the building design, and the ground floor shall be distinguished from the upper portions
of the building through the use of differences in materials, windows, and/or architectural
forms.
a. All portions of the building above 25 feet consist of a pitched roof such that the
pitch of all portions of the roof is at least six-by-12 and the roof includes architectural fea-
tures, such as dormers or gables of a steeper pitch, that break up the roof line into distinct
segments.
b. If the building does not make use of a pitched roof system as described in sub-
section (C)(2)(a) of this section, a building step-back shall be provided within 15 feet of any
street front. Within the 15-foot step-back, the maximum building height is the lesser of 25
feet above grade at the property line (normally the back of the sidewalk) or 30 feet above
the “average level” as defined in ECDC 21.40.030. For corner lots, a 15-foot step-back is
required along both street fronts. If a building located on a corner lot has insufficient lot
Packet Page 52 of 265
width (i.e., less than 40 feet of lot width) to enable it to provide the required step-back on
both street fronts, then the step-back may be waived facing the secondary street.
Packet Page 53 of 265
3. Height Exceptions. In addition to the height exceptions listed in ECDC 21.40.030,
the following architectural features are allowed to extend above the height limits specified
in this chapter:
a. A single decorative architectural element, such as a turret, tower, or clock tower,
may extend a maximum of five feet above the specified height limit if it is designed as an
integral architectural feature of the roof and/or facade of the building. The decorative archi-
tectural element shall not cover more than five percent of the roof area of the building.
b. Roof or deck railings may extend a maximum of 42 inches above the specified
height limit within any building step-back required under subsection (C)(2)(b) of this
section; provided, that the railing is constructed so that it has the appearance of being
transparent. An example meeting this condition would be a railing that is comprised of glass
panels.
D. Off-Street Parking and Access Requirements. The parking regulations included here
apply specifically within the BD zone. Whenever there are conflicts between the require-
ments of this chapter and the provisions contained in Chapter 17.50 ECDC, Off-Street
Parking Regulations, the provisions of this chapter shall apply.
1. Within the BD1 zone, no new curb cuts are permitted along 5th Avenue or Main
Street.
2. No parking is required for any commercial floor area of permitted uses located
within the BD1, BD2, BD4, and BD5 zones.
3. No parking is required for any floor area in any building with a total building foot-
print of less than 4,800 square feet.
E. Open Space Requirements.
1. For buildings on lots larger than 12,000 square feet or having an overall building
width of more than 120 feet (as measured parallel to the street lot line), at least five percent
of the lot area shall be devoted to open space. Open space shall not be required for additions
to existing buildings that do not increase the building footprint by more than 10 percent.
Open space shall be provided adjacent to the street front (street lot line). Such open space
may be provided as any combination of:
Carol’s comment: How did the City come up with the five percent open space set
aside? If this wasn’t the result of an individualized determination, we have a problem. Take
a look at Citizens’ Alliance for Property Rights v. Sims, 145 Wash. App. 649, 187 P.3d 786
(2008). Let’s talk.
a. Outdoor dining or seating areas (including outdoor seating or waiting areas for
restaurants or food service establishments);
b. Public plaza or sidewalk that is accessible to the public;
c. Landscaping which includes a seating area that is accessible to the public.
2. Required open space shall be open to the air and not located under a building story.
3. In overall dimension, the width of required open space shall not be less than 75
percent of the depth of the open space, measured relative to the street (i.e., width is mea-
sured parallel to the street lot line, while depth is measured perpendicular to the street lot
line).
Packet Page 54 of 265
F. Historic Buildings. The exceptions contained in this section apply only to buildings
listed on the Edmonds register of historic buildings.
1. If a certificate of appropriateness is issued by the Edmonds historic preservation
commission under the provisions of Chapter 20.45 ECDC for the proposed project, the staff
may modify or waive any of the requirements listed below that would otherwise apply to
the expansion, remodeling, or restoration of the building. The decision of staff shall be pro-
cessed as a Type II development project permit application (see Chapter 20.01 ECDC).
Carol’s comment: I don’t understand how a “decision of staff” is processed as a
development permit application.
a. Building step-backs required under subsection (C)(2)(b) of this section.
b. Open space required under subsection (E) of this section. Carol’s comment: We
need to talk about this before you enforce this open space requirement.
2. No off-street parking is required for any permitted uses located within a building
listed on the Edmonds register of historic buildings. Note that additional parking exceptions
involving building expansion, remodeling or restoration may also apply, as detailed in
ECDC 17.50.070(C).
3. Within the BD5 zone, if a building listed on the Edmonds register of historic
buildings is retained on-site, Carol’s comment: what does it mean that a “building is
retained on-site?” no off-street parking is required for any additional buildings or uses
located on the same property. To obtain this benefit, an easement in a form acceptable to the
Packet Page 55 of 265
city shall be recorded with Snohomish County protecting the exterior of the historic
building and ensuring that the historic building is maintained in its historic form and appear-
ance so long as the additional building(s) obtaining the parking benefit exist on the prop-
erty. Carol’s comment: Isn’t this the type of thing that should be included in the chapter
relating to historic buildings, rather than an individual zoning district? The easement shall
continue even if the property is subsequently subdivided or any interest in the property is
sold.
Packet Page 56 of 265
G. Density. There is no maximum density for permitted multiple dwelling units. Carol’s
comment: Is the insertion of the word “permitted” a typo?
H. Screening. The required setback from R-zoned property shall be landscaped with trees
and ground cover and permanently maintained by the owner of the BD lot. A six-foot mini-
mum height fence, wall or solid hedge shall be provided at some point in the setback, except
for that portion of the BD zone that is in residential use.
I. Signs, Parking and Design Review. See Chapters 17.50, 20.10, and 20.60 ECDC. Sign
standards shall be the same as those that apply within the BC zone.
J. Satellite Television Antennas. In accordance with the limitations established by the
Federal Communications Commission, satellite television antennas greater than two meters
in diameter shall be reviewed in accordance with the provisions of ECDC 16.20.050.
Carol’s comment: Is there a reason to even address antennas in each chapter relating to
each zone? Shouldn’t this be in a separate chapter re: antennas?[Ord. 3918 § 1 (Att. 1),
2013; Ord. 3865 § 1, 2011; Ord. 3736 § 10, 2009; Ord. 3700 § 1, 2008].
16.43.035
Design standards – BD zones.
Design standards for the BD zones are contained in Chapter 22.43 ECDC. [Ord. 3918 § 1
(Att. 1), 2013; Ord. 3700 § 1, 2008].
16.43.040
Operating restrictions.
A. Enclosed Building. All uses shall be carried on entirely within a completely enclosed
building, except:
1. Public uses such as utilities and parks;
2. Off-street parking and loading areas, and commercial parking lots;
3. Drive-in businesses;
4. Plant nurseries;
5. Public markets; provided, that when located next to a single-family residential zone,
the market shall be entirely within a completely enclosed building;
6. Limited outdoor display of merchandise meeting the criteria of Chapter 17.65
ECDC;
7. Bistro and outdoor dining meeting the criteria of ECDC 17.70.040;
8. Outdoor dining meeting the criteria of Chapter 17.75 ECDC;
9. Motorized and nonmotorized mobile vending units meeting the criteria of Chapter
4.12 ECC.
B. Nuisances. All uses shall comply with Chapter 17.60 ECDC, Property Performance
Standards. Carol’s comments: any nuisance in any zone will be addressed in the same
manner, this section (B) should be eliminated.
C. Interim Use Status – Public Markets. Carol’s comment: Shouldn’t this be in the
section of the code relating to temporary uses, if a public market can only be authorized as a
temporary use? Couldn’t a public market locate in other zones – how would these
regulations be found here?
1. Unless a public market is identified on a business license as a year-round market
within the city of Edmonds, a premises licensed as a public market shall be considered a
temporary use. As a temporary use, the city council finds that any signs or structures used in
accordance with the market do not require design review. When a location is utilized for a
Packet Page 57 of 265
business use in addition to a public market, the public market use shall not decrease the
required available parking for the other business use below the standards established by
Chapter 17.50 ECDC. [Ord. 3932 § 7, 2013; Ord. 3918 § 1 (Att. 1), 2013; Ord. 3902 § 1,
2012; Ord. 3894 § 5, 2012; Ord. 3700 § 1, 2008].
Packet Page 58 of 265
Chapter 16.45
BN – NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS
Sections:
16.45.000 Purposes.
16.45.010 Uses.
16.45.020 Site development standards.
16.45.030 Operating restrictions.
16.45.000
Purposes.
The BN zone has the following specific purposes in addition to the general purposes for
business and commercial zones listed in Chapter 16.40 ECDC:
A. To reserve areas, for those retail stores, offices, retail service establishments which
offer goods and services needed on an everyday basis by residents of a neighborhood area;
B. To ensure compact, convenient development patterns by allowing uses that are oper-
ated chiefly within buildings.
16.45.010
Uses.
A. Permitted Primary Uses.
1. Single-family dwellings, as regulated in RS-6 zone;
2. Neighborhood-oriented retail stores, retail service uses, excluding uses such as
commercial garages, used car lots, taverns, theaters, auditoriums, undertaking establish-
ments and those uses requiring a conditional use permit as listed below;
3. Offices and outpatient clinics, excluding commercial kennels;
4. Dry cleaning stores and laundromats;
5. Small animal hospitals;
6. Churches, subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.020;
7. Primary and high schools subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.050(G)
through (R);
8. Local public facilities designated and sited in the capital improvement plan, subject
to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.050;
9. Neighborhood parks, natural open spaces, and community parks with an adopted
master plan subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.070.
Carol’s comment: Family day care and adult family homes.
B. Permitted Secondary Uses.
1. Limited assembly, repair or fabrication of goods incidental to a permitted or con-
ditional use;
2. Off-street parking and loading areas to serve a permitted or conditional use;
3. One dwelling unit per lot, in the story above the street floor, with a minimum lot
area of 6,000 square feet;
4. Commuter parking lots that contain less than 10 designated parking spaces in con-
junction with any local public facility allowed by this section. Any additionally designated
parking spaces that increase the total number of spaces in a commuter parking lot to 10 or
more shall subject the entire commuter parking lot to a conditional use permit as specified
Packet Page 59 of 265
in subsection (D)(2) of this section, including commuter parking lots that are located upon
more than one lot as specified in ECDC 21.15.075.
C. Primary Uses Requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
1. Commercial parking lots;
2. Drive-in businesses;
3. Businesses open to the public between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;
4. Convenience stores;
5. Local public facilities not planned, designated, or sited in the capital improvement
plan, subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.050;
6. Day-care centers; Carol’s comment: The type of day care needs to be identified
and adult family homes and family day cares cannot be authorized with CUP.
7. Hospitals, convalescent homes, rest homes, sanitariums;
8. Museums, art galleries, zoos, and aquariums of primarily local concern that do not
meet the criteria for regional public facilities as defined in ECDC 21.85.033; Carol’s
comment: I don’t understand how the City would make a decision about whether the use
was “of primarily local concern.”
9. Counseling centers and residential treatment facilities for current alcoholics and
drug abusers;
10. Regional parks and community parks without a master plan subject to the
requirements of ECDC 17.100.070.
Packet Page 60 of 265
D. Secondary Uses Requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
1. Outdoor storage, incidental to a permitted or conditional use;
2. Commuter parking lots with 10 or more designated parking spaces in conjunction
with a facility meeting the criteria listed under subsection (C)(6) through (10) of this
section. [Ord. 3353 § 3, 2001; Ord. 3269 § 1, 1999*; Ord. 3120 § 1, 1996; Ord. 2759 § 1,
1990; Ord. 2660 § 1, 1988; Ord. 2283 § 4, 1982].
*Code reviser’s note: Ord. 3269 expired August 13, 2000. For provisions on the outdoor display of merchan-
dise, see Chapter 17.65 ECDC.
16.45.020
Site development standards.
A. Table.
Minimum
Lot Area
Minimum
Lot Width
Minimum
Street
Setback
Minimum
Side
Setback
Minimum
Rear
Setback
Maximum
Height
Maximum
Floor
Area
BN None None 20' None1 None1 25' 3 sq. ft. per sq. ft. of lot area
1 Fifteen feet from lot lines adjacent to R-zoned property.
B. Signs, Parking and Design Review. See Chapters 17.50, 20.10 and 20.60 ECDC.
C. Screening. The required setback from R-zoned property shall be permanently land-
scaped with trees and ground cover and permanently maintained by the owner of the BN lot.
A six-foot minimum height fence, wall or solid hedge shall be provided at some point in the
setback.
D. Satellite television antennas shall be regulated as set forth in ECDC 16.20.050, and
reviewed by the architectural design board. [Ord. 3846 § 1, 2011; Ord. 2526 § 5, 1985]. (
Remove?)
16.45.030
Operating restrictions.
A. All uses shall be carried on entirely within a completely enclosed building except:
1. Public utilities and parks;
2. Off-street parking and loading areas and commercial parking lots;
3. Drive-in businesses;
4. Plant nurseries;
5. Limited outdoor display of merchandise meeting the criteria of Chapter 17.65
ECDC.
B. Nuisances. All uses shall comply with Chapter 17.60 ECDC, Performance Standards.
Remove? [Ord. 3320 § 2, 2000].
Packet Page 61 of 265
Chapter 16.50
BC – COMMUNITY BUSINESS
Sections:
16.50.000 BC and BC – Edmonds Way.
16.50.005 Purposes.
16.50.010 Uses.
16.50.020 Site development standards.
16.50.030 Operating restrictions.
16.50.000
BC and BC – Edmonds Way.
This chapter establishes two distinct zoning categories, BC and BC – Edmonds Way.
[Ord. 3627 § 2, 2007].
16.50.005
Purposes.
The BC and BC – Edmonds Way zones have the following specific purposes in addition
to the general purposes for business and commercial zones listed in Chapter 16.40 ECDC:
A. To reserve areas for those retail stores, offices, service establishments and amusement
establishments which offer goods and services to the entire community;
B. To ensure compact, convenient development patterns by allowing uses that are oper-
ated chiefly within buildings;
C. To allow for mixed-use development which includes multiple dwelling unit(s) that
support business uses;
D. To implement the policies of Edmonds’ comprehensive plan for the Edmonds Way
Corridor;
E. To meet the goals of the Growth Management Act and the city of Edmonds’ com-
prehensive plan for housing diversity and economical vitality. [Ord. 3627 § 2, 2007; Ord.
3147 § 1, 1997. Formerly 16.50.000].
16.50.010
Uses.
A. Permitted Primary Uses.
1. Single-family dwellings, as regulated in RS-6 zone;
2. Retail stores, offices and service uses, excluding intense uses, such as trailer sales,
used car lots (except as part of a new car sales and service dealer), and heavy equipment
sales and services;
3. New automobile sales and service;
4. Dry cleaning and laundry plants which use only nonflammable and nonexplosive
cleaning agents;
5. Printing, publishing and binding establishments;
6. Bus stop shelters;
7. Public markets licensed pursuant to provisions in Chapter 4.90 ECC;
8. Multiple Dwelling Unit(s). This use may not be located on the ground floor of a
structure;
Packet Page 62 of 265
9. Churches, subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.020;
10. Primary and high schools subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.050(G)
through (R);
11. Local public facilities subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.050;
12. Neighborhood parks, natural open spaces, and community parks with an adopted
master plan subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.070.
Carol’s comment: adult family homes and family day care.
B. Permitted Secondary Uses.
1. Limited assembly, repair or fabrication of goods incidental to a permitted or con-
ditional use;
2. Off-street parking and loading areas to serve a permitted or conditional use;
3. Commuter parking lots in conjunction with a facility meeting the criteria listed
under subsections (C)(11) through (14) of this section, except that the facility may also be
located along a designated transit route in addition to an arterial or collector street.
C. Primary Uses Requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
1. Commercial parking lots;
2. Wholesale uses;
3. Hotels and motels;
4. Amusement establishments;
5. Auction businesses, excluding vehicle or livestock auctions;
6. Drive-in businesses;
7. Laboratories;
Packet Page 63 of 265
8. Fabrication of light industrial products;
9. Convenience stores;
10. Day-care centers; Separate out from adult family homes and family day care.
11. Hospitals, convalescent homes, rest homes, sanitariums;
12. Museums, art galleries, zoos, and aquariums of primarily local concern that do not
meet the criteria for regional public facilities as defined in ECDC 21.85.033;
13. Counseling centers and residential treatment facilities for current alcoholics and
drug abusers;
14. Regional parks and community parks without a master plan subject to the
requirements of ECDC 17.100.070.
D. Secondary Uses Requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
1. Outdoor storage, incidental to a permitted or conditional use;
2. Aircraft landings as regulated by Chapter 4.80 ECC. [Ord. 3932 § 4, 2013; Ord.
3894 § 2, 2012; Ord. 3627 § 2, 2007; Ord. 3353 § 4, 2001; Ord. 3269 § 2, 1999*; Ord. 3147
§ 1, 1997].
*Code reviser’s note: Ord. 3269 expired August 13, 2000. For provisions on the outdoor display of merchan-
dise, see Chapter 17.65 ECDC.
Packet Page 64 of 265
16.50.020
Site development standards.
A. Table.
Minimum
Lot Area
Minimum
Lot Width
Minimum
Street
Setback
Minimum
Side
Setback
Minimum
Rear
Setback
Maximum
Height
Maximum Floor Area
BC None None None None1 None1 25′2 3 sq. ft. per sq. ft. of lot
area
BC –
Edmonds
Way
None None None None1 None1 35′3,4 3 sq. ft. per sq. ft. of lot
area
1 The setback for buildings and structures located at or above grade (exempting buildings and structures entirely below the
surface of the ground) shall be 15 feet from the lot line adjacent to residentially (R) zoned property.
2 Roof only may extend five feet above the stated height limit if all portions of the roof above the stated height are
modulated in design and are designed as a hip, gable, arch, shed or other similar roof form (see illustrations). Vertical
parapet walls or flat roofs with a pitch of less than 3-in-12 are not allowed to protrude above the 25-foot height limit
unless they are part of an approved modulated design.
3 The stated height limit may be increased to 40 feet; provided, that:
(a) The street setback of any proposed building shall be increased to four feet in depth. Type III landscaping shall be
located within this setback. This landscaping may be located immediately adjacent to the building, or may be
combined with other landscaping within or adjoining the right-of-way. In addition, the third and fourth stories of any
proposed building shall be further stepped back an additional six feet from the street frontage along all street fronts;
(b) Where the proposed development abuts a single-family residential (RS) zoned property, in addition to complying
with subsection (a) of this footnote, the proposed development shall modulate the design of any building facades
facing the single-family residentially (RS) zoned property;
(c) The proposed development integrates low impact development techniques where reasonably feasible. For the
purposes of this subsection, “low impact development techniques” shall include, but shall not be limited to, the
following: the use of bioswales, green roofs, and grasscrete. “Reasonably feasible” shall be determined based upon
the physical characteristics of the property and its suitability for the technique; cost alone shall not render the use of
low impact techniques unreasonable or unfeasible; Low impact development standards should be in a separate
chapter. The city shouldn’t be defining “low impact development techniques” over and over again in each chapter.
(d) The required setback from R zoned property shall be permanently landscaped with Type I landscaping permanently
maintained by the owner of the BC lot; and
(e) For any buildings fronting on Edmonds Way, the maximum height of the wall or facade along Edmonds Way shall
not exceed 45 feet as measured at the Edmonds Way property line.
4 In addition to any height bonus under note 3, the building may extend up to an additional five feet if all portions of the
building above the height limit (after adding the height bonus under note 3) integrate distinctive architectural features
that enhance and are integrated into the overall design of the building. For purposes of this subsection, distinctive
architectural features may include articulation, changes of materials, offsets, angles or curves of facades, or the use of
distinctive roof forms.
Packet Page 65 of 265
B. Ground Floor. Development on the ground floor shall consist of only commercial uses
to a minimum depth of 30 feet as measured from the street front of the building, with the
following exceptions or clarifications:
1. That in all areas the provision of pedestrian access to permitted residential uses is
allowed.
2. This provision shall not apply when a single-family use is the primary use on the
property.
3. With respect to, but only to, property located on the Fifth Avenue entrance corridor,
south of Walnut Street, in which the first 60 feet of the building as measured from Fifth
Avenue consists only of commercial uses; and with respect to which the subject property
shares a property line with single-family or multifamily zoned properties, then multifamily
units may be located on the ground floor in such a manner that they face the adjacent resi-
dentially zoned property.
4. In the BC – Edmonds Way zone, where the street frontage of the total site proposed
for development exceeds 150 feet in length, this requirement shall apply to only 60 percent
of the ground floor street frontage of any proposed building. The remaining 40 percent may
include any other uses permitted in the BC – Edmonds Way zone, including, but not limited
to, off-street parking or live/work space.
C. Signs, Parking and Design Review. See Chapters 17.50, 20.10, and 20.60 ECDC.
D. Density. There is no maximum density for permitted multiple dwelling units. Carol’s
comment: What does this mean? Does the developer have to obtain a permit first to
increase the density and then, because the permit has been obtained, density is not an issue?
Packet Page 66 of 265
E. Screening. The required setback from R zoned property shall be permanently land-
scaped with trees and ground cover and permanently maintained by the owner of the BC lot.
A six-foot minimum height fence, wall or solid hedge shall be provided at some point in the
setback.
F. Satellite Television Antennas. Satellite television antennas shall be regulated as set
forth in ECDC 16.20.050 and reviewed by the architectural design board. Remove? [Ord.
3627 § 2, 2007; Ord. 3539 § 1, 2005; Ord. 3518 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3492 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3256
§ 1, 1999; Ord. 3232 § 1, 1998; Ord. 3147 § 1, 1997].
Packet Page 67 of 265
16.50.030
Operating restrictions.
A. Enclosed Building. All uses shall be carried on entirely within a completely enclosed
building, except:
1. Public utilities and parks;
2. Off-street parking and loading areas, and commercial parking lots;
3. Drive-in businesses;
4. Plant nurseries;
5. Public markets; provided, that when located next to a single-family residential zone,
the market shall be entirely within a completely enclosed building;
6. Limited outdoor display of merchandise meeting the criteria of Chapter 17.65
ECDC;
7. Motorized and nonmotorized mobile vending units meeting the criteria of Chapter
4.12 ECC.
B. Nuisances. All uses shall comply with Chapter 17.60 ECDC, Property Performance
Standards. Eliminate.
C. Interim Use Status – Public Markets.
1. Unless a public market is identified on a business license as a year-round market
within the city of Edmonds, a premises licensed as a public market shall be considered a
temporary use. As a temporary use, the city council finds that any signs or structures used in
accordance with the market do not require design review. When a location is utilized for a
business use in addition to a public market, the public market use shall not decrease the
required available parking for the other business use below the standards established by
Chapter 17.50 ECDC. Put this in the temporary use permit chapter?[Ord. 3932 § 5, 2013;
Ord. 3902 § 3, 2012; Ord. 3894 § 3, 2012; Ord. 3627 § 2, 2007; Ord. 3320 § 3, 2000; Ord.
3147 § 1, 1997].
Packet Page 68 of 265
Chapter 16.53
BP – PLANNED BUSINESS
Sections:
16.53.000 Purpose.
16.53.010 Uses.
16.53.020 Site development standards.
16.53.000
Purpose.
The BP zone has the following specific purposes in addition to the general purposes for
business and commercial zones listed in Chapter 16.40 ECDC:
A. To reserve areas for those small scale neighborhood-oriented retail stores, offices and
retail service establishments which offer goods and services needed on an everyday basis by
residents of adjacent neighborhood areas.
B. To ensure compact, convenient development patterns which provide a transition to and
do not intrude into adjacent residential neighborhoods.
C. To permit uses which allow for controlled access by arterial traffic but which do not
contribute significantly to traffic congestion.
D. To permit uses which provide for pedestrian and transit access to development from
adjacent neighborhoods.
E. To permit commercial uses which utilize site designs which allow for and promote
shared access with adjacent commercial parcels. [Ord. 3127 § 1, 1997].
16.53.010
Uses.
A. Permitted Primary Uses.
1. Single-family dwellings in accordance with the regulations applicable to the RS-6
zone, Chapter 16.20 ECDC;
2. Business or professional offices or studios;
3. Small-scale retail sales or services not exceeding 5,000 square feet of cumulative
space on a site, such as convenience stores, video stores, barber shops, beauty shops, gift
shops, bookstores, florists/nurseries, dry cleaning stores and laundromats;
Packet Page 69 of 265
4. Art galleries;
5. Churches, subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.020;
6. Primary and high schools subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.050(G)
through (R);
7. Local public facilities subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.050; See C(6)
below.
8. Neighborhood parks, natural open spaces, and community parks with an adopted
master plan subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.070.
Family day car and adult family homes.
B. Permitted Secondary Uses.
1. Limited assembly or repair of goods incidental to a permitted or conditional use;
2. Off-street parking and loading areas to serve a permitted or conditional use;
3. Multiple residential, in the story above the street floor.
C. Primary Uses Requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
1. Medical, dental and veterinary clinics, including supporting uses such as pharma-
cies and laboratories. Veterinary clinics may include the boarding of animals under veteri-
nary care but not commercial kennels;
2. Businesses open to the public between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;
3. Financial institutions;
4. Restaurants providing on-premises service to seated or walk-in patrons; Carol’s
comment: what does this mean? That the restaurant can’t have a take-out service?
5. Small-scale retail sales or services greater than 5,000 square feet in an area of
cumulative space on a site, but not exceeding 10,000 square feet of cumulative space on a
site, such as convenience stores, video stores, barber shops, beauty shops, gift shops, book-
stores, florists/nurseries, dry cleaning stores and laundromats;
6. Local public facilities not planned, designated, or sited in the capital improvement
plan, subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.050; Carol’s comment: I don’t
understand why all local public facilities subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.050
are permitted in A(7) above, but local public facilities that are not planned designated or site
in the capital improvement plan also subject to ECDC 17.100.050 require a CUP. Seems
like the latter should be a subset of the former.
7. Day-care centers Need to eliminate from this definition the adult family homes and
family day care;
Packet Page 70 of 265
8. Hospitals, convalescent homes, rest homes, sanitariums;
9. Museums, art galleries, zoos, and aquariums of primarily local concern that do not
meet the criteria for regional public facilities as defined in ECDC 21.85.033;
10. Counseling centers and residential treatment facilities for current alcoholics and
drug abusers;
11. Regional parks and community parks without a master plan subject to the
requirements of ECDC 17.100.070.
D. Secondary Uses Requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
1. Outdoor storage, incidental to a permitted or conditional use.
E. Prohibited Uses. Any use not specifically set forth herein, including but not limited to:
1. Automobile service stations;
2. Drive-in/drive-thru businesses. [Ord. 3353 § 5, 2001; Ord. 3127 § 1, 1997].
16.53.020
Site development standards.
A. Table. Except as hereinafter provided, development requirements shall be as follows:
Minimum
Lot Area
Minimum Lot
Width
Minimum
Street Setback
Minimum
Side/Rear Setback
Maximum
Height
Maximum
Floor Area
BP None None 15′ None1 25′2 None
1 Fifteen feet from lot lines adjacent to R-zoned property.
2 Roof only may extend five feet above the stated height limit if all portions of the roof above the stated height have a
slope of four inches in 12 inches or greater.
B. Signs, Access, Parking and Design Review. See Chapters 17.50, 20.10 and 20.60
ECDC. Sign standards shall be the same as those for the BN – neighborhood business zon-
ing classification. Access to BP-zoned property shall be combined whenever possible with
adjacent properties through the use of internal circulation or frontage driveways.
C. The required setback from R-zoned property shall be landscaped with trees and ground
cover and continuously maintained by the owner of the BP lot. A six-foot minimum height
fence, wall or dense, continuous hedge shall be maintained in the setback. [Ord. 3127 § 1,
1997].
Packet Page 71 of 265
Chapter 16.55
CW – COMMERCIAL WATERFRONT
Sections:
16.55.000 Purposes.
16.55.010 Uses.
16.55.020 Site development standards.
16.55.030 Operating restrictions.
16.55.000
Purposes.
The CW zone has the following specific purposes in addition to the general purposes
listed in Chapter 16.40 ECDC:
A. To reserve areas for water-dependent and water-related uses and for uses which will
attract pedestrians to the waterfront;
B. To protect and enhance the natural features of the waterfront, and encourage public
use of the waterfront;
C. To ensure physical and visual access to the waterfront for the public.
16.55.010
Uses.
A. Permitted Primary Uses.
1. Marine-oriented services;
2. Retail uses which are either marine-oriented or pedestrian-oriented, excluding
drive-in businesses;
3. Petroleum products storage and distribution;
4. Offices, above the ground floor, excluding medical, dental and veterinary clinics;
5. Local public facilities with marine-oriented services or recreation;
6. Neighborhood parks, natural open spaces, and community parks with an adopted
master plan subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.070.
B. Permitted Secondary Uses.
1. Off-street parking and loading in connection with a permitted use.
C. Secondary Uses Requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
1. Aircraft landings as regulated by Chapter 4.80 ECC;
2. Regional parks and community parks without a master plan subject to the require-
ments of ECDC 17.100.070. [Ord. 3353 § 6, 2001; Ord. 2366 § 9, 1983; Ord. 2307, 1982;
Ord. 2283 § 6, 1982].
16.55.020
Site development standards.
A. Table.
Minimum
Lot Area
Minimum
Lot
Width
Minimum1
Setbacks
Maximum
Height
Maximum
Coverage
Packet Page 72 of 265
Minimum
Lot Area
Minimum
Lot
Width
Minimum1
Setbacks
Maximum
Height
Maximum
Coverage
CW None None 15′ landward of
bulkheads for
buildings;
60′ landward of
bulkheads for
parking
30′2 None
1 Fifteen feet from lot lines adjacent to R zoned property.
2 Tanks which are part of a petroleum products storage and distribution facility are allowed to be 48 feet in height.
B. Signs, Parking and Design Review. See Chapters 17.50, 20.10 and 20.60 ECDC.
C. Satellite Television Antennas. Satellite television antennas shall be regulated as set
forth in ECDC 16.20.050 and reviewed by the architectural design board. [Ord. 2526 § 7,
1985 Carol’s comment: Remove.].
16.55.030
Operating restrictions.
A. Enclosed Building. All uses shall be carried on entirely within a completely enclosed
building except for:
1. Petroleum products storage and distribution;
2. Sales, storage, repair and limited building of boats;
3. Public parks;
4. Limited outdoor display of merchandise meeting the criteria of Chapter 17.65
ECDC;
5. Motorized and nonmotorized mobile vending units meeting the criteria of Chapter
4.12 ECC.
B. Nuisances. All uses shall comply with Chapter 17.60 ECDC, Performance Standards.
Remove [Ord. 3902 § 4, 2012; Ord. 3320 § 4, 2000].
Packet Page 73 of 265
Chapter 16.60
CG – GENERAL COMMERCIAL: CG AND CG2 ZONES
Sections:
16.60.000 CG and CG2 zones.
16.60.005 Purposes.
16.60.010 Uses.
16.60.015 Location standards for sexually oriented businesses.
16.60.020 Site development standards – General.
16.60.030 Site development standards – Design standards.
16.60.040 Operating restrictions.
16.60.000
CG and CG2 zones.
This chapter establishes the general commercial zoning district comprised of two distinct
zoning categories which are identical in all respects except as specifically provided for in
ECDC 16.60.020(A). [Ord. 3635 § 1, 2007].
16.60.005
Purposes.
The CG and CG2 zones have the following specific purposes in addition to the general
purposes for business and commercial zones listed in Chapter 16.40 ECDC:
A. Encourage the development and retention of commercial uses which provide high
economic benefit to the city. Mixed-use and transit-oriented developments are encouraged
which provide significant commercial uses as a component of an overall mixed
development scheme.
B. Improve access and circulation for people by encouraging a development pattern that
supports transit and pedestrian access. Improve vehicular circulation and access to support
business and economic development.
C. Provide and encourage the opportunity for different sections along the Highway 99
corridor to emphasize their unique characteristics and development opportunities rather than
require the corridor to develop as an undifferentiated continuum. New development should
be high-quality and varied – not generic – and include amenities for pedestrians and
patrons.
D. Encourage a variety of uses and building types. A variety of uses and building types is
appropriate to take advantage of different opportunities and conditions. Where designated in
the comprehensive plan, the zoning should encourage mixed-use or taller high-rise
development to occur.
E. Encourage development that is sensitive to surrounding neighborhoods. Protect resi-
dential qualities and connect businesses with the local community. Pedestrian connections
should be made available as part of new development to connect residents to appropriate
retail and service uses.
F. New development should be allowed and encouraged to develop to the fullest extent
possible while assuring that the design quality and amenities provided contribute to the
overall character and quality of the corridor. Where intense development adjoins residential
Packet Page 74 of 265
areas, site design (including buffers, landscaping, and the arrangement of uses) and building
design should be used to minimize adverse impacts on residentially zoned properties.
G. Upgrade the architectural and landscape design qualities of the corridor. Establish uni-
form signage regulations for all properties within the corridor area which provide for
business visibility and commerce while minimizing clutter and distraction to the public.
Make the corridor more attractive and pedestrian-friendly (e.g., add trees and landscaping)
through a combination of development requirements and – when available – public
investment.
H. Within the corridor, high-rise nodes designated in the comprehensive plan should pro-
vide for maximum economic use of suitable commercial land. High-rise nodes should be:
1. Supported by adequate services and facilities;
2. Designed to provide a visual asset to the community through the use of distinctive
forms and materials, differentiated facades, attractive landscaping, and similar techniques;
Packet Page 75 of 265
3. Designed to take advantage of different forms of access, including automobile,
transit and pedestrian access;
4. Designed to provide adequate buffering from lower intensity uses and residential
neighborhoods. [Ord. 3635 § 1, 2007].
16.60.010
Uses.
A. Permitted Primary Uses.
1. All permitted or conditional uses in any other zone in this title, except as specifi-
cally prohibited by subsection (C) of this section or limited by subsection (D) of this
section;
2. Any additional use except as specifically prohibited by subsection (C) of this sec-
tion or limited by subsection (D) of this section;
3. Halfway houses;
4. Sexually oriented businesses, which shall comply with the location standards set
forth in ECDC 16.60.015, the development regulations set forth in Chapter 17.50 ECDC,
and the licensing regulations set forth in Chapter 4.52 ECC.
Adult family homes and family day care?
B. Permitted Secondary Uses.
1. Off-street parking and loading areas to serve a permitted use.
2. Storage facilities or outdoor storage areas secondary or integral to a permitted pri-
mary use, such as storage or display areas for automobile sales, building materials or build-
ing supply sales, or garden/nursery sales. Such outdoor storage or display areas shall be
designed and organized to meet the design standards for parking areas for the CG zone
contained in this chapter.
C. Prohibited Uses.
1. Residential uses located within the first or second story of any structure in areas
designated “Highway 99 Corridor” or “High-Rise Node” on the comprehensive plan map.
There are two exceptions to this prohibition:
Packet Page 76 of 265
a. Residential uses may be allowed as part of large-scale mixed-use developments,
as described in ECDC 16.60.020(B); and
b. Residential uses are allowed on the second floor of buildings that are not located
in areas designated as “High-Rise Node” on the comprehensive plan map and which are not
located on lots that have frontage on Highway 99.
2. Mobile home parks.
3. Storage facilities or outdoor storage areas intended as a primary use, not secondary
to a permitted commercial or residential use. Automobile wrecking yards, junk yards, or
businesses primarily devoted to storage or mini storage are examples of this type of pro-
hibited use.
D. Uses Requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
1. Aircraft landings as regulated by Chapter 4.80 ECC. [Ord. 3635 § 1, 2007].
16.60.015
Location standards for sexually oriented businesses.
All sexually oriented businesses shall comply with the requirements of this section, the
development regulations set forth in Chapter 17.50 ECDC, and Chapter 4.52 ECC. The
standards established in this section shall not be construed to restrict or prohibit the follow-
ing activities or products: (1) expressive dance; (2) plays, operas, musicals, or other
dramatic works; (3) classes, seminars, or lectures conducted for a scientific or educational
purpose; (4) printed materials or visual representations intended for educational or scientific
purposes; (5) nudity within a locker room or other similar facility used for changing
clothing in connection with athletic or exercise activities; (6) nudity within a hospital,
clinic, or other similar medical facility for health-related purposes; and (7) all movies and
videos that are rated G, PG, PG-13, R, and NC-17 by the Motion Picture Association of
America.
A. Separation Requirements. A sexually oriented business shall only be allowed to locate
where specifically permitted and only if the following separation requirements are met:
1. No sexually oriented business shall be located closer than 300 feet to any of the fol-
lowing protected zones, whether such protected zone is located within or outside the city
limits:
a. A residential zone as defined in Chapter 16.10 ECDC;
b. A public use zone as defined in Chapter 16.80 ECDC.
2. No sexually oriented business shall be located closer than 300 feet to any of the fol-
lowing protected uses, whether such protected use is located within or outside the city
limits:
a. A public park;
b. A public library;
c. A nursery school or preschool;
d. A public or private primary or secondary school;
e. A church, temple, mosque, synagogue, or other similar facility used primarily for
religious worship; and
f. A community center such as an amusement park, public swimming pool, public
playground, or other facility of similar size and scope used primarily by children and fam-
ilies for recreational or entertainment purposes;
g. A permitted residential use located in a commercial zone;
h. A museum; and
Packet Page 77 of 265
i. A public hospital or hospital district.
3. No sexually oriented business shall be located closer than 500 feet to any bar or tav-
ern within or outside the city limits.
B. Measurement. The separation requirements shall be measured by following a straight
line from the nearest boundary line of a protected zone specified in subsection (A) of this
section or nearest physical point of the structure housing a protected use specified in
subsection (A) of this section, to the nearest physical point of the tenant space occupied by a
sexually oriented business.
Packet Page 78 of 265
C. Variance From Separation Requirements. Variances may be granted from the sep-
aration requirements in subsection (A) of this section if the applicant demonstrates that the
following criteria are met:
1. The natural physical features of the land would result in an effective separation
between the proposed sexually oriented business and the protected zone or use in terms of
visibility and access;
2. The proposed sexually oriented business complies with the goals and policies of the
community development code;
3. The proposed sexually oriented business is otherwise compatible with adjacent and
surrounding land uses;
4. There is a lack of alternative locations for the proposed sexually oriented business;
and
5. The applicant has proposed conditions which would minimize the adverse sec-
ondary effects of the proposed sexually oriented business.
D. Application of Separation Requirements to Existing Sexually Oriented Businesses.
The separation requirements of this section shall not apply to a sexually oriented business
once it has located within the city in accordance with the requirements of this
section.Carol’s comment: When was the last time that the City plotted out the areas in the
City where adult businesses could locate, to ensure that there were available sites for these
types of businesses? [Ord. 3635 § 1, 2007].
16.60.020
Site development standards – General.
A. Table. Except as hereinafter provided, development requirements shall be as follows:
Minimum
Lot Area
Minimum
Lot Width
Minimum
Street
Setback
Minimum
Side/Rear
Setback
Maximum
Height
Maximum
Floor
Area
CG None None 4′2 None1 60′3 None
CG2 None None 4′2 None1 75′3 None
1 Fifteen feet from all lot lines adjacent to RM or RS zoned property regardless of the setback provisions established by
any other provision of this code.
2 Street setback area shall be fully landscaped.
3 None for structures located within an area designated as a high-rise node on the comprehensive plan map.
B. Mixed-Use Developments.
1. A mixture of commercial and residential uses, including residential uses located on
the first or second floors of buildings, may be permitted for developments meeting the fol-
lowing requirements:
a. The proposed development’s combined site area is at least two acres.
b. Floor area equivalent to the combined total leasable area of the first (ground)
floor for all buildings located on the site is devoted to commercial use. This commercial
floor area may be provided in any manner desirable on-site, except that for all buildings
oriented to and facing frontage streets the street-facing portions of the ground floor shall be
Packet Page 79 of 265
occupied by commercial uses. Parking area(s) are excluded from this calculation. This
requirement is not intended to require commercial uses facing service drives, alleys, or
other minor access easements that are not related to the main commercial streets serving the
site. [Ord. 3635 § 1, 2007].
16.60.030
Site development standards – Design standards.
Design review by the architectural design board is required for any project that includes
buildings exceeding 60 feet in height in the CG zone or 75 feet in height in the CG2 zone.
Projects not exceeding these height limits may be reviewed by staff as a Type I decision.
Regardless of what review process is required, all projects proposed in the CG or CG2 zone
must meet the design standards contained in this section. Carol’s comment: Should this be
in the permit processing chapter?
Packet Page 80 of 265
A. Screening and Buffering.
1. General.
a. Retaining walls facing adjacent property or public rights-of-way shall not exceed
seven feet in height. A minimum of four feet of planted terrace is required between stepped
wall segments.
b. Landscape buffers are not required in land use zones with no required building
setback.
c. Tree landscaping may be clustered to block the view of a parking lot, yet allow
visibility to signage and building entry.
d. Landscape buffers shall be integrated into the design and layout of water
detention and treatment elements, to minimize the physical and visual impacts of the water
quality elements.
e. All parking lots are required to provide Type V interior landscaping.
f. Type I landscaping is required for commercial, institutional and medical uses
adjacent to single-family or multifamily zones. The buffer shall be a minimum of 10 feet in
width and continuous in length.
g. Type I landscaping is required for residential parking areas adjacent to single-
family zones. The buffer shall be a minimum of four feet in width and continuous in length.
h. Type I landscaping is required for office and multifamily projects adjacent to
single-family zones. The buffer shall be a minimum of four feet in width and 10 feet in
height and continuous in length.
i. If there is a loading zone and/or trash compactor area next to a single-family or
multifamily zone, there shall be a minimum of a six-foot-high concrete wall plus a
minimum width of five feet of Type I landscaping. Trash and utility storage elements shall
not be permitted to encroach within street setbacks or within setbacks adjacent to single-
family zones. Mechanical equipment, including heat pumps and other mechanical elements,
shall not be placed in the setbacks.
j. Landscape buffers, Type I, shall be used in parking areas adjacent to single-
family zones.
k. When no setback is otherwise required, Type III landscaping three feet in width
and continuous in length is required between uses in the same zone.
2. Parking Lots Abutting Streets.
a. Type IV landscaping, minimum four feet wide, is required along all street
frontages.
b. All parking located under the building shall be completely screened from the
public street by one of the following methods:
i. Walls,
ii. Type I planting and a grill that is 25 percent opaque,
iii. Grill work that is at least 80 percent opaque, or
iv. Type III landscaping.
B. Access and Parking.
1. Not more than 50 percent of total project parking spaces may be located between
the building’s front facade and the primary street.
2. Parking lots may not be located on corner locations adjacent to public streets.
3. Paths within Parking Lots.
Packet Page 81 of 265
a. Pedestrian walkways in parking lots shall be delineated by separate paved routes
that are approved by federal accessibility requirements and that use a variation in textures
and/or colors as well as landscape barriers.
b. Pedestrian access routes shall be provided at least every 180 feet within parking
lots. These shall be designed to provide access to on-site buildings as well as pedestrian
walkways that border the development.
c. Pedestrian pathways shall be six feet in width and have two feet of planting on
each side or have curb stops at each stall in the parking lot on one side and four feet of
planting on the second side.
Packet Page 82 of 265
d. Parking lots shall have pedestrian connections to the main sidewalk at a mini-
mum of every 100 feet.
4. Bonus for Parking Below Grade.
a. For projects where at least 50 percent of the parking is below grade or under the
building, the following code requirements may be modified for the parking that is provided
below grade or under-building:
i. The minimum drive aisle width may be reduced to 22 feet.
ii. The maximum ramp slope may be increased to 20 percent.
iii. A mixture of full- and reduced-width parking stalls may be provided without
meeting the ECDC requirement to demonstrate that all required parking could be provided
at full-width dimensions.
5. Drive-through facilities such as, but not limited to, banks, cleaners, fast food, drug
stores, espresso stands, etc., shall comply with the following:
a. Drive-through windows and stacking lanes shall not be located along the facades
of the building that face a street.
b. Drive-through speakers shall not be audible off-site.
c. Only one direct entrance or exit from the drive-through shall be allowed as a
separate curb cut onto an adjoining street. All remaining direct entrances/exits to the drive-
through shall be internal to the site.
6. Pedestrian and Transit Access.
a. Pedestrian building entries must connect directly to the public sidewalk and to
adjacent developments if feasible.
b. Internal pedestrian routes shall extend to the property line and connect to
existing pedestrian routes if applicable. Potential future connections shall also be identified
such that pedestrian access between developments can occur without walking in the parking
or access areas.
c. When a transit or bus stop is located in front of or adjacent to a parcel, pedestrian
connections linking the transit stop directly to the new development are required.
C. Site Design and Layout. Carol’s comment: Are these architectural design standards
that are used by the architectural review board to determine whether or not an application
can be approved? One reason to include all architectural design standards in one place is to
ensure that they are consistent. Are these consistent with the standards in that chapter?
1. General. If a project is composed of similar building layouts that are repeated, then
their location on the site design should not be uniform in its layout. If a project has a
uniform site layout for parking and open spaces, then the buildings shall vary in form,
materials, and/or identity. The following design elements should be considered, and a
project shall demonstrate how at least five of the elements were used to vary the design of
the site:
a. Building massing and unit layout,
b. Placement of structures and setbacks,
c. Location of pedestrian and vehicular facilities,
d. Spacing from position relative to adjoining buildings,
e. Composition and types of open space, plant materials and street trees,
f. Types of building materials and/or elements,
g. Roof variation in slope, height and/or materials.
Packet Page 83 of 265
2. Individuality for Particular Structures. If a project contains several new or old
buildings of similar uses or massing, incorporate two of the following options to create
identity and promote safety and feeling of ownership:
a. Individual entry design for each building.
b. Create variety in arrangement of building forms in relation to site, parking, open
spaces, and the street.
c. Create variety through facade materials and organization.
d. Create variety through roof forms.
e. Vary the size/mass of the buildings so they are not uniform in massing and
appearance.
3. Lighting.
a. All lighting shall be shielded and directed away from adjacent parcels. This may
be achieved through lower poles at the property lines and/or full “cut off” fixtures.
Packet Page 84 of 265
b. Parking lots shall have lighting poles with a maximum of 25 feet in height.
c. Pedestrian ways shall have low height lighting focused on pathway area. Pole
height shall be a maximum of 14 feet, although lighting bollards are preferred.
d. Entries shall have lighting for safety and visibility integrated with the build-
ing/canopy.
D. Building Design and Massing.
1. Buildings shall convey a visually distinct “base” and “top.” A “base” and “top” can
be emphasized in different ways, such as masonry pattern, more architectural detail, step-
backs and overhangs, lighting, recesses, visible “plinth” above which the wall rises,
storefront, canopies, or a combination thereof. They can also be emphasized by using archi-
tectural elements not listed above, as approved, that meet the intent.
2. In buildings with footprints of over 10,000 square feet, attention needs to be given
to scale, massing, and facade design so as to reduce the effect of large single building
masses. Ways to accomplish this can include articulation, changes of materials, offsets, set-
backs, angles or curves of facades, or by the use of distinctive roof forms. This can also be
accomplished by using architectural elements not listed above, as approved, that meet the
intent. Note that facade offsets or step-backs should not be applied to the ground floor of
street-front facades in pedestrian-oriented zones or districts.
3. Alternatives to massing requirements may be achieved by:
a. Creation of a public plaza or other open space which may substitute for a
massing requirement if the space is at least 1,000 square feet in area. In commercial zones,
this public space shall be a public plaza with amenities such as benches, tables, planters and
other elements.
b. Retaining or reusing an historic structure listed on the National Register or the
Edmonds register of historic places. Any addition or new building on the site must be
designed to be compatible with the historic structure.
4. To ensure that buildings do not display blank, unattractive walls to the abutting
streets or residential properties, walls or portions of walls abutting streets or visible from
residentially zoned properties shall have architectural treatment applied by incorporating at
least four of the following elements into the design of the facade:
a. Masonry (except for flat concrete block).
b. Concrete or masonry plinth at the base of the wall.
c. Belt courses of a different texture and color.
d. Projecting cornice.
e. Projecting metal canopy.
f. Decorative tilework.
g. Trellis containing planting.
h. Medallions.
i. Artwork or wall graphics.
j. Vertical differentiation.
k. Lighting fixtures.
l. An architectural element not listed above, as approved, that meets the intent.
Carol’s comment: Intent of what? [Ord. 3736 § 11, 2009; Ord. 3635 § 1, 2007].
Packet Page 85 of 265
16.60.040
Operating restrictions.
A. Enclosed Building. All uses shall be carried on entirely within a completely enclosed
building, except the following:
1. Public utilities;
2. Off-street parking and loading areas;
3. Drive-in business;
4. Secondary uses permitted under ECDC 16.60.010(B);
5. Limited outdoor display of merchandise meeting the criteria of Chapter 17.65
ECDC;
6. Public markets; provided, that when located next to a single-family residential zone,
the market shall be entirely within a completely enclosed building;
7. Outdoor dining meeting the criteria of Chapter 17.75 ECDC;
Packet Page 86 of 265
8. Motorized and nonmotorized mobile vending units meeting the criteria of Chapter
4.12 ECC.
B. Interim Use Status – Public Markets.
1. Unless a public market is identified on a business license as a year-round market
within the city of Edmonds, a premises licensed as a public market shall be considered a
temporary use. Carol’s comment: Is a temporary use permit required? As a temporary
activity, the city council finds that any signs or structures used in accordance with the
market do not require design review. When a location is utilized for a business use in
addition to a public market, the public market use shall not decrease the required available
parking for the other business use below the standards established by Chapter 17.50 ECDC.
[Ord. 3932 § 8, 2013; Ord. 3902 § 5, 2012; Ord. 3635 § 1, 2007].
Packet Page 87 of 265
Chapter 16.62
MU – MEDICAL USE ZONE
Sections:
16.62.000 Purpose.
16.62.010 Uses.
16.62.020 Site development standards.
16.62.000
Purpose.
The MU zone has the following specific purposes:
A. To reserve areas for hospitals and related medical facilities.
B. To reserve areas that would provide the underlying zoning needed to enable master
planning for medical campuses.
C. To reserve areas for the concentration of medical facilities in order to enable the effi-
cient provision of a wide spectrum of medical services.
D. The uses permitted in this zone are intended to be functionally related to or serve
medical uses or health care services. [Ord. 3118 § 1, 1996].
16.62.010
Uses.
A. Permitted Primary Uses.
1. Medical and health care uses including but not limited to hospitals, outpatient clin-
ics, continuing/long-term care services, hospice services, laboratories, medical research
facilities, emergency medical services and offices of doctors, dentists, physical therapists,
and all others related to medical and health care uses;
2. Medical staff facilities and similar uses, including but not limited to educational and
meeting facilities and staff sleeping quarters;
3. Retail sales and services related to medical uses, including but not limited to phar-
macies and convenience stores, gift shops, bookstores, florists, medical and health care
equipment sales and restaurants. Only uses directly related to supplying medical services
may be permitted to operate drive-through facilities;
4. Residential uses dependent upon or related to medical care, including but not lim-
ited to convalescent care facilities, nursing homes, retirement homes, group homes for the
disabled and overnight accommodations;
5. Day-care facilities; Carol’s comment: Adult family homes and Family Day Care.
6. Counseling centers and alcohol and drug treatment facilities;
7. Transit and other transportation-related facilities;
8. Local public facilities, whether or not planned, designated, and sited in the capital
improvement plan, subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.050;
9. Primary and high schools subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.050(G)
through (R);
10. Neighborhood parks, natural open spaces, and community parks with an adopted
master plan subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.070.
B. Permitted Secondary Uses.
Packet Page 88 of 265
1. Helicopter pads related to medical use, if approved as part of a master plan and
adopted as part of the comprehensive plan;
2. Facilities for the permanent storage and/or disposal of biomedical, radioactive and
other hazardous waste shall not be permitted; provided, however, that facilities for the treat-
ment or temporary storage of biomedical, radioactive and other hazardous waste generated
within the medical use zone, or by local publicly operated medical facilities related to the
hospital, shall be permitted.
C. Secondary Uses Requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
1. Helicopter pads related to medical use. If the location of a helipad is not included as
part of an approved master plan, then a conditional use permit shall be required. In addition
to the conditional use permit review criteria, the development and use of a helipad shall be
subject to the following conditions:
Packet Page 89 of 265
a. The helipad shall be limited to emergency medical uses only;
b. Noise from the helipad must be minimized using buffering combined with other
operational and site design techniques to minimize the noise impact on surrounding uses;
c. The helipad shall be sited no closer than 75 feet to any right-of-way or property
boundary;
d. The hospital district shall take reasonable measures to ensure safety around the
helipad, when in use, and shall comply with all applicable FAA standards and regulations;
e. The helipad should be located in the southern portion of the site in order to
mitigate potential noise impacts of the residential areas to the north;
2. Regional parks and community parks without a master plan subject to the
requirements of ECDC 17.100.070. [Ord. 3453 § 3, 2003; Ord. 3353 § 7, 2001; Ord. 3118 §
1, 1996].
16.62.020
Site development standards.
A. Table. Except as hereinafter provided, development requirements shall be as follows:
Minimum
Lot Area
Minimum
Lot Width
Minimum
Street
Setback
Minimum
Side/rear
Setback
Maximum
Height
Maximum
Floor
Area
MU None None 15' 15 feet1 35'2 None
1 The side/rear setback shall be 25 feet for all property lines adjacent to single-family residential districts. There shall also
be at least one foot of distance measured from the nearest residentially zoned property line for each two feet of building
height, measured from the average residential property grade.
2 The applicant may opt to use the height restrictions permitted by the underlying comprehensive plan designation, if the
height restrictions are expressed in specific feet or stories. Each “story” referenced in the comprehensive plan shall be
equivalent to 12 feet. Minimum setbacks as defined in Note 1 above shall still apply. Carol’s comment: The
City needs to identify the specific zoning standards like height in the zoning code, not the
comprehensive plan. Identifying one height limit and then stating that another height limit
in the comprehensive plan could be used at the applicant’s option, creates confusion. For
example, the variance procedure allows variation from the zoning code, not the
comprehensive plan. Is the variance procedure allowed from the comp plan or zoning
code height restrictions? Under GMA, the City is supposed to adopt development
regulations that are consistent with the comprehensive plan, not allow a property owner to
choose from the different standards in the comp plan and zoning code.
B. Signs, Parking and Design Review. See Chapters 17.50, 20.10 and 20.60 ECDC. Not-
withstanding any contrary code provisions, hospitals shall have three parking spaces per bed
and nursing homes shall have one parking space per 200 square feet. Signs standards shall
be the same as those for the BN – Neighborhood Business zoning classification.
C. Location of Retail Commercial Uses. Permitted retail sales and services shall be
located and oriented toward serving related medical uses. Direct access to retail sales and
services shall not be permitted from arterials which serve the general traveling public. Sig-
nage for permitted retail sales and services shall not be located along, or oriented toward,
arterial streets. Carol’s comment: seems strange that these uses are allowed, but the public
Packet Page 90 of 265
can’t locate them (through signs oriented toward arterials) or access them on arterials. I’m
not understanding the rationale behind this. It’s not like this zone is particularly sensitive.
[Ord. 3118 § 1, 1996].
Packet Page 91 of 265
Chapter 16.65
OS – OPEN SPACE
Sections:
16.65.000 Purposes.
16.65.010 Uses.
16.65.000
Purposes.
The OS district has the following purpose:
A. To designate land which has been donated to or acquired by the city or other public, or
private non-profit agency for open space use or which contributes significantly to the open
space inventory of the community;
B. To regulate the use of these lands, and other land in private ownership, which cannot
be developed without severe irreversible environmental impacts, which are either: part of a
required greenbelt area; a native growth protection easement; or which provide an identifi-
able link to the city’s open space or critical areas inventory.
16.65.010
Uses.
A. Permitted Uses.
1. Agriculture, including crop land but specifically excluding livestock and poultry,
machinery and equipment sheds or barns;
2. Conservation areas including forest and wildlife preserves;
3. Parks, natural scenic areas, trails, excluding commercial amusement devices or
operations, per Chapter 16.80 ECDC;
4. Playgrounds or playfields, providing that they are developed on previously cleared
land, per Chapter 16.80 ECDC; Carol’s comment: I don’t understand why they have to be
developed on previously cleared land. Parks in this zone don’t have to be developed on
previously cleared land.
5. Reclamation areas limited to soil, forest, wildlife or watershed;
6. Parking facilities to support the permitted uses identified in paragraphs A(1)
through A(5) of this section.
B. Uses Requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
1. Uses similar to and compatible with the permitted uses. Conditional uses may not
decrease the openness or interfere with the scenic or habitat value of the land.
2. Installation of various public utilities into or across open space zones, and clearing
of a vegetated natural area for one of the permitted uses listed above, subject to the follow-
ing:
a. In addition to the criteria of Chapter 20.05 ECDC, it shall be shown that the
intrusion is necessary:
i. To provide services to the open space for public benefit or safety; or
ii. For physical or technical reasons, and that no reasonable alternatives are
possible.
b. The design and plan shall create the minimum of surface and vegetation distur-
bance necessary to accomplish its purpose.
Packet Page 92 of 265
c. Restoration of the environment will be made by replanting and reseeding of the
disturbed area as soon as is feasible.
d. Undergrounding of utilities shall be encouraged and required where site charac-
teristics are suitable. [Ord. 2877 § 1, 1992].
Packet Page 93 of 265
Chapter 16.70
MR – MARINE RESOURCE
Sections:
16.70.000 Purposes.
16.70.010 Uses.
16.70.000
Purposes.
The MR district has the following purposes:
A. To regulate the use of tidelands, and other land covered by salt water;
B. To preserve and enhance the natural marine environment along the shoreline of
Edmonds;
C. To provide local control of the natural marine environment to the extent that state and
federal regulation allow.
16.70.010
Uses.
A. Permitted Uses.
1. Commercial fishing, sports fishing and shell fishing, including deepwater mollusks,
crustaceans, and bivalves, as regulated and permitted by the Washington State Department
of Fisheries and other applicable governmental agencies;
2. The movement of ships, boats, rafts, barges and submarines, and the establishment
of government-authorized navigational devices and aids as regulated by the U.S. Coast
Guard, the Corps of Army Engineers and other applicable governmental agencies; provided,
however, there shall be no discharge of ballast, sanitary facilities or effluent, chemicals,
petroleum products, garbage, cargo (except to save life or property), or any other thing,
fluid or solid of any kind or description whether by design or accident regardless of
precautions exercised;
3. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and related recreation activities.
B. Uses Requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
1. The installation of submerged power and communication cables, fuel line and any
other related installation;
2. The filling or dredging of submerged land and the construction of breakwaters,
bulkheads, groins, piers and related structures for harbors, marinas, buildings and/or
railroad trackage;
3. Scientific installation, including submerged manned or unmanned research shelters;
4. Mineral extraction from water, but excluding submerged land mining, drilling for
petroleum or gas, or excavation in connection therewith;
5. Marine agriculture in the propagation and harvest of marine vegetation such as edi-
ble or medicinal seaweed provided that the basic chemical balance of the water is not dis-
turbed or polluted;
6. Educational and recreational facilities, commercial, private or public.
Packet Page 94 of 265
Chapter 16.75
MP – MASTER PLAN HILLSIDE
MIXED-USE ZONE
Sections:
16.75.000 MP – Master plan hillside mixed-use zone.
16.75.005 Purpose.
16.75.010 Uses.
16.75.020 Site development standards.
16.75.000
MP – Master plan hillside mixed-use zone.
This chapter establishes the hillside mixed-use zoning district comprised of two distinct
zoning categories which are identical in all respects except as specifically provided for in
ECDC 16.75.010 and 16.75.020. [Ord. 3402 § 1, 2002].
16.75.005
Purpose.
The MP1 and MP2 zones have the following specific purposes in addition to the general
purposes for business and commercial zones listed in Chapter 16.40 ECDC:
A. To reserve an area where potential exists for planned development that can benefit the
public by providing new tax revenue;
B. To reserve an area where a mix of land uses can take advantage of site conditions and
water views;
C. To permit construction in accordance with a master plan concept and site design that is
visually pleasing;
D. To promote a mix of residential, commercial, and other uses in a manner that is con-
sistent with the city’s comprehensive plan, and with the downtown waterfront plan that has
been adopted as a part of the comprehensive plan. The mix of uses is contemplated to occur
throughout the MP1 and MP2 zones; mixed-use development is not required on any specific
parcel of land;
E. To encourage visual access to the water for the public from public spaces within the
development;
F. The height limit and calculations procedures established for the MP1 and MP2 zones
have been adopted after full consideration of the topographical constraints of sites within
the zones. Variances are not available under current city code provisions in order to make
more profitable use of a property. In adopting these provisions, the city council has specifi-
cally provided for, and made allowances for, the site constraints and topographical features
inherent in development of the designated MP1 and MP2 sites. Therefore, no other height
variance would typically be available absent a special showing of constraints unanticipated
on the date of adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter. [Ord. 3402 § 1, 2002].
Packet Page 95 of 265
16.75.010
Uses. Carol’s comment: If no development is allowed without a master
plan, shouldn’t this be stated here? Otherwise, it appears as if the uses
that follow are permitted outright.
A. Permitted Primary Uses in MP1.
1. Multifamily residential;
2. Office;
3. Hotels/motels;
4. Restaurants, excluding drive-in businesses;
5. Local public facilities as defined in ECDC 21.55.007;
6. Mixed-use development for any use permitted in this zone;
7. Secondary service and retail uses to the primary use, but excluding trailer sales and
service, car lots, heavy equipment sales and service, and any other retail activity that relies
primarily on outdoor display of merchandise;
8. Conference/performing arts center;
9. Day care; Carol’s comment: Family Day Care and Adult Family Homes.
10. Neighborhood parks, natural open spaces, and community parks with an adopted
master plan subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.070.
B. Permitted Primary Uses in MP2.
1. All uses permitted in subsection A of this section, except that residential use is pro-
hibited on the ground floor of any building;
2. Neighborhood-oriented retail uses intended to support other uses in the immediate
area, but excluding trailer sales, car lots, heavy equipment sales and service, and any other
retail activity that relies primarily on outdoor display of merchandise;
Packet Page 96 of 265
3. Service uses as a primary use intended to support other uses in the immediate area,
but excluding trailer, car, boat and equipment services;
4. Multimodal transportation center;
5. Educational facilities.
C. Permitted Secondary Uses in MP1 and MP2.
1. Off-street surface parking and structured parking to serve a permitted use;
2. Shared parking facilities to serve more than one permitted use;
3. Off-street loading facilities to serve a permitted use.
D. Uses Requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
1. Buildings or structures that exceed the maximum height limit. This permit shall be
limited to the approval of a “landmark” building or structure. Not more than one such land-
mark structure shall be permitted for each zone;
2. A landmark structure is defined as a building or structure intended to provide an
architectural signature for a location within the MP1 and MP2 master plan areas. The land-
mark structure shall not be used for general commercial or residential purposes above the
normal height limits established for the zone, but may be used for public purposes, or pur-
poses which benefit the Edmonds community, including but not limited to: Carol’s
comment: If these terms have general application, I think they should not be in the chapter
of the code which normally just identifies the permitted uses, conditionally permitted uses
and development standards. Definitions of architectural design terms should be in the
chapter relating to architectural design.
How does the City implement this provision? Does the City require that the property
owner sign a covenant that is recorded against the property, which prohibits any change in
the use of the structure? What happens if a CUP is granted because the property owner
agrees to install some public use, but then the owner goes belly up? I’m not sure how this
section would work with regard to public uses that can move in and then move out.
a. Public viewing areas or platforms;
b. Restrooms;
c. To house, in interior space, wireless communication facilities permitted pursuant
to Chapter 20.50 ECDC; and to incorporate antennas and wireless communication facilities
in the facade of the landmark structure, if such incorporation can be accomplished in
accordance with the architectural design approved by the city’s architectural design board in
a way which is not intrusive and otherwise incorporated within the architectural design of
the structure; Carol’s comment: Should this be in the chapter re: wireless?
d. Public safety purposes;
e. As public art or architectural detail; or
f. For other similar public purposes approved as a part of the master planning pro-
cess.
In no event shall a landmark structure exceed 48 feet in height. [Ord. 3402 § 1, 2002].
16.75.020
Site development standards.
A. Any development located in MP1 or MP2 zones shall be subject to design review in
accordance with Chapter 20.10 ECDC.
B. Table. Except as hereinafter provided, development requirements shall be as follows:
Packet Page 97 of 265
Subdistrict Minimum
lot area
Minimum
lot width
Minimum
street
setback
Minimum
side
setback1
Minimum
rear
setback2
Maximum
height
Maximum
coverage
(%)
Maximum
floor area3
Minimum
lot area
per
dwelling
unit (s.f.)
MP1 none none 15' 10' 15' 35'4,5 456 3 sq. ft./s.f.
of lot area 2,400
MP2 none none none none none 35'7 75 4 sq.ft./s.f.
of lot area 2,400
1 For residential buildings, setbacks apply to exterior lot line only, and not to any interior lot lines within a
development.
2 See Footnote 1.
3 The maximum floor area is intended to limit the size of nonresidential development only. In the case of a
mixed-use development that includes residences, the maximum floor area calculation shall be applied to the
residential use as well.
Packet Page 98 of 265
4 Roof may extend up to five feet above the state height limit if designed as part of an approved modulated
design in accordance with Chapter 20.10 ECDC. Carol’s comment: Based on the Building 10
application, has the City considered the elimination of all procedures for height limit
increases like this (and just use the variance procedure)?
5 Building height may be calculated separately for each clearly separated portion of a building as illustrated,
but not limited to, Figures A, B and C. Carol’s comment: Does this need modification, based on
the Building 10 application?
6 Total lot coverage for the entire site covered by an adopted master plan within the MP1 zone cannot exceed
45 percent. Lot coverage for the individual building lots within the area covered by the master plan cannot
exceed 75 percent. Individual lots may not be able to achieve the 75 percent maximum lot coverage due to
compliance with master plan and code requirements that address such issues as circulation, open space,
topography, buffers, and critical areas.
7 The maximum height may be increased to 45 feet with the approval of a conditional use permit, if the
application is filed in conjunction with or after the approval of a multimodal transportation center within or
adjacent to the MP2 zone. Carol’s comment: Again, my suggestion is to identify a height limit
based on the factors that normally are considered when the City establishes height limits –
light, air, view, etc. Then, if a property owner wants to exceed the height limit, tell him/her
that a variance application must be filed. I understand that the City is using height
increases as an incentive to developers to provide certain amenities. However, the City
should consider whether this procedure works where there is a sensitive zone – for example,
where the height increase will block views or the buildings are located near residential
areas.
Figure A:
A building is considered to have two or more clearly separated portions when each portion
is separated by a one-story high (10-foot minimum) space above a plaza or roof. Multiple
floors above the plaza may be connected by an open-air bridge no wider than 10 feet, zero
inches. Building height would be calculated using the centerline of the plaza or roof as one
edge of the rectangle used to average existing grade elevations. See figure below: Carol’s
comment: Should this be in the chapter re: architectural design review?
Figure B:
A building is considered to have two or more clearly separated portions when the line of the
roof changes (a vertical shift). Building height would be calculated using the centerline of
Packet Page 99 of 265
the wall below the shift in roof heights as one edge of the rectangle used to average existing
grade elevations. See figure below:
Packet Page 100 of 265
Packet Page 101 of 265
Figure C:
A building is considered to have two or more clearly separated portions when the floor
plates shift (a horizontal shift). Building height would be calculated using the centerline of
the wall along the shift in floor plates as one edge of the rectangle used to average existing
grade elevations. See figure below:
C. Signs, Parking, and Design Review. See Chapters 17.50, 20.10 and 20.60 ECDC.
D. Master Plan Required. Carol’s comment: Because a master plan is a separate
approval, it should be in the chapters that describe the different types of permits. There
needs to be a clear idea of the procedure, what must be included in a complete application,
who the decision-makers will be, criteria for approval, deadline for issuance of a final
decision, expiration date of the approval, etc.
1. No development shall be permitted in an MP1 or MP2 zone unless a master plan
has been prepared, identifying potential land uses and densities as set forth in subsection
(D)(2) of this section.
2. A master plan shall describe the land use parameters and relationships to guide
future site development. The plan shall, in a general manner, define the site layout by
showing development areas by type of use, circulation patterns, site access, residential
densities (if applicable) maximum square footage of nonresidential uses (if applicable), and
any open space areas and buffers. The plan shall also illustrate the relationship between the
site and adjoining properties. Any single master plan proposal submitted to the city for
approval shall include a mix of uses for the overall area included in the master plan appli-
cation. A mix of uses is not required for any single phase of development within an
approved master plan. Carol’s comment: so, what is required for a complete application?
How many uses comprise a “mix?”
3. All property identified in the master plan shall be developed in a manner consistent
with the provisions of the master plan.
4. It is intended that site layouts, the range and intensity of uses, access, and circu-
lation shall be depicted in both graphic and narrative form in a general manner. Subsequent
to the adoption of a master plan, more detailed site and design information shall be
submitted for review in accordance with Chapter 20.10 ECDC. Carol’s comment: this
procedure is confusing. There aren’t any specific criteria for approval, but after “adoption”
of the master plan, the applicant has to more information? For what purpose? The applicant
also has the option of submitting a master plan concurrently with a specific site design.
Packet Page 102 of 265
Other necessary applications, such as subdivision, binding site plan (BSP), or planned
residential development (PRD), may also be submitted concurrently. If submitted
concurrently, the city shall review the applications concurrently. However, no site design or
other approval shall be granted until such time as the master plan is approved.
5. A master plan may be approved as a comprehensive plan amendment, a planned
residential development (PRD), or as a contract rezone. The planning advisory board and
city council shall review and act upon a proposed master plan as a Type V development
project permit application (see Chapter 20.01 ECDC), except in the case of a PRD, which
shall be reviewed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 20.35 ECDC. Carol’s
comment: This is really confusing. What is a master site plan? If it is a quasi-judicial
application, then it can be processed by the City with other quasi-judicial applications, such
as a preliminary plat, binding site plan or PRD. If it is legislative, then it is not a project
permit application and can only be processed with other legislative applications (like a
comprehensive plan amendment).[Ord. 3736 § 12, 2009; Ord. 3402 § 1, 2002].
Packet Page 103 of 265
Chapter 16.77
OR – OFFICE-RESIDENTIAL
Sections:
16.77.000 Purposes.
16.77.010 Uses.
16.77.020 Site development standards.
16.77.000
Purposes.
A. The office-residential (OR) zone is intended to be applied to areas designated in the
comprehensive plan for “planned residential-office” development on the west side of Sunset
Avenue south of Bell Street.
B. This area is appropriate for development which provides for a mix of small-scale
office and residential uses which provide a transition between the more intensive
commercial uses along Main Street and the residential uses along Sunset Avenue. Because
the area of this designation is located adjacent to commercial development to the south, the
railroad to the west, and is near both multiple-family and single-family residential
development, this area should act as a transition between these uses.
C. To restrict commercial and multiple residential uses in scale and intensity so as to
reduce noise, parking and traffic impacts on the adjacent residential neighborhood.
D. The height and setback limits established for this zone have been adopted after full
consideration of the topographical constraints of sites within the zone. Variances are not
available under current city code provisions in order to make more profitable use of a
property. In adopting these provisions, the city council has specifically provided for, and
made allowances for, the site constraints and topographical features inherent in develop-
ment of the designated OR sites. Therefore, no other height variance would typically be
available absent a special showing of constraints unanticipated on the date of adoption of
the ordinance codified in this chapter. [Ord. 3619 § 1, 2006].
16.77.010
Uses.
A. Permitted Primary Uses. Any combination of the following uses is permitted:
1. Single-family dwellings.
2. Office uses.
3. Multiple dwelling unit(s).
4. Neighborhood parks, natural open spaces, and community parks with an adopted
master plan subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.070.
Adult Family Homes and Family Day Care.
B. Permitted Secondary Uses.
1. Off-street parking and loading areas to serve a permitted or conditional use.
2. All permitted secondary uses allowed in the RS – Single Family Residential zone,
as listed in ECDC 16.20.010(B).
C. Primary Uses Requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
1. Local public facilities subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.050. [Ord. 3619
§ 1, 2006].
Packet Page 104 of 265
16.77.020
Site development standards.
A. Table.
Subdistrict
Minimum Lot
Area
Minimum
Street
Setback1
Minimum
Side
Setback
Minimum
Rear
Setback
Maximum
Height
Maximum
Coverage
OR None 15' 5' None 25' No maximum
1 The minimum street setback of 15 feet applies to a building which is no wider than 110 feet. For any part of a building
that exceeds 110 feet in width, an additional setback of 15 feet shall apply so that no more than 110 feet of building
width is closer than 30 feet to the street lot line. For the purposes of this section, “building width” shall be the total
horizontal dimension of that portion of the building facing the street measured parallel to the street.
Packet Page 105 of 265
B. Parking Requirements. See Chapter 17.50 ECDC for specific parking requirements for
allowed uses. No parking spaces may be located within the street or side setbacks.
C. Signs, Landscaping and Design Review. See Chapters 20.10, 20.12 and 20.60 ECDC
for regulations on design review and signage. Signage shall be regulated as in an RM zone.
Signage for office uses shall be regulated as in a BN zone, except that no freestanding signs
shall be permitted.
D. Satellite Television Antennas. Satellite television antennas shall be regulated as set
forth in ECDC 16.20.050.
E. Setback Encroachments. Eaves and chimneys may project into a required setback not
more than 30 inches. Uncovered and unenclosed porches, steps, patios, and decks may
project into a required setback not more than one-third of the required setback, or four feet,
whichever is less; provided, that they are no more than 30 inches above the ground level at
any point. [Ord. 3619 § 1, 2006].
Packet Page 106 of 265
Chapter 16.80
P – PUBLIC USE
Sections:
16.80.000 Purposes.
16.80.010 Uses.
16.80.020 Conditional use permit criteria.
16.80.030 Site development standards.
16.80.000
Purposes.
The P district has the following purposes:
A. To provide for siting and development of regional public facilities to be located in or
near residential areas and to establish standards which will minimize the impact of these
facilities on nearby properties;
B. To regulate the use of these lands to assure their continuing availability for public use.
[Ord. 3353 § 8, 2001].
16.80.010
Uses.
A. Permitted Uses.
1. Regional public facilities;
2. All local public facilities subject to the additional requirements of ECDC
17.100.050;
3. Neighborhood parks, natural open spaces, and community parks with an adopted
master plan subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.070;
4. Primary and high schools subject to the additional requirements of ECDC
17.100.050(G) through (R).
B. Permitted Secondary Uses.
1. Facilities comparable with and designed to serve permitted uses (e.g., restrooms,
safety lighting, fencing, benches, tables, minor shelters, athletic structures, minor service
support structures, associated storage and maintenance yards, and incidental parking for five
or less cars);
2. Commercial uses incidental to and related to a sited regional public facility, such as
restaurants, snack bars, gift shops, tourist shops, etc.
C. Uses Requiring a Conditional Use Permit.
1. Service and support facilities for permitted uses (e.g., transportation storage and
maintenance; service and repair shops; outdoor storage);
2. Municipal and franchised service facilities including storage and maintenance
buildings and yards, sewage treatment facilities, water storage and pumping facilities, sub-
stations;
3. Stadiums, bleachers, playfield lighting, clubhouses, and swimming pools;
4. Structures over 25 feet in height;
5. Regional parks and community parks without a master plan subject to the require-
ments of ECDC 17.100.070. [Ord. 3353 § 8, 2001].
Packet Page 107 of 265
16.80.020
Conditional use permit criteria. Carol’s comment: should these be
included in the chapter relating to CUP’s?
In considering a conditional use permit application under Chapter 20.05 ECDC for the
public use (P) zone, the hearing examiner and/or city council shall consider the following:
A. Impact of the proposal on the visual and aesthetic character of the neighborhood;
B. Orientation of facilities to developed or undeveloped residential areas;
C. Preservation of natural vegetation and/or other natural features;
D. Hours of operation; performance standards; conformance of the proposal with the
city’s noise ordinance;
E. Ability of the proposal to provide for adequate on-site parking; and traffic impacts of
the proposal on the neighborhood. [Ord. 3353 § 8, 2001].
16.80.030
Site development standards.
Although each public use will undergo extensive review by the ADB in light of its
relationship to its surrounding neighbors, there will be certain minimum development stan-
dards to be used in the design of these facilities. These standards may be subject to the grant
of variance under the provisions of ECDC 20.85.000.
A. Minimum Setbacks. A minimum landscaped setback of 20 feet shall be maintained
from a public street or other property lines, except that a setback of 25 feet shall be main-
tained for all structures, structured play areas and structured athletic fields from adjacent
residentially zoned properties. These setbacks shall be fully landscaped.
B. Height. The maximum height of a building in this zone shall be 25 feet, unless a con-
ditional use permit has been obtained, except that the height of schools shall be governed by
ECDC 17.100.050(I). A conditional use permit for additional height may permit structures
up to a maximum height of 60 feet. Carol’s comment: See previous discussion re: use of a
CUP to increase height.
C. Lot Coverage. The maximum lot coverage by buildings and other structures shall not
exceed 35 percent unless a conditional use permit has been obtained. Carol’s comment: I
think that the City isn’t using the CUP process correctly. Shouldn’t this be a variance? In
the first section above, a variance is mentioned.
D. Signs. All signs shall be subject to ADB approval. Are there criteria for the ADB to
review signs? As long as the City identifies the size, colors, lighting – what does the ADB
need to do? Signs shall be kept to a minimum size, which is compatible with the
surrounding neighborhood and uses, while providing adequate visibility.
E. Landscaping. Site landscaping requirements shall be reviewed pursuant to Chapter
20.13 ECDC.
F. Parking. All regional public facilities shall comply with the minimum off-street
parking requirements contained in ECDC 17.50.030.
1. All on-site parking lots shall be screened from adjacent residential properties with a
solid wall or sight-obscuring fence not less than six feet in height. Such walls or fences may
be built progressively as the parking facilities are installed. Landscaping shall be installed in
accordance with ECDC 20.13.025. Carol’s comment; Isn’t this a requirement that should
be in the general chapter on landscaping?
2. Regional public facilities shall submit a transportation management plan for
approval by the city. The plan shall address the following: traffic control, parking
Packet Page 108 of 265
management, mitigation measures for overflow parking into adjoining residential areas, and
traffic movement to the nearest arterial street. Carol’s comment: Isn’t this something that
is addressed by the parking chapter?
G. Orientation to Transportation Facilities. All regional public facilities must be located
adjacent to or within 500 feet of a principal or major arterial street.
H. Transit. All regional public facilities shall be located within 1,500 feet of an existing
transit center. At least one on-site transit stop or station shall be required. The transit stop or
station shall include a turnout of suitable size and location to accommodate public buses.
I. Lighting. All exterior lighting shall be arranged and directed so as to direct the light
away from adjacent residential uses.
J. Screening. Electrical substations, water/sewer pump stations, sewage treatment
facilities, solid waste facilities, commuter parking lots, and maintenance and storage yards
shall be adequately screened from adjacent residential properties with a solid wall or sight-
obscuring fence not less than six feet in height. Landscaping shall be provided in
accordance with Chapter 20.13 ECDC. [Amended during November 2008 supplement; Ord.
3353 § 8, 2001].
Packet Page 109 of 265
Chapter 16.100
FIRDALE VILLAGE MIXED-USE ZONING CRITERIA
Sections:
16.100.000 Introduction.
16.100.010 Purposes.
16.100.020 Subdistricts.
16.100.030 Uses.
16.100.040 Site development standards.
16.100.000
Introduction.
A. General Intent and Project Vision. The design vision for Firdale Village is to create a
vibrant neighborhood village form of development that strikes a balance between commer-
cial, retail and residential uses and contributes to the vitality of the neighborhood and area.
The project is intended to support a variety of commercial and retail uses along with multi-
family residential in an environment that is accessible to the pedestrian, visitor, tenant,
motorist and public transit user. Carol’s comment: If there is no B, then there should be no
A. [Ord. 3760 § 1, 2009].
16.100.010
Purposes.
The Firdale Village mixed-use zone has the following specific purposes in addition to the
general purposes for business and commercial zones in Chapter 16.40 ECDC:
A. To reserve and regulate areas for a “neighborhood center” type of mixed-use
development that includes a mix of commercial and multiresidential housing types, and a
range of greater densities than are available in the single-family residential zone.
B. To promote a mix of residential, commercial and other uses in a manner that is con-
sistent with the city’s comprehensive plan (i.e., 25 percent of heated floor area shall be com-
mercial space).
C. To provide for those additional uses which complement and are compatible with
multiple residential uses.
D. The codes contained within this chapter are to be used in conjunction with the Firdale
Village design standards in Chapter 22.100 ECDC. [Ord. 3760 § 1, 2009].
16.100.020
Subdistricts.
See District Map at the end of this chapter for location of districts on the site.
A. District 1 – Commercial. The primarily commercial uses will be located in this
district, which is located closer to Firdale Avenue and oriented to the street. The flexibility
for each is written into the table, but not called out in the “mini-description.”
B. District 2 – Commercial/Multifamily Residential. Multifamily residential uses will be
located more towards sides and rear of the site, behind the commercial uses, with possible
commercial functions on the ground level. [Ord. 3760 § 1, 2009].
Packet Page 110 of 265
16.100.030
Uses.
A. Table 16.100.030-1.
Permitted Uses District 1
Commercial
District 2
Multifamily
Residential Uses
Single-family dwelling X X
Multiple dwelling unit(s) X A
Housing for low-income elderly and senior housing X A
Adult Family Homes
Family Day Care
Commercial Uses
Retail stores or sales A A
Offices (2nd floor or higher than retail space in the same building) A A
Service uses including professional service offices, health clinics A A
Retail uses including grocery stores, pharmacy/drug stores and
bookstores
A E
Retail sales requiring intensive outdoor display or storage areas,
such as trailer sales, used car lots (except as part of a new car
sales and service dealer), and heavy equipment storage, sales or
services
X X
Restaurants (excluding drive-through) A A
Pubs, taverns or bars A X
Enclosed fabrication or assembly areas associated with and on the
same property as an art studio, art gallery, shoe repair, restaurant
or food service establishment that also provides an on-site retail
outlet open to the public
A E
Automobile sales and service X X
Dry cleaning and laundry plants which use only nonflammable
and nonexplosive cleaning agents
C E
Printing, publishing and binding establishments C C
Community-oriented open air markets conducted as an outdoor
operation and licensed pursuant to provisions in the Edmonds City
Code
A A
Packet Page 111 of 265
Permitted Uses District 1
Commercial
District 2
Multifamily
Bus stop shelters A X
Churches, subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.020 A E
Local public facilities subject to the requirements of ECDC
17.100.050
C C
Off-street parking and loading areas to serve a permitted use B B
Commuter parking lots in conjunction with a facility otherwise
permitted in this zone
B B
Commercial parking lots A C
Wholesale uses X X
Hotels and motels A A
Amusement establishments C X
Auction businesses, excluding vehicle or livestock auctions X X
Drive-in businesses X X
Laboratories X X
Fabrication of light industrial products not otherwise listed as a
permitted use
X X
Day-care centers excluding family day care and adult family
homes
C C
Museums and art galleries of primarily local concern that do not
meet the criteria for regional public facilities as defined in ECDC
21.85.033
A E
Retail stores larger than 12,000 GSF X X
Residential treatment facilities for alcoholics and drug abusers X X
Light industrial X X
Outdoor storage, incidental to a permitted use D D
Packet Page 112 of 265
A = Permitted primary use
B = Permitted secondary use
C = Primary uses requiring a conditional use permit
D = Secondary uses requiring a conditional use permit
E = Permitted primary use on ground level floor only
X = Not permitted
[Ord. 3760 § 1, 2009].
16.100.040
Site development standards.
A. Development Standards – General. Development requirements can be summarized as follows:
A minimum of 25 percent of the heated space of the overall development shall be in commercial
and/or retail space usage. See District Map at the end of this chapter.
B. Building Scale and Building Height.
1. Intent. In order to provide a consistency of architectural scale for different sections of the
development: The more commercial/retail area closer to Firdale Avenue shall be lower in scale than
the multifamily buildings oriented to the rear of the site.
2. Building Height.
a. District 1 – Commercial/Office/Retail. One to three stories (lowest floor to be 12 feet
floor to floor minimum); minimum height: 20 feet; maximum height: 39 feet. Commercial and
office are not permitted on the ground level floor of the building.
b. District 2 – Multifamily Residential. Maximum: 39 feet; provided, that an additional
story may be permitted to a maximum height of 48 feet in accordance with subsection (B)(2)(b)(i)
of this section. Maximum height: 48 feet base height, for four stories, with possibility of an
additional four feet, to allow for variation in rooflines, for a maximum building height of 52 feet.
Elevator shaft enclosures can exceed this height only to meet building code. Guard railings required
by and compliant with the state building code on roof decks can exceed the maximum roof height.
See subsection (B)(2)(b)(ii) of this section.
i. A fourth story to a maximum height of 48 feet may be allowed in District 2, for
multifamily uses, if the project integrates green design methods and technologies throughout the
project. The project must achieve at least a four-star level of the Built Green of Washington
program or a LEED gold certification, or equivalent. See also ECDC 22.100.090, Sustainable
design.
ii. Building height may extend four feet above the maximum 39- or 48-foot height limit
as applicable if all portions of the building above the stated height are modulated in design, or are
designed as a hip, gable, arch, shed or other similar forms. Vertical parapet walls are not allowed to
protrude above the 39-or 48-foot height limit unless they are part of an approved modulated design.
For examples of permissible forms, see Figures C1, C2, C3, and C4 at the end of this chapter.
Packet Page 113 of 265
iii. Ground floor residential in District 2 shall be higher than the public side-
walk/way by a minimum of three feet, or accessed through a residential courtyard to
segregate it from the public way.
3. Elevator shafts and/or stairway penthouse shafts may extend above the maximum
building height by five feet when compliant with building code criteria.
4. Mechanical equipment may extend above this base building height a maximum of
five feet.
C. Parking Standards.
1. Minimum Spaces Required.
a. Commercial Including Office, Retail and Restaurant Uses. Minimum: Provide
one space for every 400 square feet. Twenty-five percent of parking places designated for
office space must also be shared with multifamily residential uses, and shall be easily
accessible to multifamily residential units.
b. Multifamily Uses. Minimum: Provide 1.5 spaces per unit. Additional parking for
residential units shall be provided in a shared parking area for office/commercial and resi-
dential.
c. For guest parking, provide one space for every 10 units or 0.10 spaces for every
unit as a minimum.
2. For shared parking arrangements, a binding covenant in readable format describing
terms of the shared parking arrangement shall be required between the property man-
agement companies/owners of the residential and commercial uses describing the joint use
of the parking areas, and shall be approved as to form by the city attorney.
D. Site Setbacks. See District Map at the end of this chapter for illustration of setbacks,
buffers and related notes.
Setback distances refer to areas above ground.
Underground structures can be within the setback area as long as adequate soil depth is
provided to support the existence of trees and vegetation; provided, however, that no below-
ground structure may extend into or under the 20-foot setback at the north property line.
1. Minimum side setbacks are 15 feet.
2. The minimum setback on the northern boundary of the site is 20 feet. The required
setback shall be landscaped and designed to provide a buffer to adjoining R-zoned property.
3. Where the proposed development abuts a single-family residential (RS) zoned
property, the proposed development shall also modulate the design of any building facades
facing the single-family residential (RS) zoned property. See subsection (F) of this section,
Design Standards, for additional information.
4. SW Corner Setbacks. District 1 shall extend to street property line with no setback,
and set back from the west property line by 15 feet. District 2 shall be set back on a per
floor basis, with the second floor set back from the street property line by 30 feet, and the
west property line by 35 feet. Third floor setback shall be 55 feet from the street property
line and 35 feet from the west property line. All floors shall revert to minimum setback
from the west property line of 15 feet when 80 feet from the street property line and greater.
E. Open Space.
1. Design Intent. The project shall include a comprehensive open space network that
uses courtyard(s) and other open space elements to connect the residential and commercial
uses.
2. Open Space Requirements. Minimum open space requirement for the development:
Shall be 20 percent of the overall site area. Carol’s comment: See memo on open space and
Packet Page 114 of 265
the Citizens Alliance case. The minimum open space requirement may include setback
areas, all developed pedestrian areas including landscaped walkways, plazas, and courtyards
and other passive open spaces in the commercial area. The calculation may also include
public open space for the residential uses. The calculation shall not include parking areas,
driveways, or service areas.
Packet Page 115 of 265
F. Design Standards. For more descriptive information on design standards and guide-
lines, please see Chapter 22.100 ECDC. [Ord. 3760 § 1, 2009].
Packet Page 116 of 265
District Map
Packet Page 117 of 265
[Ord. 3760 § 1, 2009].
Packet Page 118 of 265
Roof Diagrams
Packet Page 119 of 265
Roof Diagrams
[Ord. 3760 § 1, 2009].
Packet Page 120 of 265
CHAPTER 16.00
PURPOSE AND ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS
Sections:
16.00.000 Zoning Districts Generally.
16.00.010 Residential Zoning Districts Generally.
16.00.020 Single-Family Residential Zone.
16.00.030 Multiple Residential Zone.
16.00.040 Purpose of Business and Commercial Zoning Districts.
16.00.050 Downtown Business Zone.
16.00.060 Neighborhood Business Zone.
16.00.070 Community Business Zone.
16.00.080 Business and Commercial Zoning Districts.
16.00.090 Planned Business Zone.
16.00.100 Commercial Zoning Districts Generally.
16.00.110 Medical Use Zoning Districts.
16.00.120 Open Space Zoning Districts.
16.00.130 Marine Resource Zoning District.
16.00.140 Master Plan Hillside Mixed-Use Zoning District.
16.00.150 Office Residential Zoning District.
16.00.160 Public Use Zoning District.
16.00.170 Firdale Village Mixed-Use Zoning District.
16.00.000 Zoning Districts Generally.
A. This Chapter establishes zoning districts, consistent with the City’s
Comprehensive Plan and depicted in the Official Zoning Map. Every unit of land (parcel,
lot, tract, etc.) within the City is designated with a zoning district or “zone,” and may also
be designated with one or more overlay zones. The use of land is limited to the uses
allowed by the applicable zone(s) and the development regulations in this Title.
B. In addition to the purposes stated in the Comprehensive Plan, the zoning
districts shall have the following purposes:
1. To implement the Comprehensive Plan for the physical
development of the City by regulating and providing for existing uses, as well as to plan for
the future, as specified in the Comprehensive Plan; and
2. To protect the character and the social and economic stability of
residential, commercial, industrial and other uses within the City, and to ensure the orderly
and beneficial development of those uses by:
a. Preserving and retaining appropriate areas for each type of
use;
b. Preventing encroachment into these areas by incompatible
uses; and
Packet Page 121 of 265
c. Regulating the use of individual parcels of land to prevent
unreasonable detrimental effects of nearby uses.
16.00.010 Residential Zoning Districts Generally. The general purposes of the
residential or “R” zoning districts are:
A. To provide for areas of residential uses at a range of densities consistent
with public health and safety and the Comprehensive Plan;
B. To identify the following factors and values as those that any growth and
development should preserve for itself and its neighbors:
1. Light (including direct sunlight);
2. Privacy;
3. Views, open spaces, shorelines and other natural features;
C. To provide for community facilities which complement residential areas
and benefit from a residential environment;
D. To minimize traffic congestion and avoid the overloading of utilities by
relating the size and density of new buildings to the land around them, the capacity of
nearby streets, and the availability of utilities;
E. To protect residential areas from hazards and nuisances, such as fire,
explosion, noxious fumes and noise, odor, dust, dirt, smoke, vibration, heat, glare and
heavy truck traffic, which may result from other, more intense, land uses.
New language to consider: Residential zoning districts are intended to accommodate a
mix of residential uses at planned densities, consistent with the housing needs of the City;
promote the orderly development and improvement of neighborhoods; facilitate
compatibility between dissimilar land uses; allow residences in proximity, and with direct
connections, to schools, parks, and community services; and to ensure efficient use of land
and public facilities.
16.00.020 Single Family (RS) Zoning District.
1. Purpose. The RS zone has the following specific purposes in addition to
the general purposes for residential zones identified in ECDC Sections 16.00.010 and
16.10.000:
a. To reserve and regulate areas primarily for family living in
single-family dwellings;
b. To provide for additional nonresidential uses which complement
and are compatible with single-family dwelling use.
2. Subdistricts. Seven subdistricts are established in the RS zone in order to
provide site development standards for areas which differ in topography, location, existing
development and other factors. These subdistricts shall be known as the RS-6 zone, the
RS-8 zone, the RS-10 zone, the RS-12 zone, the RSW-12 zone, the RS-20 zone, and the
RS-MP zone.
Packet Page 122 of 265
16.00.030 Multiple Residential (RM) Zoning District.
1. Purpose. The RM zone has the following specific purposes in addition to
the general purposes for residential zones identified in ECDC Sections 16.00.010 and
16.10.000:
a. To reserve and regulate areas for a variety of housing types, and a
range of greater densities than are available in the single-family residential zone, while still
maintaining a residential environment;
b. To provide for those additional uses which complement and are
compatible with multiple residential uses.
2. Subdistricts. Four subdistricts are established in the RM zone, in order to
provide site development standards for areas which differ in topography, location, existing
development and other factors. These subdistricts shall be known as the RM-1.5, RM-
Edmonds Way (RM-EW), RM-2.4, and RM-3 zones.
16.00.040 Purpose of Business and Commercial Zoning Districts Generally.
A. Purposes. The general purposes of the business and commercial (B or C)
zones are:
1. To provide for areas for commercial uses offering various goods and
services according to the different geographical areas and various categories of customers
they serve;
2. To provide for areas where commercial uses may concentrate for the
convenience of the public and in mutually beneficial relationships to each other;
3. To provide for residential uses, community facilities and institutions
which may appropriately locate in commercial areas;
4. To require adequate landscaping and off-street parking and loading
facilities;
5. To protect commercial uses from hazards such as fire, explosion and
noxious fumes, and also nuisances created by industrial uses such as noise, odor, dust, dirt,
smoke, vibration, heat, glare and heavy truck traffic.
New language to consider: Commercial zoning districts accommodate a mix of
commercial services, retail and civic uses, with [existing residences permitted to continue]
and new residential uses permitted in . Two commercial zoning districts, one for
Downtown, and one for General Commercial areas, provide for the full range of
commercial land uses within the City. The zoning district regulations are intended to
promote the orderly development and improvement of walkable commercial areas;
facilitate compatibility between dissimilar land uses; provide employment opportunities in
proximity, and with direct connections, to house; and to ensure efficient use of land and
public facilities. The commercial areas allow many of the same uses, except that different
development and design standards apply to specific types of development based on the
physical context and pedestrian-orientation of each district.
Packet Page 123 of 265
16.00.050. Downtown Business (BD) Zone.
1. Purpose. The BD zone has the following specific purposes in addition to
the general purposes for business and commercial zones listed in Chapter 16.40 ECDC:
a. Promote downtown Edmonds as a setting for retail, office,
entertainment and associated businesses supported by nearby residents and the larger
Edmonds community, as a destination for visitors from throughout the region;
b. Define the downtown commercial and retail core along streets
having the strongest pedestrian links and pedestrian-oriented design elements, while
protecting downtown’s identity;
c. Identify supporting arts and mixed use residential and office areas
which support and complement downtown retail use areas. Provide for a strong central
retail core at downtown’s focal center while providing for a mixture of supporting
commercial and residential uses in the area surrounding this retail core area;
d. Focus development between the commercial and retail core and the
Edmonds Center for the Arts on small-scale, retail, service and multi-family residential
uses.
2. Subdistricts. The “downtown business” zone is subdivided into five
distinct subdistricts, each intended to implement specific aspects of the comprehensive
plan that pertain to the Downtown Waterfront Activity Center. Each subdistrict contains
its own unique mix of uses and zoning regulations, as described in this Chapter. The five
subdistricts are:
BD1 – Downtown Retail Core;
BD2 – Downtown Mixed Commercial;
BD3 – Downtown Convenience Commercial;
BD4 – Downtown Mixed Residential;
BD5 – Downtown Arts Corridor.
16.00.060 Neighborhood Business (BN) Zone. The BN zone has the following
specific purposes in addition to the general purposes for business and commercial zones
listed in Chapter 16.40 ECDC:
A. To reserve areas, for those retail stores, offices, retail service establishments
which offer goods and services needed on an everyday basis by residents of a
neighborhood area; and
B. To ensure compact, convenient development patterns by allowing uses that
are operated chiefly within buildings.
16.00.070 Community Business (BC) Zone. The BC and BC-Edmonds Way zones
have the following specific purposes in addition to the general purposes for business and
commercial zones listed in Chapter 16.40 ECDC:
Packet Page 124 of 265
A. To reserve areas for those retail stores, offices, service establishments and
amusement establishments which offer goods and services to the entire community;
B. To ensure compact, convenient development patterns by allowing uses that
are operated chiefly within buildings;
C. To allow for mixed-use development which includes multiple dwelling
unit(s) that support business uses;
D. To implement the policies of Edmonds’ Comprehensive Plan for the
Edmonds Way Corridor;
E. To meet the goals of the Growth Management Act and the City of
Edmonds’ Comprehensive Plan for housing diversity and economic vitality.
16.00.090 Planned Business (BP) Zone. The BP zone has the following specific
purposes in addition to the general purposes for business and commercial zones listed in
Chapter 16.40 ECDC:
A. To reserve areas for those small scale neighborhood-oriented retail stores,
offices and retail service establishments which offer goods and services needed on an
everyday basis by residents of adjacent neighborhood areas;
B. To ensure compact, convenient development patterns which provide a
transition to and do not intrude into adjacent residential neighborhoods;
C. To permit uses which allow for controlled access by arterial traffic but
which do not contribute significantly to traffic congestion;
D. To permit uses which provide for pedestrian and transit access to
development from adjacent neighborhoods;
E. To permit commercial uses which utilize site designs which allow for and
promote shared access with adjacent commercial parcels.
16.00.100 Purpose of Commercial Zoning Districts Generally. See, Section
16.00.020(A) above.
16.00.110 Commercial Waterfront (CW) Zone. The CW zone has the following
specific purposes in addition to the general purposes listed in Chapter 16.40 ECDC:
A. To reserve areas for water-dependent and water-related uses and for uses
which will attract pedestrians to the waterfront;
B. To protect and enhance the natural features of the waterfront, and encourage
public use of the waterfront; and
C. To ensure physical and visual access to the waterfront for the public.
16.00.120 General Commercial (CG and CG2) Zones. The CG and CG2 zones
have the following specific purposes in addition to the general purposes for business and
commercial zones listed in Chapter 16.40 ECDC:
A. Encourage the development and retention of commercial uses which
provide high economic benefit to the City. Mixed-use and transit-oriented developments
Packet Page 125 of 265
are encouraged which provide significant commercial uses as a component of an overall
mixed development scheme;
B. Improve access and circulation for people by encouraging a development
pattern that supports transit and pedestrian access. Improve vehicular circulation and
access to support business and economic development;
C. Provide and encourage the opportunity for different sections along the
Highway 99 corridor to emphasize their unique characteristics and development
opportunities rather than require the corridor to develop as an undifferentiated continuum.
New developments should be high-quality and varied – not generic – and include amenities
for pedestrians and patrons.
D. Encourage a variety of uses and building types. A variety of uses and
building types is appropriate to take advantage of different opportunities and conditions.
Where designated in the comprehensive plan, the zoning should encourage mixed-use or
taller high-rise development to occur.
E.. Encourage development that is sensitive to surrounding neighborhoods.
Protect residential qualities and connect businesses with the local community. Pedestrian
connections should be made available as part of new development to connect residents to
appropriate retail and service uses.
G. New development should be allowed and encouraged to develop to fullest
extent possible while assuring that the design quality and amenities provided contribute to
the overall character and quality of the corridor. Where intense development adjoins
residential areas, site design (including buffers, landscaping and the arrangement of uses)
and building design should be used to minimize adverse impacts on residentially zoned
properties.
H. Upgrade the architectural and landscape design qualities of the corridor.
Establish uniform signage regulations for all properties within the corridor area which
provide for business visibility and commerce while minimizing clutter and distraction to
the public. Make the corridor more attractive and pedestrian-friendly (e.g., add trees and
landscaping) through a combination of development requirements and – when available –
public investment.
I. Within the corridor, high-rise modes designated in the Comprehensive Plan
should provide for maximum economic use of suitable commercial land. High-rise nodes
should be:
1. Supported by adequate services and facilities;
2. Designed to provide a visual asset to the community through the use
of distinctive forms and materials, differentiated facades, attractive landscaping,
and similar techniques;
3. Designed to take advantage of different forms of access, including
automobile, transit and pedestrian access; and
4. Designed to provide adequate buffering from lower intensity uses
and residential neighborhoods.
16.00.130 Medical Use (MU) Zone. The MU zone has the following specific
purposes:
A. To reserve areas for hospitals and related medical facilities;
Packet Page 126 of 265
B. To reserve areas that would provide the underlying zoning needed to enable
master planning for medical campuses;
C. To reserve areas for the concentration of medical facilities in order to
enable the efficient provision of a wide spectrum of medical services; and
D. The uses permitted in this zone are intended to be functionally related to or
serve medical uses or health care services.
16.00.140 Open Space (OS) Zone. The OS zone has the following specific
purposes:
A. To designate land which has been donated to or acquired by the city or the
pubic, or private non-profit agency for open space use or which contributes significantly to
the open space inventory of the community;
B. To regulate the use of these lands and other land in private ownership,
which cannot be developed without severe irreversible environmental impacts, which are
either: part of a required greenbelt area; a native growth protection easement; or which
provide an identifiable link to the city’s open space or critical areas inventory.
16.00.150 Marine Resource (MR) Zone. The MR zone has the following purposes:
A. To regulate the use of tidelands, and other land covered by salt water;
B. To preserve and enhance the natural marine environment along the
shoreline of Edmonds; and
C. To provide local control of the natural marine environment to the extent that
state and federal regulation allow.
16.00.160 Master Plan Hillside Mixed-Use (MP1 and MP2) Zones. The Hillside
Mixed-Use Zoning District is comprised of two distinct zoning categories which are
identical in all respects except as specifically provided for in ____________. The MP1
and MP2 zones have the following specific purposes, in addition to the general purposes
for business and commercial zones listed in Chapter 16.____:
A. To reserve an area where potential exists for planned development that can
benefit the public by providing new tax revenue;
B. To reserve an areas where a mix of land uses can take advantage of site
conditions and water views;
C. To permit construction in accordance with a master plan concept and site
design that is visually pleasing;
D. To promote a mix of residential, commercial and other uses in a manner that
is consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan, and with the downtown waterfront plan
that has been adopted as a part of the comprehensive plan. The mix of uses is
contemplated to occur throughout the MP1 and MP2 zones; mixed-use development is not
required on any specific parcel of land;
E. To encourage visual access to the water for the public from public spaces
within the development;
F. The height limit and calculation procedures established for the MP1 and
MP2 zones have been adopted after full consideration of the topographical constraints of
Packet Page 127 of 265
sites within the zones. Variances are not available under current city code provisions in
order to make more profitable use of a property. In adopting these provisions, the city
council has specifically provided for, and made allowances for, the site constraints and
topographical features inherent in development of the designated MP1 and MP2 zones.
Therefore, no other height variance would typically be available absent a showing of
constraints unanticipated on the date of adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter.
[Carol’s comment: Consider eliminating the language re: variances from this section
and inserting it where it will actually be discovered – in the section re: variances. In the
purpose section for variances, state that variances are not allowed in the MP1 and MP2
zones. Otherwise, how would anyone find this language? Are only height variances
prohibited?]
16.00.170 Office Residential (OR) Zone. The Office-Residential (OR) zone is
intended to be applied to areas designed in the comprehensive plan for “planned
residential-office” development on the west side of Sunset Avenue south of Bell Street.
This area is appropriate for development which provides for a mix of small-scale office and
residential uses which provide a transition between the more intensive commercial uses
along Main Street and the residential uses along Sunset Avenue. Because the area of this
designation is located adjacent to commercial development to the south, the railroad to the
west, and is near both multiple-family and single-family residential development, this area
should act as a transition between these uses. The purpose of this zone is to restrict
commercial and multiple residential uses in scale and intensity so as to reduce noise,
parking and traffic impacts on the adjacent residential neighborhood.
The height and setback limits established for this zone have been adopted after full
consideration of the topographical constraints of sites within the zone. Variances are not
available under current city code provisions in order to make more profitable use of a
property. In adopting these provisions, the city council has specifically provided for, and
made allowances for, the site constraints and topographical features inherent in
development of the designated OR sites. Therefore, no other height variance would
typically be available absent a special showing of constraints unanticipated on the date of
adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter. Carol’s comment: Remove this
language from this section and address the prohibition on variances on property in this
zone in the section re: variances.
16.00.180 Public Use (P) Zone. The Public Use (P) zone has the following
purposes:
A. To provide for siting and development of regional public facilities to be
located in or near residential areas and to establish standards which will minimize the
impact of these facilities on nearby properties; and
B. To regulate the use of these lands to assure their continuing availability for
public use.
16.00.190 Firdale Village Mixed-Use (____) Zone.
Packet Page 128 of 265
A. The design vision for Firdale Village is to create a vibrant neighborhood
village form of development that strikes a balance between commercial, retail and
residential uses and contributes to the vitality of the neighborhood and area. The zone is
intended to support a variety of commercial and retail uses along with multi-family
residential in an environment that is accessible to the pedestrian, visitor, tenant, motorist
and public transit user.
B. The Firdale Village Mixed Use Zone has the following specific purposes, in
addition to the general purpose for business and commercial zones in Chapter ______:
1. To reserve and regulate areas for a “neighborhood center” type of
mixed-use development that includes a mix of commercial and multi-residential housing
types, and a range of greater densities than are available in the single-family residential
zone;
2. To promote a mix of residential, commercial and other uses in a
manner that is consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan (i.e., 25 percent of heated
floor area shall be commercial space); and
3. To provide for those additional uses which complement and are
compatible with multiple residential uses.
C. The codes contained within this chapter are to be used in conjunction with
the Firdale Village Design Standards in Chapter _____.
Packet Page 129 of 265
M E M O R A N D U M
______________________________________________________________________________
DATE: February 18, 2014
TO: Rob Chave, City of Edmonds
FROM: Carol Morris, Morris Law, P.C.
RE: Title 16 – Zone Districts – Carol’s Comments
Rob, this memo accompanies my review of the City of Edmonds Community Development
Code, Title 16 (chapters 16.00 through 16.100). As we discussed, the City will be converting
Title 16 (Zone Districts) into graph form, so that there will not be lists of permitted, conditional
and prohibited uses in each chapter. However, the City will still need the sections of Title 16
relating to the purpose and intent of each zoning district. I have attached my proposed chapter
16.00 which combines all of the purpose and intent sections for each zoning district.
Many of the development standards applicable to each zone will remain, so I have also made
comments in red on the text of Title 16 (also attached). Many of my comments apply to more
than one zoning district. These comments need to be considered in each zone, even if I didn’t
always insert the comment next to each applicable subsection.
Some of my comments warrant further elaboration as follows:
1. “Allowed Uses,” “Outright Permitted Uses,” and “Conditional Uses.” The terminology
used in the Code is very confusing. For example, in Section 16.20.010, there are “permitted
primary uses,” “permitted secondary uses,” “primary uses requiring a conditional use permit,”
and “secondary uses requiring a conditional use permit.” Churches are “permitted primary uses”
that are “subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.020” in the RS zone, according to Section
16.20.010(A)(2). However, under Section 17.100.020:
Churches shall be allowed uses within all residential, business and commercial
zones, subject to the requirements of this section. Neighborhood churches shall
be permitted outright permitted uses in all zones, community churches shall be
conditional uses in all zones.
Packet Page 130 of 265
I couldn’t find a definition in the definitions chapter for “neighborhood church,” or “community
church.” I couldn’t find a definition for “allowed uses,” or “outright permitted uses.” As a
result, I can’t tell which churches are allowed without a conditional use permit. From my
reading of these two chapters, I can’t tell what permit is required for a church in the RS zone.
Section 17.100.020(I) on churches is also confusing and unnecessarily complicated with regard
to secondary uses. For example, in the RS zone (Section 16.20.010), there are Permitted
Secondary Uses and Secondary Uses requiring a Conditional Use Permit. However, in
17.100.020(I), it appears that the Secondary Uses identified in 16.20.010 may only be allowed in
the same zone with a church if subsections 17.100.020(I)(1) through (3) are satisfied.
2. Definitions. All of the various uses that are allowed (either primary, accessory or
conditional uses) must be defined in the definition chapter. Then, under each definition, the
City should identify the code section(s) that list all of the elements of the use. For example,
instead of stating, under “permitted primary uses” in Section 16.20.010(A)(2) “Churches, subject
to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.020,” the graph would list “neighborhood churches” as
“permitted” in the RS zone. The definition of “neighborhood church” in the definition chapter in
the Zoning Code would actually describe a neighborhood church and distinguish it from a
community church. The section of the code referencing the development standards applicable to
a neighborhood church would be mentioned in the definition.
3. Ambiguous Distinctions between Permitted and Conditional Uses. Under Section
16.20.010(A)(4), “local public facilities that are planned, designated and sited in the capital
improvement plan subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.050” are permitted primary uses
in the RS zone.” The term “capital improvement plan” is not defined. The definition of “local
public facilities” includes agencies other than the City of Edmonds. The issue here is how the
City would be able to require that a “local public facility” obtain a conditional use permit to
locate in the RS zone because it did not plan, designate or site this facility in a “capital
improvement plan,” when there isn’t a definition of this term and there aren’t any requirements
for any agencies to adopt capital improvement plans. Keep in mind that “a statute which either
forbids or requires the doing of an act in terms so vague that men and women of common
intelligence must necessarily guess at its meaning and differ as to its application, violates the first
essential of due process of law.” Anderson v. Issaquah, 70 Wash. App. 64, 75, 851 P.2d 744
(1993).
4. Requiring “Master Plans” for Uses Permitted Outright. Under Section 16.20.010(A)(5),
“neighborhood parks, natural open spaces and community parks with an adopted master plan
subject to the requirements of ECDC 17.100.070” are allowed as “permitted primary uses.” If
the reader refers to ECDC 17.100.070(A)(1), under “permitted use,” it states: “neighborhood
parks, natural open space areas and community parks with an adopted master plan are allowed in
all zones.” I can’t find the procedure to obtain an “adopted master plan.”
Packet Page 131 of 265
There are also additional development standards in Section 17.100.070. It is unclear whether the
adopted master plan would incorporate these standards.
Questions: Are neighborhood parks, natural open spaces and community parks permitted
outright in the RS zone or not? If a master plan must be submitted and adopted by the City,
where is this procedure? If these uses don’t have a master plan and are allowed in the RS zone
with a CUP, why not simply state that in order to site a neighborhood park, natural open space or
community park in the RS zone, a CUP must be obtained and take these uses out of the permitted
outright list?
5. Day Care, Family Day Care and Adult Family Homes. Under Section 16.20.010(B)(8), a
family day care is allowed as a secondary permitted use in the RS zone. I know that under “day
care, family” there are definitions corresponding to the uses in the various zones. However,
these definitions used by the City regarding family day care and adult family homes need to be
revised because they are defined in state law, and there are specific state laws requiring that the
City allow them in certain zones, as follows:
A. Family Day Care. “Family day care provider” is “a child care provider who
regularly provides early childhood education and early learning services for not more than
twelve children in the provider’s home in the family living quarters.” RCW 43.215.010. The
City can’t prohibit the location of any family day care in any residential dwelling located in an
area zoned for residential or commercial use.” RCW 35A.63.215. The City can impose zoning
restrictions on the establishment of a family day care provider’s home in an area zoned for
residential or commercial use, so long as these conditions are no more restrictive than conditions
imposed on other residential dwellings in the same zone and the establishment of a family day
care is not prohibited.
This means that the City needs to change its definition in Section 21.20.010 and review the
permitted use in each zone to ensure that family day cares are allowed in all residential and
commercial zones. In those zones where the City requires a single family home to obtain a CUP
(if any), the City can also require that a family day care obtain a CUP. The City can also impose
certain restrictions on family day cares (see, RCW 35A.63.215(2-3).
B. Adult Family Homes. “Adult family home” is a “residential home in which a
person or persons provide personal care, special care, room and board to not more than six adults
who are not related by blood or marriage to the person or persons providing the services.” RCW
70.128.010(1). The City is required to allow “adult family homes” as a permitted use in all areas
zone for residential or commercial purposes.
C. Home Day Care. The chapter entitled “home day care” (chapter 20.19) needs to
be substantially revised. The City needs to differentiate between “family day care,” “adult
Packet Page 132 of 265
family homes,” and “mini-day care.” Certain state laws apply to family day care and adult
family homes, and these uses should not be lumped together with “mini-day care” or any other
use that the City has created.
In Section 20.19.010, it appears that the City allows certain uses with an administrative CUP (no
hearing required). We should discuss this – the City may wish to consider allowing anyone who
seeks to operate a family day care, adult family home or mini-day care to obtain a home
occupation permit instead.
6. Uses Permitted Outright vs. CUP. The City should consider the impacts of the uses that
are allowed outright and compare those to the uses that require a CUP to operate. For example, a
bed and breakfast with 2 rental bedrooms (Section 16.20.010(B)(10) is permitted as a secondary
use, but a guest house with not more than 2 bedrooms requires a CUP in the same zone.
7. Site Development Exceptions. In Section 16.20.040, there are a number of site
development exceptions that may or may not apply in other zones. If these exceptions do apply
in other zones, the City should consider inserting them in a separate chapter and then listing the
zones in which the exceptions apply (rather than listing the exceptions over and over again in
each applicable zone).
8. Master Plan. In Section 16.20.045, there are site development standards applicable to the
“single-family master plan zone.” If this is a separate approval, it needs to be included in the
permit processing chapter, and we need to identify the elements of a complete application, the
procedure for the processing of the master plan, the deadline for issuance of the final decision on
the master plan, the date it expires, etc.
I am confused as to the trigger for a single family master plan in this zone. Is it the density?
Looks like if the density is RS-12, no master plan is needed. However, if the density is proposed
as RS-6 or RS-8, then a master plan is required. However, in the last paragraph of this section,
there is reference to a master plan approved under RS-12 densities. Plus, I am confused as to the
need for a master plan approval only for the lower densities. Given that a traffic study is needed,
it would appear that a master plan would also be required for RS-12 density.
9. Satellite TV and Ham Radio Antennas. There are lengthy regulations applicable to
satellite TV and ham radio antennas in the residential zones. My suggestion would be to
incorporate them into a chapter close to the City’s chapter on telecommunications facilities.
Also, if the City is requiring additional permits for approval of these facilities, the type of
approval needs to be identified. The procedure isn’t completely clear – it appears to be an
administrative approval, except when adjacent property owners requires a waiver? Then, it
appears that architectural review is needed in some circumstances for a ham radio antenna?
What design conditions can be imposed on a ham radio antenna, other than landscaping up to a
Packet Page 133 of 265
certain height? This needs to be revised so that the permit procedure is completely clear. The
hearing examiner doesn’t have the authority to decide when architectural review is required – the
permit procedures need to be in the code.
10. Low Impact Development. Rather than sprinkling the definition of “low-impact
development” throughout the footnotes in the code, there should be a separate chapter that
defines the applicable terms, identifies the type of low impact development that is acceptable to
the City, and identifies the trigger for substitution of low impact development standards.
11. Open Space Requirements. In Section 16.43.030, subsection E, there is a requirement
that for buildings larger than 12,000 square feet or having an overall building width of more than
120 feet, at least 5% of the lot area shall be devoted to open space. The City needs to evaluate
all of the set aside requirements like this (another example would be for lot coverage
percentages) to determine whether or not it complies with the court’s decision in Citizen’s
Alliance for Property Rights v. Sims, 145 Wash. App. 649, 668, 187 P.3d 786 (2008).
The City’s code imposes a uniform requirement that 5% of open space be set aside for each
development. If this is unrelated to any evaluation of the demonstrated impact (including the
nature and extent of such impact) of the proposed development, it could be invalidated under the
court’s holding in Citizen’s Alliance. We should discuss this issue because it does arise in
several places in your development standards.
12. Architectural Design Standards. It appears that there are a number of architectural design
standards included in the chapters relating to the zoning districts. If this is true, the architectural
design standards should be removed from the zoning district chapters and placed in the chapter
on architectural design standards. Otherwise, there is a risk of confusion (these standards may be
different from those in the chapter containing the design standards).
13. Height. In Section 16.62.020(A), footnote 2, it appears that a property owner can decide
to construct his development to the maximum height of 35 feet, or he/she may decide to
construct to the height restriction in the comprehensive plan (if the height restrictions are
expressed in feet or stories). This is an appeal issue waiting to happen. The City is required to
adopt development standards that are consistent with and implement the comprehensive plan. If
the City wants to allow a property owner the ability to construct a development to the height
allowed in the comprehensive plan, then the City should simply amend the code to be consistent
with the comprehensive plan.
14. Landmark Structures. In Section 16.75.010(D)(2), there is a definition of a “landmark
structure.” It appears that if a developer decides to construct a landmark structure, the developer
can increase the height of the structure over the height limit with a conditional use permit. I
understand that this is a way of providing a bonus to a developer who chooses to construct a
Packet Page 134 of 265
structure that will incorporate certain public amenities. Does this mean that if a developer
proposes to provide architectural detail on the building, that the building can be increased to 48
feet in height? Does the CUP process address this height increase? What happens if the
property owner agrees to install a public use, but this use is moved out after a year or two?
15. Master Plan. In 16.75.020(D)(1): “no development shall be permitted in an MP1 or MP2
zone unless a master plan has been prepared.” Where are the procedures for this master plan?
We need a list of the elements of a complete application, the criteria for approval, the deadline
for issuance, date of expiration of the approval, etc.
It appears that there aren’t any criteria for approval of the master plan, but after adoption of the
plan, the applicant has to submit more information (?). Section 16.75.020(D)(4). This is very
confusing.
The type of approval must be identified. In subsection (D)(5), it states that a master plan may be
approved as a comp plan amendment, PRD or contract rezone. This is very confusing. A master
plan can be either a legislative comprehensive plan amendment, which can only be approved
once a year, or the developer can submit it as a PRD, which is a quasi-judicial application that
can be submitted at any time? The code also allows other quasi-judicial applications to be
submitted at the same time, which is inconsistent with the way such approvals are processed
(legislative approvals can’t be processed together with quasi-judicial approvals).
In sum, all permit processes need to be removed from the individual zoning districts. All permit
processes need to be in the permit processing chapter. And, the City needs to decide what type
of approval this master plan is by defining what it does.
The above is a brief summary of the largest issues noted in Title 16. There are more detailed
comments in the attached. If you would like to discuss these comments, please let me know.
Packet Page 135 of 265
DRAFT – January 10, 2014
CHAPTER 3.1
CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
Sections:
3.1.100 Purpose.
3.1.110 Administration.
3.1.120 Procedure for Conditional Use Permit Approval.
3.1.130 Requirements for Complete Application.
3.1.140 Criteria for Approval.
3.1.150 Deadline for Final Decision.
3.1.160 Effect of Approval.
3.1.170 Expiration, Extensions and Permit Implementation.
3.1.100 Purpose. Certain uses are allowed in a particular zoning district, but due
to the nature of their impacts on surrounding land uses and public facilities, require a
discretionary, case-by-case review and analysis for the possible imposition of conditions
to mitigate the adverse effects of the use. These are identified as “conditional uses.” The
purpose of this chapter is to provide standards and procedures under which a conditional
use may be permitted, enlarged or altered, if the site is appropriate and if other
appropriate conditions of approval can be met.
A conditional use permit shall not grant variances to development regulations. A
use that was legally established but is now permitted only as a conditional use is not a
nonconforming use and will be regulated as if a conditional use permit had earlier been
granted.
3.1.110 Administration. The Planning Director is authorized and directed to
administer the provisions of this Chapter relating to Conditional Use Permits. The
authority to hold an open record public hearing and provide a (final decision?
Recommendation?) is granted to the (Hearing Examiner? Planning Commission?) and
the City Council has the authority to make a (final decision? Decision on appeal?) after a
closed record hearing.
3.1.120 Procedure for Conditional Use Permit Approval. The following steps
shall be followed in the processing of conditional use permit applications [hyperlink will
be set to each procedure so the reader will be directed to the appropriate section of the
permit processing title];
A. __.__.__ Determination of Complete Application;
B. __.__.__ Notice of Application;
Packet Page 136 of 265
C. __.__.__ SEPA;1
D. __.__.__ Determination of Consistency;
E. __.__.__ Notice of Public Hearing;
F. __.__.__ Preparation of Staff Report;
G. __.__.__ Public Hearing;
H. __.__.__ Notice of Decision;
I. __.__.__ Administrative Appeal (if any);
J. __.__.__ Closed Record Hearing; and
K. __.__.__ Final Decision.
3.1.130 Requirements for Complete Application. The following materials shall
be submitted to the City for a complete application for a conditional use permit:
A. Application form. _____ copies of a completed application form;
B. Date, name, address, telephone number and e-mail of the applicant, and if
different from the property owner, verification of the property owner’s consent to the
submission of the application;
C. Name, address, telephone number and e-mail of the owner of the property
identified in the application;
D. Legal description of the subject property;
E. Description and photographs of existing site conditions;
F. Architectural drawings of all structures proposed to be developed on the
subject property;
G. Complete application for a site plan, showing the proposed placement of
structures on the property, together with access and circulation on the site;
H. Complete application for a grading plan;
I. Complete application for a landscaping plan;
J. Drawings of all proposed signs;
K. A SEPA Checklist;
L. Concurrency determination (water, sewer and traffic?)
M. A copy of all existing and proposed restrictions and covenants;
N. A narrative report or letter describing compliance with all applicable
approval criteria in Section 3.1.140.
O. The application fee established by the City.
3.1.140 Criteria for Approval. The City shall approve, approve with conditions
or deny an application for a conditional use permit after making written findings and
conclusions based on each of the criteria set forth below:
A. Generally.
1. That the conditional use is consistent with the objectives of the
Zoning Code and the purpose of the zoning district in which the subject site/property is
located;
1 If an EIS issues, there may be an appeal of the EIS, with an open record hearing. See __________
(reference the City’s SEPA procedures).
Packet Page 137 of 265
2. That granting the conditional use will not be detrimental to the
public health, safety or welfare. The factors to be considered in making this finding shall
include, but not be limited to an evaluation whether:
a. The site size, dimensions, location, topography and access
are adequate for the needs of the proposed use, considering the proposed building mass,
parking, traffic, and aesthetic considerations;
b. The proposed use raises concerns regarding property
damage or nuisance arising from noise, vibration, exhaust/emissions, light, glare, erosion,
odor, dust or visibility;
c. The proposed use presents a hazard to persons or property
from possible explosion, contamination, fire or flood; and
d. There will be an impact on surrounding areas arising from
an unusual volume or character of traffic.
3. The characteristics of the conditional use as proposed and as it may
be conditioned are reasonably compatible with the types of uses permitted in the
surrounding area.
4. All required public facilities have adequate capacity to serve the
proposal.
B. Site Design Standards.
1. The application complies with all of the applicable provisions of
the underlying zone, including, but not limited to: building and yard setbacks, lot area
and dimensions, density and floor area, lot coverage, building height, building
orientation, architecture, and other special standards as may be required for certain land
uses;
2. The applicant shall be required to upgrade any existing
development that does not comply with the applicable zoning provisions in conformance
with chapter _.__ (Non-Conforming Development); and
3. The application complies with all of the design standards in the
Zoning Code applicable to: (a) access and circulation; (b) landscaping, vegetation, street
trees, fences and walls; (c) parking and loading; (d) public facilities; (e) surface water
management; (f) critical areas and any other applicable standards.
C. Conditions of Approval. The City may impose conditions that are found
necessary to ensure that the use is compatible with other uses in the vicinity, and that the
negative impact of the proposed use on the surrounding uses and public facilities is
minimized. These conditions include, but are not limited to:
1. Limiting the hours, days, place and/or manner of operation;
Packet Page 138 of 265
2. Requiring site or architectural design features which minimize
environmental impacts such as noise, vibration, exhaust/emissions, light, glare, erosion,
odor and/or dust;
3. Requiring larger setback areas, lot area, and/or lot depth or width;
4. Limiting the building or structure height, size or lot coverage,
and/or location on the site;
5. Designating the size, number, location and/or design of vehicle
access points or parking areas;
6. Requiring street right-of-way to be dedicated and street(s),
sidewalks, curbs, planting strips, pathways or trails to be improved;
7. Requiring landscaping, screening, drainage, water quality features
and/or improvement of parking and loading areas;
8. Limiting the number, size, location, height and/or lighting of signs;
9. Limiting or setting standards for the location, design and/or
intensity of outdoor lighting;
10. Requiring berms, screening or landscaping and the establishment
of standards for their installation and maintenance;
11. Requiring and designating the size, height, location and/or
materials for fences; and
12. Requiring the protection and preservation of existing trees, soils,
vegetation, watercourses, habitat areas, drainage areas, historic resources, cultural
resources, and/or sensitive lands.
D. Denial. The Director may recommend conditioning or denial of the
conditional use permit application based on RCW 43.21C.060 (SEPA).2 In addition, the
City may deny the conditional use permit if it determines that the proposed use is
materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property in the zone or vicinity
in which the property is located.
3.1.150 Deadline for Final Decision. A conditional use permit application shall
be approved, approved with conditions or denied within one hundred-twenty (120) days
after the application has been determined complete, unless the applicant consents in
writing to a longer processing time period.
3.1.160 Effect of Approval.
A. Applies to Authorized Use Only. Issuance of a conditional use permit
shall be deemed to authorize only the particular use for which it is issued, and such
approval shall be deemed to run with the land, except that if a Quasi-Judicial Zoning Map
Amendment that does not allow the conditional use is processed for the site, the use will
be allowed to continue subject to the terms and conditions of the conditional use permit.
2 In order to deny an application under SEPA, the City must find that: (1) the proposal would result in
significant adverse impacts identified in a final or supplemental environmental impact statement prepared
under chapter 43.21C RCW; and (2) reasonable mitigation measures are insufficient to mitigate the
identified impact. RCW 43.21C.060.
Packet Page 139 of 265
B. Binding on Subsequent Owners. All conditions of approval shall be
binding upon the applicant, their successors and assigns, shall run with the land; shall
limit and control the issuance and validity of certificates of occupancy; and shall restrict
and limit the construction, location, use and maintenance of all land and structures within
the development.
3.1.170 Expiration, Extensions and Permit Implementation.
A. A conditional use permit shall become null and void one year after the
effective date, unless one of the following has occurred:
1. A building permit has issued and construction begun and diligently
pursued;
2. An occupancy permit has issued and the approved use has been
established;
3. An extension has been granted by the Planning Director. Such
extension shall be for a maximum of ___ days, and no extension may be granted which
would extend the validity of the permit more than 18 months beyond the effective date of
the permit. No extension will be granted if it necessitates modification of any condition
of approval; or
4. The decision on the Conditional Use Permit has established a
different expiration date, such as tying it to the expiration of a Quasi-Judicial Map
Amendment for the same property.
B. Development of the Conditional Use shall not be carried out until the
applicant has secured all other permits and approvals required by the City, or any
applicable regional, state and federal agencies.
C. Any Conditional Use that has been initiated and then discontinued may
not be re-established or recommenced except pursuant to a new conditional use permit.
The following will constitute conclusive evidence that the conditional use has been
discontinued:
1. A new permit has been issued to change the use of the lot and the
new use has been established; or
2. The lot has not been used for the purpose authorized by the
conditional use permit for more than 24 consecutive months. Lots that are vacant, or that
are used only for storage of materials and equipment, will not be considered as being
used for the purpose authorized by the conditional use. The expiration or revocation of a
business or other license necessary for the conditional use to operate will suffice as
evidence that the lot is not being used for as authorized by the conditional use permit.
Packet Page 140 of 265
AM-6650 5.
City Council Retreat
Meeting Date:03/14/2014
Time:30 Minutes
Submitted For:Council President Buckshnis Submitted By:Jana
Spellman
Department:City Council
Review Committee: Committee Action:
Type: Information
Information
Subject Title
Update on Strategic Action Plan - Information on Action Items Related to City Council
Recommendation
None
Previous Council Action
April 2, 2013 - After an extensive public outreach process that involved interviews, surveys, workshops
and an open house, the City Council approved the Edmonds Strategic Action Plan. Additional
information related to this item can be found under Narrative below.
December, 2013 – The Edmonds City Council appropriated $40,000 as part of the 2014 City budget to
pay for a qualified person or firm to contract on a part-time basis for a period of one-year to perform
consulting services to help facilitate implementation of the City’s Strategic Action Plan (SAP).
Additional information related to this item can be found under the Narrative section below.
Narrative
The following is prepared by Comm Serv's / Econ Dev't Director Stephen Clifton
The City of Edmonds Strategic Action Plan is intended to serve as the community’s road map by helping
guide decisions regarding community priorities. For those unfamiliar with the history of this major
project, the Economic Development Commission and the Planning Board submitted and recommended
six higher priority proposals as part of their 2009 year-end report. One of the higher priorities included
committing to developing, reviewing and updating a strategic plan annually, ideally corresponding to the
City Council’s annual retreat. This would include setting goals and continually assessing progress
metrics.
Post April 2, 2013 approval of the Strategic Action Plan, various key stakeholders have been working on
how to implement plan actions that might relate to their entity/group/etc. Key stakeholders include:
Senior Center – Ferrall Fleming (liaisons)
Port of Edmonds – Bob McChesney (liaisons)
Chamber of Commerce – Kyle Vixie, CEO/President (liaisons)
City Council – Kristiana Johnson, Adrienne and Strom as Council (liaisons)
Packet Page 141 of 265
EDC – Darrol Haug and Nathan Proudfoot on behalf of EDC (liaisons)
Planning Board –Bill Ellis (liaisons)
City Staff – Department Directors (Stephen Clifton as liaison)
It's my understanding that the City Council, as a key stakeholder, is interested in discussing the Strategic
Action Plan and more specifically, those portions that reference actions tied to the City Council either
serving as a Lead Agent or Participant. Similar to what I've done with the Strategic Action Plan as it
relates to the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, Port of Edmonds and Edmonds Senior Center, I
performed a "find" function and highlighted in yellow the word "City Council" or "Council" throughout
the document (see Attachment 1). Within the section of the plan that contains specific actions, it
will make it easier for Council members and others to find where the City Council serves as either a Lead
Agent or Participant regarding implementation.
NOTE: As requested by Council member Buchshnis, Attachment 2 connects to a spreadsheet
prepared by Darrol Haug that also relates to the Strategic Action Plan. It summarizes the action
items within the plan and separate tabs indicate those that are tied to the City Council and Staff.
In addition to the above, because of my limited ability to talk at this time, I have prepared an overview of
what has taken place since the City Council appropriated $40,000 to pay for a qualified person or firm to
contract on a part-time basis for a period of one-year to perform consulting services to help facilitate
implementation of the City’s Strategic Action Plan. Additional information related to this item can be
found below.
Decision Package: 55C
Contract with an individual/firm on a part-time basis for a period of one-year to help facilitate
implementation of the Strategic Action Plan
Budget: $40,000 Plan
Timeline
January - February, 2014
Prepared Request for Qualifications including scope of work
Issued RFQ/RFP on January 30, 2014
Submittal deadline: February 18, 2014
Review Submittals / Interview Team (due to the wide range of SAP Plan Actions, I wanted to
ensure that key stakeholders are represented)
City Council – Adrienne Fraley Monillas, Peterson, Strom and Krisitiana Johnson
EDC - Darrol Haug, Nathan Proudfoot and Kevin Garret
Senior Center Executive Director – Ferrall Fleming
Port of Edmonds Executive Director – Bob McChesney
Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer - Kyle Vixie
Edmonds Center for the Arts Executive Director - Joe McIalwain
Edmonds Planning Board - Phil Lovell
City Staff – Stephen Clifton, Carrie Hite and Frances Chapin
• Reviewers are currently in process of reviewing submittals
March, 2014
• Interviews of candidates will take place on March 10, 2014
Packet Page 142 of 265
• Execute Professional Services Agreement with preferred candidate
I’ve also been keeping Dave Earling, Bruce Wittenberg and Diane Buckshnis up to speed on this issue.
Attachments
Strategic Action Plan - Includes Highlighted Text related to Edmonds City Council
Strategic Action Plan Matrix
Form Review
Inbox Reviewed By Date
Community Services/Economic Dev.Stephen Clifton 03/09/2014 07:23 PM
City Clerk Scott Passey 03/10/2014 09:20 AM
Mayor Dave Earling 03/10/2014 09:27 AM
Finalize for Agenda Scott Passey 03/10/2014 09:30 AM
Form Started By: Jana Spellman Started On: 03/06/2014 03:09 PM
Final Approval Date: 03/10/2014
Packet Page 143 of 265
Strategic Action Plan
Edmonds, Washington
Approved by Edmonds City Council
April 2, 2013
Packet Page 144 of 265
Mayor former Mayor
Dave Earling, Mayor Mike Cooper
City Council former City Council members
Joan Bloom DJ Wilson
Diane Buckshnis Steve Bernheim
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas Michael Plunkett
Kristiana Johnson
Strom Peterson
Lora Petso
Frank Yamamoto
Planning Board
Kevin Clarke Phil Lovell
Todd Cloutier John Reed
Ian Duncan Valerie Stewart
William Ellis Neil Tibbott
Economic Development Commission former EDC members
Evan Pierce – Chair Paul Anderson
Bruce Witenberg – Vice Chair Kerry Ayers
John Dewhirst Tim Crosby
John Eckert Bruce Faires
Kevin Garrett Stacy Gardea
Teresa Wipple Mary Monfort
Darrol Haug Bea O’Rourke
Marc Knauss David Schaefer
Nathan Proudfoot Rebecca Wolfe
Douglas Purcell Marianne Zagorski
John Rubenkonig Karen Shively
Gail Sarvis Don Hall
Rich Senderoff
Debbie Matteson
Darlene Stern
Evelyn Wellington
City of Edmonds Department Directors
Sandra Chase City Clerk
Stephen Clifton Community Services/Economic Development
Rob Chave - Acting Development Services
Shawn Hunstock Finance
Carrie Hite Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
Al Compaan. Chief Police
Phil Williams Public Works
City of Edmonds Staff
Frances Chapin Cultural Services Division
Cindi Cruz Community Services/Economic Development
Carl Nelson Information Technology
Leonard Yarberry Development Services
Consultants
Tom Beckwith FAICP, Team Leader Beckwith Consulting Group
Steve Price Front Street Partnership
Eric Hovee ED Hovee & Associates, LLC
Andrea Logue ED Hovee & Associates, LLC
Nancy Jordan NG Jordan Associates
Packet Page 145 of 265
Contents
Overview of the Edmonds Strategic Plan 1
Strategic Plan Action Tasks 9
1 Economic health, vitality, and sustainability 9
1a Foster dynamic/diverse economy 9
1b Take advantage of special/unique characteristics of areas 16
1c Enhance economic and employment opportunities 24
1d Build on the community’s history, heritage, natural resources, and livability
to promote Edmonds as a tourism destination
25
1e Effective develop, market, and promote the City’s arts and cultural heritage
and brand (Arts & Culture)
29
1f Promote a permit and licensing process to promote business recruitment,
expansion, and retention
35
2 Maintain, enhance, and create a sustainable environment 36
2a Build a community that balances protection, economic health, and social
needs
36
3 Maintain and enhance Edmonds’ community character and quality of life 45
4 Develop and maintain a transportation and infrastructure system to meet
current and future needs
53
4a Create efficient, effective, and balanced transportation system that serves all
populations, destinations, and purposes
53
4b Provide quality services, facilities, and infrastructures 61
5 Responsible, accountable, and responsive government 63
5a Provide efficient and effective delivery of services 63
5b Promotion and encouragement of an active and involved community 67
5c Ensure a safe and secure environment for residents, businesses, and visitors 68
Appendices
A Joint Committee Retreats 1-6 A-1
B Topic group results B-1
C Survey - Residents C-1
D Survey – Businesses D-1
E Survey – Employees E-1
F Survey – Customers F-1
G Survey – Young Adults G-1
H Survey – Public Charrettes H-1
I Survey – Open House I-1
J Survey – Registered Voter Household J-1
Packet Page 146 of 265
Acronyms
ACE Alliance of Citizens for Edmonds
ACGA American Community Gardening Association
ACS American Community Survey
APTA American Public Transportation Association
AWC Association of Washington Cities
BFO Budgeting for Objectives/Outcomes
BID Business Improvement District
BNSF Burlington Northern Santa Fe
BP Budgeting by Priority
BRT Bus Rapid Transit
CC City Council
CERT Community Emergency Response Team
CFP Capital Facility Program
CNG Compressed Natural Gas
DNA Downtown Neighborhood Association
ECA Edmonds Center for the Arts
EDC Economic Development Commission
EIS Environmental Impact Statement
FBC Form-Based Code
GIS Geographic Information Systems
ICC Infrastructure Coordination Committee
LOS Level of Service
NGO Non-governmental Organization
PB Planning Board
PBB Performance Based Budgeting
PDB Priority-Driven Budgeting
PSRC Puget Sound Regional Council
RFP Request for proposal
SYP Skagit Young Professionals
TOD Transit-oriented Development
WA Washington
WAV Working Artists Ventura
WSDOT Washington State Department of Transportation
WSMP Washington State Main Street Program
WWTP Wastewater Treatment Plant
Packet Page 147 of 265
Overview of the Edmonds Strategic Action Plan
What is Edmonds Strategic Action Plan?
The Edmonds Strategic Action Plan identifies
short (3-5 years) and mid-term (5-10 years)
community strategic objectives and identifies
specific action tasks and responsible and lead
participants, schedules, and performance
measures to achieve them.
How is the Strategic Action Plan different than
other plans Edmonds develops?
The Edmonds Strategic Action Plan is intended
to integrate with other city plans including the
Comprehensive Plan, Capital Facility Program
(CFP), and annual city budgets to make sure
they are consistent with and implement
Edmonds’ strategic short and mid-term
objectives.
Why did/does Edmonds need a strategic
action plan?
Economic conditions and trends impact the City
of Edmonds’ ability to project short and long
range fiscal sustainability. Edmonds, like other
cities in Washington State, needed/needs to
analyze financial prospects and make strategic
decisions about city services and capital
projects that reflect Edmonds citizens’ desires
and aspirations.
Who developed the Edmonds Strategic Action
Plan?
Participants include elected officials,
community organizations and interest groups,
property and business owners, employees,
business district customers, young adults, the
public-at-large, and finally a random sample of
registered voter households.
The City Council with the assistance of the
Economic Development Commission (EDC),
Planning Board (PB), city staff, and Beckwith
Consulting Group (BCG) oversaw the strategic
planning process and its ultimate contents.
How did the City Council, Economic
Development Commission (EDC) and Planning
Board (PB) oversee the Edmonds Strategic
Action Plan process?
A Strategic Planning Joint Committee composed
of 31 representatives of the City Council,
Economic Development Commission (EDC), and
Planning Board (PB) hosted six public retreats or
workshops during evening hours in the City
Council Chambers to hear presentations by
Beckwith Consulting Group. Information
gathered and generated by BCG was provided
prior to each retreat/workshop to review and
evaluate progress on the plan’s development.
Retreat #1 – was conducted on the 14th of
September, 2011 and served to define objectives
for the strategic planning process, review the
scope of work and schedule, and define issues
of interest to the members of the Joint
Committee.
Retreat #2 – was conducted on the 24th of
January, 2012. BCG presented and the Joint
Committee reviewed/discussed Edmonds
demographic and socioeconomic profile based
on the results of the 2010 US Census, American
Community Survey (ACS) 2005-2009,
Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)
2005-2015 projections, and Puget Sound
Regional Council (PSRC) economic projections
through 2040 and their implications to the city.
Retreat #3 – was conducted on the 28th of
February, 2012. BCG presented, and the Joint
Committee reviewed/discussed, fiscal
conditions of Washington cities in general and
Edmonds in particular based on the results of
the State of Washington Cities 2005-2010 by the
Association of Washington Cities (AWC), the
State of Edmonds 2001-2021 based on Edmonds
Finance Director’s projections, and a Budgeting
for Objectives (BFO) approach to fiscal
sustainability.
Retreat #4 – was conducted on the 24th of
April, 2012. BCG presented and the Joint
Committee reviewed/discussed the results of
stakeholder focus group sessions, surveys of
young adults, customers, employees, business
owners, and adult residents, a public charrette,
and what would be presented during an open
house conducted on the 3rd of May. This was
followed by BCG presenting draft potential
action tasks.
Retreat #5 – was conducted on the 22nd of May,
2012. BCG presented and the Joint Committee
reviewed/discussed implementation of evolving
strategic plan’s actions, survey results from the
May 3, 2012 open house, process for the
upcoming survey of registered voter
households, and draft registered voter survey
contents..
Packet Page 148 of 265
Retreat #6 – was conducted on the 31st of July,
2012. BCG presented and the Joint Committee
reviewed/discussed the characteristics of
registered voter households and their
representativeness, rank order priorities
established by the results of earlier surveys, and
implementation process for the strategic plan.
The contents of all six retreats are provided in
full in Appendix A.
How was the public informed throughout the
Edmonds strategic action planning process?
Strategic planning webpages were established
on the city’s website which included a calendar
schedule of events, minutes, memorandums and
presentation materials used for Council retreats,
and results, summaries and findings from
interviews, surveys, an open house, and
charrettes. Additionally, throughout the
process, press releases and e-mail blasts were
issued to inform the public about surveys and
public events related to the strategic action plan
process.
How was the public involved in Edmonds
strategic action planning process?
The public was offered opportunities to
participate in an extensive series of outreach
events during the strategic action planning
process beginning with:
Stakeholder (Focus Group) opinions and
suggestions – were obtained from 96
individuals, some of which were representatives
of public and nonprofit organizations, during 20
sessions covering the topics of government,
economic development, transportation,
historical and special events, environmental,
parks and recreation, visual arts, literary arts,
performing arts, young adults and education,
seniors, service clubs, hospital district,
waterfront district, downtown and the 5-
Corners, Firdale, Westgate, Perrinville, and
Highway 99 business districts.
Stakeholder opinions and suggestions helped to
frame specific strategic action plan task
contents and responsibilities. Focus group
results are summarized in Appendix A,
beginning on page A-201, and fully documented
in Appendix B.
Adult resident’s opinions – were obtained from
681 residents using a mail-back and internet
survey process. Participants were asked to rate
existing conditions of City governance,
employment, safety and security, education,
transportation, housing market options, parks
and recreation facilities, arts and cultural
programs, special events, design conditions and
appearances, level of development, and
sustainability. Adult residents rated priorities
for the types of businesses to recruit, types of
households to attract, and maintenance of City
buildings, infrastructure (roads, sidewalks,
stormwater) and parks/recreation facilities.
Adult resident assessments helped define
proposed strategic action plan tasks. Adult
resident survey results are summarized in
Appendix A, beginning on page A-169, and fully
documented in Appendix C.
Business owner opinions – were obtained from
219 business owners using a mail-back survey
process. Participants were asked how long their
business has existed, about business profiles,
labor force characteristics, market conditions,
existing and projected trade area and customer
profiles, in addition to rating the existing image
of, and conditions in, Edmonds, types of
businesses to recruit, marketing and promotion
programs, City/Port/Chamber development
efforts, planning priorities for possible
economic development actions, and interest in
participating in the implementation of the
strategic action plan.
Business owner opinions helped define strategic
action plan tasks, particularly those dealing
with business district development and
development regulations. Business owner
survey results are summarized in Appendix A,
beginning on page A-148, and fully documented
in Appendix D.
Employee opinions – were obtained from 86
employees using a mail-back and internet
survey process. Participants were asked to rate
their concerns about employment opportunities,
transportation and housing market conditions,
use of city and business facilities and reasons
by nonresidents for not living in Edmonds.
Employee opinions helped define strategic
action plan tasks, particularly those dealing
with housing and transportation. The employee
survey results are summarized in Appendix A,
beginning on page A-127, and fully documented
in Appendix E.
Customer opinions – were obtained from 484
customers using a mail-back and internet survey
process. Participants were asked to rate their
concerns about shopping behaviors in Edmonds
versus competitive city business districts and
regional malls, where they are most likely to
shop for specific goods and services, what
factors affect a decision to not purchase in
Packet Page 149 of 265
Edmonds, ratings of Edmonds conditions, and
use of Edmonds facilities, e.g., parks, trails,
Senior Center, Edmonds Center for the Arts, etc.
Customer opinions helped define strategic
action plan tasks, particularly those dealing
with business district development,
transportation, and arts and culture. The
customer survey results are summarized in
Appendix A, beginning on page A-111, and fully
documented in Appendix F.
Young adult opinions – were obtained from 119
young adults using a mail-back and internet
survey process. Participants were asked to rate
their concerns about activities they currently
participate in, activities they would like to
participate in, the kind of public service or
community activity of interest, employment
interests, the best way of communicating with
peers, how conditions in Edmonds rate, whether
they would recommend Edmonds to others, and
plans or not for living in Edmonds in the future.
Young adult opinions helped define strategic
action plan tasks, particularly those dealing
with young adult outreach, employment, and
community service opportunities. The young
adult survey results are summarized in
Appendix A, beginning on page A-100, and fully
documented in Appendix G.
Public charrettes – were conducted with 140
people participating on the 14th and 19th of
March, 2012 at the Edmonds Conference Center.
10 young adults attend a third charrette held on
the 30th of April, 2012 at the Edmonds-
Woodway High School.
Charrette participants expressed their likes and
dislikes about Edmonds in general, identified
priorities, results, and measurements related to
the highest priority topics identified from the
results of the stakeholder focus groups
sessions, and surveys of adult residents,
business owners, employees, customers, and
young adults.
The results of the charrettes defined the
specific action tasks included in a draft strategic
plan. The charrette results are summarized in
Retreat #4 in Appendix A and fully documented
in Appendix H.
Public open house – conducted on the 3rd of
May 2012 at the Plaza Room at the Library
during which 89 participants completed a
survey during the event and 114 completed the
survey on-line following the open house for a
total of 213. The survey asked the open house
participants to comment on and rank possible
priorities for the draft action tasks emerging for
the strategic action plan from the public
charrettes and the preceding stakeholder focus
group sessions and adult resident, business
owner, employee, customer, and young adult
surveys,
The results of the open house refined the
proposed action tasks included in a draft
strategic plan. The open house results are
summarized in Appendix A, beginning on page
A-212, and fully documented in Appendix I.
Registered voter household priorities –
obtained from a telephone recruited random
sample of 466 completed mail-back and internet
surveys concerning their priorities for the 60
proposed strategic planning action tasks
concerning employment, business district
development, young adults, housing, catalytic
projects, arts and culture, parks and recreation,
sustainability, transportation, fiscal
sustainability, development regulations, and
communications.
Registered voter household priorities refined
the final priorities assigned to the strategic
action plan tasks and task scheduling. The
registered voter household survey results are
summarized in Appendix A, beginning on page
A-296, and fully documented in Appendix J.
Public hearings – as part of finalizing the draft
Strategic Action Plan, a joint meeting between
the Planning Board and Economic Development
Commission took place on January 23, 2013.
During the meeting, BCG presented information
on the contents of a nearly final draft Strategic
Action Plan including all task proposals,
priorities, lead and participant responsibilities,
schedules, and performance measures.
Based on feedback from Planning Board,
Economic Development Commission members,
City staff, Council members and others, the plan
was revised and the contents of a final draft
Strategic Action Plan was presented by BCG to
the City Council on April 2, 2013.
Summary of public outreach events
Event Documentation Nmbr
Stakeholder
Focus group
sessions
20 focus group
sessions – Appendix B
96
Adult resident
survey
mail-back and
internet – Appendix C
681
Business
owner survey
mail-back survey –
Appendix D
219
Employee
survey
mail-back and
internet – Appendix E
86
Packet Page 150 of 265
Customer
survey
mail-back and
internet – Appendix F
484
Young adult
survey
mail-back and
internet – Appendix G
119
Charrettes 2 adult and 1 youth –
Appendix H
150
Open house hand-back and
internet – Appendix I
213
Voter
household
survey
random sample
controlled mail-back
and internet –
Appendix J
466
Total Nmbr of Participants 2,514
Note – participation includes some multiple
events per person
Who defined the Strategic Action Plan tasks?
Public input from the focus group sessions,
surveys, and charrettes were used to help define
actions that are desired to be accomplished
within the city regardless of who would be the
implementing agent.
What action task priorities and how was the
Edmonds Strategic Action Plan process used
to identify them?
Public input, the results of the registered voter
household survey in particular, identified and
determined the priority of all 86 specific tasks
included in this Strategic Action Plan.
Priorities were defined for each specific task
from the results of the statistically
representative phone/internet survey where the
survey participants ranked proposals on a scale
of 1 to 5 where 1 was the lowest and 5 the
highest priority.
During presentations at public retreats /
workshops, rating scores were grouped into,
and presented as, 1-2 (very low and low), 3
(neutral) and 4-5 (high and very high). The
groupings below were created using the
percentage results from the random sampling
registered voter survey.
Example: Plan actions where the combined
percentages of 4 (high) and 5 (very high) range
from 50-60% are categorized as Very High
below. Plan actions where the combined
percentages of 4 and 5 range from 40-49% are
categorized as Moderate-High below, etc.
Very High (VH) 68%-50%
Moderate-High (MH) 49%-40%
Moderate-Low (ML) 39%-32%
Low (L) 32%-21%
Very Low (VL) 21%-13%
What are Edmonds Strategic Action Plan’s
objectives and related action tasks?
The Edmonds strategic action planning process
identified 86 specific tasks. Using the
categories above, the plan actions have been
ranked in order of priority from very highest
(VH), to moderately high (MH), moderately low
(ML), low (L), to very lowest (VL) within 5 overall
Strategic Objectives.
In September of 2012, BCG presented a draft
proposal to place the 86 proposed plan actions
under 10 Strategic Objectives categories, e.g.,
“We want full, local, sustainable employment for
all Edmonds residents! (Employment)”, “We want
functional, viable, energetic business districts!
(Economic Development)”, etc.
Upon Review by the Strategic Action Plan Sub-
committee, a recommendation was sent to BCG
to create instead five broader overall strategic
objectives (no changes were made to the plan
actions themselves). BCG reviewed the
recommendation and expressed support and
included five strategic objective categories…
each of which are followed by plan actions
relating to each.
Strategic Objective 1: Create economic health,
vitality & sustainability – diversify and
stabilize the Edmonds economy to achieve
sustainability for businesses, employment, and
commercial services; create quality mixed use
development within Edmonds business districts
in ways that preserve and conserve the city’s
unique heritage and natural context.
1a Foster dynamic/diverse economy
1a.1 Economic sustainability (VH)
1a.2 Marketing business districts (VH)
1a.3 Interim storefronts (VH)
1a.4 Promotion for business development
(VH)
1a.5 Business outreach (VH)
1a.6 Design of storefronts (MH)
1a.7 Mixed use standards for the
International District (MH)
1a.8 Mixed use standards for ground floor
retail requirements (ML)
1a.9 Mixed use standards for Westgate (ML)
1a.10 Mixed use standards for the
downtown/waterfront (ML)
1a.11 Mixed use standards for Perrinville (L)
1a.12 Mixed use standards for Firdale Village
(L)
1a.13 Mixed use standards for 5 Corners (L)
1a.14 Mixed use standards for other
commercial districts (L)
Packet Page 151 of 265
1b 1b: Take advantage of special/unique
characteristics of areas
1b.1 Health and medical industries (VH)
1b.2 High tech industries (VH)
1b.3 Harbor Square (VH)
1b.4 Shoreline/waterfront (VH)
1b.5 Antique Mall (VH)
1b.6 Swedish Hospital (VH)
1b.7 Organization Main Street (H)
1b.8 International District (ML)
1b.9 Financing (BID) (ML)
1b.9 Car dealerships (VL)
1c Enhance economic and employment
opportunities
1c.1 Employment for youth (VH)
1c.2 Participation for youth (VH)
1c.3 Database for business recruitment (ML)
1d Build on the community’s heritage,
natural resources, and livability to
promote Edmonds as a tourism
destination
1d.1 Design for arts and culture (L)
1d.2 Marketing for arts and culture (L)
1e Effectively develop, market, and
promote the City’s arts and cultural
heritage and brand (Arts & Culture)
1e.1 Organization for arts and culture (MH)
1e.2 Promotion for arts and culture (MH)
1e.3 Edmonds Center for the Arts - ECA
(MH)
1e.4 4th Ave Cultural Corridor (MH)
1e.5 Artists live/work (L)
1e.6 Art and history walking tours (L)
1e.7 Fine arts museum (L)
1f Promote a permit and licensing
process to promote business
recruitment, expansion,
and retention
1f.1 Economic incentives (MH)
Strategic Objective 2: Maintain, enhance, and
create a sustainable environment – focusing
on the sustainability of natural systems and
processes in Edmonds.
2a Build a community that balances
environmental protection, economic
health, and social needs
2a.1 Recycling (VH)
2a.2 Farmers/Public Market (VH)
2a.3 Stormwater at SR-104 and Dayton (VH)
2a.4 Native habitat (MH)
2a.4 Stormwater for the flooding of Lake
Ballinger (MH)
2a.5 Energy (MH)
2a.5 Food production (MH)
2a.6 Stormwater and habitat along Willow
Creek (ML)
2a.7 Stormwater and habitat in a green
features code (ML)
2a.8 Coordination of environmental
outreach (L)
Strategic Objective 3: Maintain and enhance
Edmonds’ community character and quality of
life – conserving and enhancing community
activities/facilities and recreational amenities
that service and define the city, and that
support residents’ needs, e.g., housing, parks,
and interests.
3a.1 3a.1 Senior Center rehabilitation (VH)
3a.2 3a.2 Downtown restrooms (VH)
3a.3 3a.3 Anderson Center (VH)
3a.4 3a.4 Greenways and Parks (VH)
3a.5 3a.5 Activities for youth (VH)
3a.6 3a.6 Yost Pool financing (VH)
3a.7 3a.7 Public view preservation (MH)
3a.8 3a.8 Yost Pool improvement (ML)
3a.9 3a.9 Civic Field (ML)
3a.10 3a.10 Design standards (ML)
3a.11 3a.11 Diversify housing options (ML)
3a.12 3a.12 Affordable housing (L)
3a.13 3a.13 Woodway athletic fields (L)
3a.14 3a.14 Dog Park relocation (L)
3a.15 3a.15 Senior Center relocation (VL)
Strategic Objective 4: Develop and maintain a
transportation and infrastructure system to
meet current and future demand – providing
multimodal balance and integration of
pedestrians, bicycles, vehicles, transit,
railroads, and the ferry system.
4a Build a community that balances
environmental protection, economic
health, and social needs
4a.1 BNSF Railroad coal trains (VH)
4a.2 Street maintenance (VH)
4a.3 Walkways (VH)
4a.4 Sounder Train (MH)
4a.5 Sound Transit Link (MH)
4a.6 Trails (MH)
4a.7 Highway 99 enhancement (MH)
4a.8 Intermodal Station development (MH)
4a.9 Waterfront connection (MH)
4a.10 Ferry Terminal loading strategy (MH)
4a.11 Crosswalks (ML)
4a.12 SR-104 transit service (ML)
4a.13 Bikeway network (L)
4a.14 Shuttle service between downtown and
Highway 99 (L)
4a.15 Swift Bus Rapid Transit – SBRT (L)
4a.16 Shuttle service between the waterfront
and downtown (L)
Packet Page 152 of 265
4b Provide quality services, facilities,
and infrastructure
4b.1 Provide quality services, facilities, and
infrastructure
Strategic Objective 5: Provide responsible,
accountable, and responsive government –
expanding outreach and communication,
creating sustainable fiscal strategies, and joint
venturing with other local public and nonprofit
partners.
5a Provide efficient and effective
delivery of services
5a.1 Fiscal sustainability (VH)
5a.2 Permitting process (VH)
5a.3 Assess performance results (VH)
5a.4 Strategy development for
public/private investments (VH)
5as.5 Non-governmental organization (NGO)
participation (MH)
5a.6 Fiscal sustainability for funding Parks
and Recreation (MH)
5b Promotion and encouragement of an
active and involved community
5b.1 Public access (MH)
5b.2 Public communication (MH)
5c Ensure a safe and secure
environment for residents,
businesses, and visitors
5c.1 Safe and secure environment (VH)
The 5 strategic objectives listed above and the
86 related specific action tasks involved in
realizing the strategic objectives are described
within the following sections of this document.
What are the financial implications of the
action task priorities?
The plan action tasks, including some where the
City serves as the lead, may not compete for the
same source of funds. Many of the action tasks
will be accomplished by parties with funds
other than Edmonds including the Port of
Edmonds, Washington State Department of
Transportation, Sound Transit, and Chamber of
Commerce, among others.
Each proposed action may have a different
sponsor, funding source and schedule. The goal
of this Strategic Action Plan is to organize and
coordinate all actions and participants – not
select winners and losers or determine which
goes first and which goes last.
What do the priorities signify?
Voters that participated in the random sampling
survey expressed their opinions on the overall
priority of each and all actions on a citywide
basis to be accomplished within the next 10
years regardless of who will be the
implementing agent or the source of financing.
How will the City of Edmonds use the
priorities for city actions?
Where the city is identified as the lead agent,
the priorities could be used in a Budget for
Objectives (BFO) process to help in determining
how Edmond’s limited financial and staff
resources could be budgeted or allocated.
Will the action tasks be accomplished in rank
order?
Not likely, nor should that be an objective. Some
of action tasks will require lead times necessary
to form participant groups, secure outside
funding, conduct environmental reviews, etc.
Consequently, even if a task is a high priority, it
may take a number of months or years to fully
initiate and achieve results.
In actuality, most action task priorities will be
opportunistic rather than rank ordered. The
overall goal is to achieve all proposed action
tasks as soon as each action is feasible and
accomplishable.
Should a low priority task be ignored or
deferred?
Not if the lead agent is able to implement or the
task is primed for implementation. The Strategic
Action Plan is intended to be implemented on an
opportunistic and multifaceted basis, i.e., lead
agents and participants should/can look for
ways to implement as many community desired
actions and involve as many participant
interests in the community as possible as events
and circumstances allow.
Therefore, if a low priority action has a sponsor
and funds, it could be accomplished by the
sponsor with the support of the community so
long as the task action does not interfere with
accomplishing higher priority task actions.
Packet Page 153 of 265
Should the list of action tasks be reduced or
tasks eliminated?
It is not necessary to eliminate an action if it
scores a moderate-low to very low priority if
there is an interest group willing to take the
lead and implement the action without unduly
using city funds or resources.
The Strategic Action Plan is holistic defining all
actions city residents wish to see accomplished
within the next 6-10 years without limitations
on who or which entity would serve as lead
agent or participant to implement or fund them.
Who are the participants and how were they
determined?
Participant lists include all parties who may be
affected by an individual action task. The lists
were created using information provided during
focus group sessions, survey comments, open
house, charrettes, and by the consultants and
Strategic Action Plan sub-committee.
Who are the lead agents?
Lead agents are assumed to be the primary
implementing party or parties. In some
instances the lead agent may be the authorizing
or approving agent – as in City Council.
How were lead agents identified?
In some instances, lead agents were self-
selected based on the actions they proposed
during the focus group sessions, survey
comments, or charrettes. In other instances,
lead agents are presumed to be the most likely
party that has the predominant interest and
benefit in the action, and the resources with
which to accomplish or facilitate the action.
How are lead agents distributed between the
City and other entities/agents?
Though Edmonds elected officials and staff are
involved in a large number of action tasks, they
are not the lead or primary implementing party
in a large number of them, e.g., business district
development, arts and culture, hospital, etc.
What non-City lead agents have been
identified?
There are a large number of non-City lead
agents including the Port of Edmonds, WSDOT,
Sound Transit, nongovernmental organizations
(NGOs) such as Downtown Edmonds Merchants
Association, and the Chamber of Commerce who
have authority, responsibility, or benefit from
an action task for which they are listed as lead.
Will additional organizations be required to
implement the Strategic Action Plan?
It could, depending on who the participants and
the lead agents determine will be most effective
and representative of the costs and benefits.
What if a lead agent is not interested or able
to facilitate an action task accomplishment?
Then the lead agent designation and
responsibilities could pass to another interested
party or parties or the action will not be
accomplished.
What does complexity mean?
Complexity refers to the degree of ease or
difficulty that may be involved in implementing
each action task. Low complexity tasks may
involve a single implementing agent following a
simple process. High complexity tasks may
involve multiple agents, including where
Edmonds is not the lead or the authorizing
agent, and a complex process that involves
public participation, Environmental Impact
Statements, permits, hearings, and other
procedures.
Who determined complexity?
A Strategic Action Plan subgroup made up of
members from the City Council, Planning Board
Packet Page 154 of 265
and Economic Development Commission in
addition to City staff determined the complexity
assessments ranging from low, moderate, high,
and very high.
What do months mean?
Months refer to the probable production time
involved in implementing an action task
accounting for the specific steps involved in
implementing an action task and its degree of
complexity. An ongoing entry indicates the
action task is a continuous activity.
Who determined months?
A Strategic Action Plan subgroup made up of
members from the City Council, Planning Board
and Economic Development Commission in
addition to City staff determined the probable
number of months that would be involved in
each task.
How do months relate to an implementation
schedule?
The Strategic Action Plan defines the action
tasks desired to be implemented within the next
6-10 years. The schedules shown assume each
task would be initiated as soon as possible and
extend through the months assigned to the task.
In reality, actual schedules will depend on the
lead agent, how many other tasks they are
responsible for, complexities involved in the
implementation of each task, when funding is
available, and other opportunistic variables.
What are performance measures and what
function do they serve?
Performance measures are indicators or
benchmarks by which to measure the progress
and effectiveness of implementing each action
task. A low score on a performance measure
indicates the action task is not achieving the
desired result and may need to be reassessed or
revised to achieve the results listed in the
performance measure.
How were performance measures determined?
Performance measures were defined by existing
city benchmarks, comparison with benchmarks
from other cities, and from objective
parameters defined by the nature of the action
task function.
How will performance measures be gauged?
Some performance measures are objective
measurements, i.e., the number of tons recycled
per year, miles to the nearest park, etc. Others
depend on community surveys where the public
indicates the degree to which they are satisfied
with various conditions – such as perception of
safety, access to jobs, satisfaction with
appearances, etc.
Will the Strategic Action Plan be updated?
This Strategic Action Plan defines key
objections, tasks, responsibilities, schedules,
performance measures, and other particulars for
the next 6-10 years and could be updated
concurrent with updates to the Comprehensive
Plan, Capital Facilities Program (CFP), and
annual budgets.
However, should an unforeseen event arise that
might necessitate an update, the Strategic
Action Plan can be updated if and when City
Council deems necessary.
What needs to be done to initiate the Strategic
Action Plan?
Finalize the draft document and complete
Council hearings - review and confirm action
task lead agents, participating parties,
complexity, months, schedules, performance
measures, and other particulars with which to
initiate action
Confirm lead agents and participants - assign
the action tasks to the lead agents and work
with them, city included, in formulating detailed
contents, schedules, funds, and other
particulars. Where necessary, create new ad hoc
groups to take the lead on tasks involving
multiple lead agents and interests.
Coordinate with other city, public agencies,
and NGO programs - update city documents
including the Comprehensive Plan, CFP, Annual
Budgets, and other agency and NGO plans,
projects, and programs to reflect the strategic
objectives, action tasks, and performances
defined in the Strategic Action Plan,
Monitor performance and adjust particulars
as necessary - score and evaluate performance
of each lead agent and participants on the
accomplishment of the action tasks using the
performance evaluation measures or
benchmarks to make adjustments, revise
approaches, and other particulars.
Packet Page 155 of 265
Strategic Objective 1: Create economic health, vitality & sustainability
1a: Foster dynamic/diverse economy
Action 1a.1 (4): Economic sustainability
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Economic Development Department
Port of Edmonds
Chamber of Commerce
Very high Low On-going
Strategic objective Participants
Recruit businesses that employ technical,
professional, and managerial skills offered by
Edmonds residents to facilitate live/work
sustainability in Edmonds.
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Edmonds Community College
Edmonds School District
Edmonds property owners
Edmonds brokers
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Economic sustainability
Potential performance measures
% of overall technical (high tech, nursing, etc.) jobs
within Edmonds
% of overall professional (lawyers, accountants,
doctors) jobs within Edmonds
Action 1a.2 (8): Marketing – business districts
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Economic Development Department
Port of Edmonds
Chamber of Commerce
Very high Low Ongoing
Strategic objective Participants
Identify and recruit retailers to fill critical gaps in
retail sales and services such as basic needs (clothing
downtown, professional services) within the business
districts of downtown, Westgate, Firdale Village, 5-
Corners, and Perrinville, as well as larger department
stores and specialty retailers on Highway 99.
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
International District
Edmonds property owners
Edmonds brokers
Edmonds Downtown BID
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Marketing – business districts
Potential performance measures
# new retail businesses established
% increase in retail sales overall
Action 1a.3 (13): Interim storefronts
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Economic Development Department
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Very high Low Ongoing
Strategic objective Participants
Encourage temporary artist exhibits or similar uses in
vacant storefronts or buildings in order to provide
visual interest and activity while the building is being
marketed for a future tenant or owner.
Cultural Service Division
Chamber of Commerce
Edmonds Downtown BID
Edmonds Business Owners
Edmonds Property Owners
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Interim storefronts
Potential performance measures
# empty storefronts filled with temporary exhibits
per year
% temporary tenants become permanent tenants
Packet Page 156 of 265
Spaceworks Tacoma
Spaceworks Tacoma is a creative,
maybe even utopian response to
economic hard times. The goal of
Spaceworks is to transform empty
storefronts and vacant space into
dynamic points of interest through
artistic energy and enterprise,
making Tacoma a stronger, more
active city.
Spaceworks is a joint initiative of
the City of Tacoma, Shunpike, and
the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber
of Commerce. In exchange for
creatively activating unused
spaces, artists are temporarily
provided no- and low-cost rent,
exposure and business
consultation.
http://spaceworkstacoma.wordpr
ess.com/
Packet Page 157 of 265
Action 1a.4 (10): Promotion – business development
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Chamber of Commerce
Very high Medium Ongoing
Strategic objective Participants
Initiate and expand retail sales and other events and
activities including sidewalk cafes and vendors
within the business districts of downtown, Westgate,
Firdale Village, 5-Corners, Perrinville, Highway 99.
Edmonds Downtown BID
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Promotion – business development
Potential performance measures
# retail oriented events per year in each business
district
# customers participating in events
# of merchants participating in events
$ sales and sales tax revenue generated by events
Action 1a.5 (2): Business outreach
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Economic Development Department
Port of Edmonds
Chamber of Commerce
Very high Low Ongoing
Strategic objective Participants
Integrate City, Port, Chamber, Edmonds Community
College, Edmonds School District, and private
business efforts and communications for the benefit
of economic recruitment.
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Edmonds Community College
Edmonds School District
Edmonds property owners
Edmonds commercial brokers
Downtown Edmonds BID
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Business outreach
Potential performance measures
# of business recruited as a result of collective
efforts
# programs initiated related to business recruitment
Action 1a.6 (9): Design - storefronts
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Edmonds Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Mod-high Low-medium 1-36
Strategic objective Participants
Develop a process to identify ways to enhance retail
storefronts within the business districts of
downtown, Westgate, Firdale Village, 5-Corners,
Perrinville and Highway 99. For example, this could
include identifying competitive grants and low cost
loan programs.
Economic Development Department
Edmonds Downtown BID
Business owners
Edmonds banks and savings
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Design - storefronts
Potential performance measures
# rehabilitated/enhanced storefronts and building
projects
# new façade, sign, window display projects
% customers rate appearances as good and high
quality
% businesses rate appearances as good and high
quality
Packet Page 158 of 265
Action 1a.7 (66a3): Development regulations
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Development Services Department
Highway 99 Task Force
Mod-high Medium-high 12-36
Strategic objective Participants
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the Highway 99 area.
City Council
Planning Board
Architectural Design Board
Chamber of Commerce
Swedish Hospital
Property owners
Developers
Business owners
Economic Development Commission
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Development regulations
Potential performance measures
#permits applied for following adoption of new
development standards
#projects constructed incorporating a mix of uses
following adoption of new development
standards
# variances sought since code update
# issues taken to Hearing Examiner, Council, courts
since code update
Action 1a.8 (66b): Development regulations
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Development Services Department Mod-low Medium 1-24
Strategic objective Participants
Address ground floor retail requirements to reflect
demand in different retail corridors and locations.
City Council
Planning Board
Architectural Design Board
Port of Edmonds
Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Economic Development Commission
Property owners
Developers
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Development regulations
Potential performance measures
#projects that include ground floor retail
%increase/decrease of retail square footage
% participants rating requirements, standards to be
relevant
Packet Page 159 of 265
Action 1a.9 (66a2): Development regulations
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Development Services Department Mod-low Medium-high 1-12
Strategic objective Participants
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the Westgate area.
City Council
Planning Board
Architectural Design Board
Port of Edmonds
Chamber of Commerce
Property owners
Developers
Business owners
Economic Development Commission
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Development regulations
Potential performance measures
# permits applied for following adoption of new
development standards
% projects constructed incorporating a mix of uses
following adoption of new development
standards
# variances sought since code update
# issues taken to Hearing Examiner, Council, courts
since code update
Action 1a.10 (66a1): Development regulations
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Development Services Department Mod-low Medium-high 24-36
Strategic objective Participants
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the
Downtown/Waterfront area.
City Council
Planning Board
Architectural Design Board
Port of Edmonds
Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Property owners
Developers
Business owners
Economic Development Commission
Senior Center
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Development regulations
Potential performance measures
# permits applied for following adoption of new
development standards
# projects constructed incorporating a mix of uses
following adoption of new development
standards
# variances sought since code update
# issues taken to Hearing Examiner, Council, courts
since code update
Packet Page 160 of 265
Action 1a.11 (66a5): Development regulations
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Development Services Department Low Low 12-24
Strategic objective Participants
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the Perrinville area.
City Council
Planning Board
Architectural Design Board
Chamber of Commerce
Property owners
Developers
Economic Development Commission
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Development regulations
Potential performance measures
# permits applied for following adoption of new
development standards
# projects constructed incorporating a mix of uses
following adoption of new development
standards
# variances sought since code update
# issues taken to Hearing Examiner, Council, courts
since code update
Action 1a.12 (66a6): Development regulations
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Development Services Department Low Low Complete
Strategic objective Participants
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the Firdale Village area.
City Council
Planning Board
Architectural Design Board
Chamber of Commerce
Property owners
Developers
Business Owners
Economic Development Commission
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Development regulations
Potential performance measures
# permits applied for following adoption of new
development standards
# projects constructed incorporating a mix of uses
following adoption of new development
standards
# variances sought since code update
# issues taken to Hearing Examiner, Council, courts
since code update
Packet Page 161 of 265
Action 1a.13 (66a4): Development regulations
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Development Services Department Low Medium-high 1-12
Strategic objective Participants
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the Five Corners area.
City Council
Planning Board
Architectural Design Board
Chamber of Commerce
Property owners
Developers
Business owners
Economic Development Commission
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Development regulations
Potential performance measures
# permits applied for following adoption of new
development standards
# projects constructed incorporating a mix of uses
following adoption of new development
standards
# variances sought since code update
# issues taken to Hearing Examiner, Council, courts
since code update
Action 1a.14 (66a): Development regulations
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Development Services Department Low Low 12-36
Strategic objective Participants
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the commercial
districts.
City Council
Planning Board
Architectural Design Board
Port of Edmonds
Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Swedish Hospital
Property owners
Developers
Business owners
Economic Development Commission
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Development regulations
Potential performance measures
# permits applied for following adoption of new
development standards
# projects constructed incorporating a mix of uses
following adoption of new development
standards
# variances sought since code update
# issues taken to Hearing Examiner, Council, courts
since code update
Packet Page 162 of 265
Strategic Objective 1: Economic Health, Vitality & Sustainability
1b: Take advantage of special/unique characteristics of areas
Action 1b.1 (6): Health and medical industries
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Economic Development Department
Swedish Hospital
Very high Low Ongoing
Strategic objective Participants
Retain and recruit businesses that support and can
expand health related services and products within
the general area of Swedish Hospital Edmonds.
Chamber of Commerce
Edmonds Community College
Edmonds School District
Edmonds property owners
Edmonds commercial brokers
Business owners
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Health and medical industries
Potential performance measures
# Swedish Hospital and related employees
# businesses who locate in Edmonds citing Swedish
Hospital
# new employees involved in new health related
businesses
Action 1b.2 (5): High tech industries
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Economic Development Department
Chamber of Commerce
Port of Edmonds
Very high Medium Ongoing
Strategic objective Participants
Retain and recruit businesses that depend on, and
can take advantage of, Edmonds superior fiber optics
capability.
Edmonds Community College
Edmonds School District
Edmonds property owners
Edmonds commercial brokers
Edmonds Community Technology Committee
Economic Development Commission
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Tech/Design/Medical industries
Potential performance measures
# new businesses defined as tech/design/medical,
etc. attracted to locate in Edmonds as result of
fiber optic service
Packet Page 163 of 265
Action 1b.3 (20): Harbor Square
Lead Rank Complexity Months
City of Edmonds
Port of Edmonds
Very high High 1-12
Strategic objective Participants
Review and approve a long term master plan and
agreement for the Port of Edmonds Harbor Square
property that enhances the waterfront environment,
public access and promotes mixed use development.
Economic Development Department
Development Services Department
Public Works Department
Parks & Recreation Department
Citizens
Community Transit
Sound Transit
Friends of Edmonds Marsh
Waterfront property and business owners
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Harbor Square
Potential performance measures
@ date Council approves a Harbor Square Master Plan
@ date Council approves a site development
agreement
# of public benefits and amenities resulting from
implementation of a new Harbor Square Master
Plan
# developers recruited submitting RFPs post adoption
of a Harbor Square Master Plan
# projects constructed incorporating following
adoption of a Harbor Square Master Plan
% public indicating Port’s implementation of plan is
successful
Action 1b.4 (19): Shoreline/waterfront
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Economic Development Department
Development Services Department
City Council
Port of Edmonds
Very high Medium 12-60
Strategic objective Participants
Develop a strategy for the combined shoreline
(east/west of rail lines) from the Port to the
Underwater Dive Park and from the waterfront to the
downtown that increases public access and
recreational opportunities.
Citizens
Public Works Department
Parks & Recreation Department
WA State Ferries (WSF)
WA Department of Ecology
BNSF Railroad
Edmonds Senior Center
Edmonds Yacht Club
Waterfront property and business owners
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Shoreline/waterfront
Potential performance measures
@ date shoreline/waterfront planning process
completed
% property and business owners participating in plan
# residents participating in plan development
# catalytic projects identified – that are accomplished
post adoption of a plan
% property, business, residents indicating plan
priorities have been accomplished annually and
within 5 years
Packet Page 164 of 265
Action 1b.5 (21): Antique Mall aka Salish Crossing
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Property Owners
Economic Development Department
Port of Edmonds
Very high Medium-high 1-36
Strategic objective Participants
Encourage packaging the Safeway/Antique Mall aka
Salish Crossing and nearby properties for the
purpose of enhancing redevelopment opportunities
of this significant gateway site.
City Council
Cultural Service Division
Development Services Department
Public Works Department
Parks & Recreation Department
Antique Mall aka Salish Crossing owners
Edmonds Senior Center
Community Transit
Sound Transit
BNSF Railroad
WSDOT and Washington State Ferries
Developers
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Antique Mall
Potential performance measures
@ date properties are successfully packaged
% public indicating process is successful as a result
of post packaging development
Action 1b.6 (23): Swedish Hospital
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Swedish Hospital
Development Services Department
Very high High 12-36
Strategic objective Participants
Update the Hospital District master plan to meet
hospital needs while mitigating impacts to adjacent
nonmedical land uses.
City Council
Planning Board
Highway 99 Task Force
Health & Wellness Center
Aldercrest Health & Rehab Center
Economic Development Department
Economic Development Commission
Public Works Department
Community Transit
WSDOT
Property owners and residents
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Swedish Hospital
Potential performance measures
@ date city initiates master planning process
# residents and organizations involved in process
@ Council adopts development criteria
# quality developers recruited
% public indicating process is successful
Packet Page 165 of 265
Top – current development pattern on Highway 99 in Edmonds
Right top– current conditions on Auto Row
Right middle – approach to Swedish Hospital from Highway 99
Right bottom – business signage at Ranch Market 99 in
International District on Highway 99
Swedish Hospital
International District Auto Row
Packet Page 166 of 265
Action 1b.7 (11): Organization – Main Street
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Economic Development Department
Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Mod-high Low 1-24
Strategic objective Participants
Institute the “Main Street” Program 4-Point approach
which includes economic restructuring, promotion,
design and organization for the downtown and
Highway 99 business districts.
Edmonds Downtown BID
Business owners
Institutions
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Organization – Main Street
Potential performance measures
@ Main Street approach adopted in each business
district
# of merchants and businesses participating in Main
Street
% of all eligible merchants and businesses
participating in Main Street program
% participating members rating program and events
to be productive
Action 1b.8 (22): Highway 99 International District
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Business Owners
Development Services Department
Economic Development Department
Cultural Services Department
Property Owners
Mod-low Medium-high 21-26
Strategic objective Participants
Create a plan and design theme for this unique area,
initiate promotional events and activities, and recruit
additional anchors or destination stores.
City Council
Highway 99 Task Force
Economic Development Commission
Public Works Department
Parks & Recreation Department
Community Transit
WSDOT
Developers
Property Owners
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Highway 99 International District
Potential performance measures
@ International District property and business owner
organization established
@ planning process initiated
# residents and organizations involved in process
@ Council adopts plan
# plans projects completed within 1-5 years of
adoption
% property and business owners satisfied with results
$ increase in retail sales and retail sales tax revenues
% increase in property values and property tax
revenue
Packet Page 167 of 265
National Trust for Historic
Preservation’s Main Street Program
Main Street’s 4-Point Approach -
encompasses work in 4 distinct areas –
Design, Economic Restructuring,
Promotion, and Organization – that are
combined to address all of a commercial
district’s needs. The philosophy behind
this methodology makes it an effective
tool for community-based, grassroots
revitalization efforts.
The Main Street approach is also
incremental; it is not designed to produce
immediate change. Because they often fail
to address the underlying causes of
commercial district decline, expensive
improvements, such as pedestrian malls
do not always generate the desired
economic results. In order to succeed, a
long-term revitalization effort requires
careful attention to every aspect of a
business district – a process that takes
time and requires leadership and local
capacity building.
The Washington State Downtown
Revitalization/Main Street Program
(WSMP) - has been helping communities
revitalize the economy, appearance, and
image of downtown commercial districts
using the Main Street Approach since
1984.
www.mainstreet.org
www.downtown.wa.gov
Packet Page 168 of 265
Action 1b.9 (12): Financing
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Edmonds Downtown BID
City Council
Mod-low Medium Ongoing
Strategic objective Participants
Create a downtown Business Improvement District
(BID) to benefit properties and businesses for the
purpose of instituting marketing, design, and
promotional activities within the downtown business
district.
Economic Development Department
Finance Department
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Chamber of Commerce
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Financing
Potential performance measures
@ date Council adopts BID
$ raised by BID
# programs or projects funded by BID revenue
% BID revenue obtained by leveraging against other
funding sources
% businesses attending annual BID members
meetings
Action 1b.10 (7): Car dealerships
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Economic Development Department
Highway 99 Car Dealerships
Very low Low Ongoing
Strategic objective Participants
Encourage development of auto sales facilities that
include decked display and storage lots, multistory
sales and service facilities in order to retain this
important source of retail sales revenue in the city
and maximize land use.
Chamber of Commerce
Highway 99 Task Force
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Car dealerships
Potential performance measures
$ volume of retail sales taxes generated for the City
of Edmonds
# building permits issued per year for auto related
developments
Packet Page 169 of 265
Auto Row
“Auto row” – is a concentration of new
and used auto dealerships traditionally
located on adjacent properties along
major arterial roadways with easy
access and high visibility from the
surrounding community. When
development patterns were relatively
low density and land relatively
inexpensive, the dealerships built low
rise buildings with large surface
parking and display lots.
As urban development intensified and
land value increased, some dealers
moved into auto parks or malls – multi-
dealer facilities organized around
central access roads located along
freeway or major highway corridors.
Others, however, developed more
intensive sales facilities with multiple
floors and even indoor auto display
and storage facilities – as well as
diversifying their products.
Shown are some of “auto row’s” urban
dealer strategies including the Lexus
Dealer in downtown Bellevue (top left)
and Veterans Ford in Tampa, Florida
(bottom left).
Packet Page 170 of 265
Strategic Objective 1: Economic Health, Vitality & Sustainability
1c: Enhance economic and employment opportunities
Action 1c.1 (14): Employment - youth
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Chamber of Commerce
Edmonds School District
Edmonds Community College
Very high Medium 12-18
Strategic objective Participants
Create a young adult job placement service to help
find part and full-time employment opportunities
with Edmonds businesses, schools and organizations.
Economic Development Department
Business owners
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Employment - youth
Potential performance measures
% of all young adults living in Edmonds employed in
part or full-time positions
% of young adult that can find work that want work
% of employers who have hired young adults
# of employers who have hired young adults
Action 1c.2 (15): Participation - youth
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Parks & Recreation Department
Edmonds School District
Edmonds Community College
Very high Low-medium Ongoing
Strategic objective Participants
Work with public and private organizations to
provide mentoring opportunities for young adults
through events or social outreach, projects,
environmental stewardship, arts and culture and
job/career networking.
City of Edmonds
Cultural Service Division
Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Port of Edmonds
Swedish Hospital
Kiwanis Club
Key Club
Rotary Club
Exchange Club
Edmonds Senior Center
Edmonds Library
Edmonds Arts Festival
Summer Market
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Participation - youth
Potential performance measures
# of all young adults that participate in community
events and organizations
% of all young adults that participate that indicate
they want to participate
% of community organizations that can find young
adults to participate that want young adults to
participate
# of service programs young adults are involved in
Packet Page 171 of 265
Action 1c.3 (1): Database – business recruitment
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Economic Development Department
Chamber of Commerce
Port of Edmonds
Edmonds Commercial Brokers
Mod-low Low-medium 6-18
Strategic objective Participants
Create and maintain a database to identify
opportunities for business and developer recruitment
efforts. The database may include an inventory of
available properties, buildings, and resources in
Edmonds business districts and zones.
Development Services Department
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Edmonds property owners
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Database – business recruitment
Potential performance measures
# of local property owners and brokers participating
% all available properties on local listing
# hits database receives from property owners and
brokers
# hits database receives from interested businesses
Strategic Objective 1: Economic Health, Vitality & Sustainability
1d: Build on the community’s heritage, natural resources, and livability
to promote Edmonds as a tourism destination
Action 1d.1 (25): Design – arts and culture
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Cultural Services Division
Economic Development Department
Chamber of Commerce
Mod-high Low-medium On-going
Strategic objective Participants
Continue to include arts and historical themes in the
Edmonds brand and install artworks, gateways,
wayfinding signage, and streetscape improvements at
key entrances to Edmonds, e.g., the waterfront,
downtown, Highway 99, State Route-104 and other
business districts.
Arts Commission
Historic Preservation Commission
Economic Development Commission
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Business owners
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Design – arts and culture
Potential performance measures
@ new comprehensive branding ideas revealed
% organizations and public that validate new brand
approach
@ gateways and wayfinding signs installed in city
% cost funded by business and art related groups
% customers rate brand unique and successful
Packet Page 172 of 265
Skagit Young Professionals
Young professionals are vital to every city by
giving time, money, and energy that supports
local charitable and civic activities. They are
the local community’s entrepreneurs
innovating and bringing new ideas into the
marketplace. They are, however, the most
likely age group able and willing to move away.
The Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce
recognized that young professionals are
valuable for their social, civic, and tax
contributions to the local community but are
easily lost to other areas that provide more
jobs, more pay, or more fun. To encourage
young professionals to stay, the Chamber
realized it needed get young professionals
involved with Mount Vernon.
The Chamber provided financial and
administrative support to start the Skagit
Young Professionals (SYP). The purpose of SYP
is to build the business relationships and
friendships that will help this age group
become the leaders of Skagit County. The SYP
realized this age group responds more easily
to like-minded peers using internet and other
tools to initiate contacts and network
relationships.
SYP’s goal is to develop and guide events and
projects that young professionals find
engaging and worthwhile. SYP programs events
to include civic programs, professional
networking, career development, social mixers,
and public service.
SYP also encourages its members to take
advantage of the great programs the Mount
Vernon Chamber of Commerce has to offer –
though SYP members can participate in any of
the other Skagit County chambers as well.
In addition, the Chamber works with corporate
sponsors to recruit young professionals for job
openings and start-up business opportunities.
www.mountvernonchamber.com
www.skagityoungprofessionals.com
Packet Page 173 of 265
Action 1d.2 (24): Marketing – arts and culture
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Economic Development Department
Cultural Services Division
Chamber of Commerce
Low Low-medium On-going
Strategic objective Participants
Conduct surveys of visitors to determine their
characteristics, expenditure patterns, sources of
information, and other behavior to better understand
the economic benefits and what attracts visitors to
Edmonds.
Edmonds Center for the Arts
Summer Market
Edmonds Art Festival
Edmonds Historical Museum
Artworks
Art GalleriesArt
Seaview Weavers
Cascade Symphony Orchestra
Olympic Ballet Theatre
Cascade Youth Symphony
Driftwood Players
Phoenix Theatre
Seattle Jazz Singers
Ballet Academy of Performing Arts
Write on the Sound
Port of Edmonds
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Marketing
Potential performance measures
# survey responses received from outreach events
% of expenditures tracked to local Edmonds
businesses
# new email addresses added to outreach list
% survey respondents indicating they will increase
visits/spending as result of outreach proposals
# organizations indicating market results are useful
Packet Page 174 of 265
Gateways and wayfinding
Gateways - establish the entrances
into a special area or district using
graphic and artwork images that
represent the area’s brand.
Wayfinding signs - which can be
derivations of gateway images, are
designed to complement the area’s
brand and provide out-of-area
customers and tourists directions
to facilities and destinations of
interest. To be effective,
wayfinding signage must be
designed in scales appropriate for
pedestrians, bicyclists, and
vehicles.
Designed and used appropriate,
gateways and wayfinding can
establish an effective brand at a
relatively low cost.
Inserts – Edmonds Wayfinding
Signage designed by FORMA
Packet Page 175 of 265
Strategic Objective 1: Economic Health, Vitality & Sustainability
1e: Effectively develop, market, and promote the City’s arts and cultural
heritage and brand (Arts & Culture)
Action 1e.1 (27): Organization – arts and culture
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Chamber of Commerce
Cultural Service Division
Mod-high Low-medium On-going
Strategic objective Participants
Create a central clearinghouse to coordinate
scheduling and promotion of events in Edmonds.
Edmonds Arts Commission
Edmonds Center for the Arts
Summer Market
Edmonds Art Festival
Edmonds Historical Museum
Art Galleries
Seaview Weavers
Cascade Symphony Orchestra
Olympic Ballet Theatre
Cascade Youth Symphony
Driftwood Players
Phoenix Theatre
Seattle Jazz Singers
Ballet Academy of Performing Arts
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Organization
Potential performance measures
% art related organizations participating in
clearinghouse
% all local artists participating in clearinghouse
# coordinated promotions conducted by
clearinghouse
% outreach participants indicating clearinghouse
successful and useful
Action 1e.2 (26): Promotion – arts and culture
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Chamber of Commerce
Cultural Services Division
Mod-high Medium 12
Strategic objective Participants
Create an Edmonds arts website and utilize social
media including Google maps, Facebook, and Twitter
to promote and attract visitors to an expanded year-
round calendar of events and festivals for
performing, literary, culinary, fine, and other arts
interests.
Economic Development Department
Edmonds Center for the Arts
Summer Market
Edmonds Art Festival
Edmonds Historical Museum
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Promotion
Potential performance measures
# art and culture events conducted per year
# new or additional events introduced
# new event participants who did not engage before
# hits to central arts website
% outreach survey participants indicating website to
be source of info
Packet Page 176 of 265
Downtown Elgin Association (DNA)
DNA of Elgin, Illinois has developed an
interactive website that employs low-cost
and no-cost tools to provide online services
to provide promotional information,
directories, schedules, and other materials
to interested downtown residents,
customers, and tourists.
DNA redesigned their website to rely on
free and inexpensive online
communications to connect with as many
people as possible. Blogs, online calendars,
Facebook, Flickr, and others are tools that
young adults use to communicate every
day.
By incorporating these tools into the DNA
website, the downtown reached a
generation of customers that it would not
effectively reach otherwise. And, DNA
found that as young adults became
knowledgeable of what the downtown had
to offer, they also became interested in
working with the DNA on downtown
development and promotional issues.
www.downtownelgin.org
Packet Page 177 of 265
Action 1e.3 (28): Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA)
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Edmonds Center for the Arts Mod-high Medium-high 1-12
Strategic objective Participants
Complete a strategic plan identifying financial
strategies for debt payment, redevelopment and
reuse of the remaining un-renovated property,
including a potential parking garage.
City Council
Economic Development Department
Cultural Service Division
Parks & Recreation Department
Adjacent property owners and residents
Business community
Arts community
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA)
Potential performance measures
@ ECA strategic planning effort initiated
# programs or projects completed within 1-5 years
post adoption of strategic plan
% PFD and ECA Boards indicating plan and
improvements successful
% ECA attendees rate improvements successful
Action 1e.4 (29): 4th Avenue Cultural Corridor
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Cultural Service Division
City Council
Public Works Department
Mod-low Medium-high 24-60
Strategic objective Participants
Fund and complete construction of a linear park
streetscape between the downtown and Edmonds
Center Arts in order to create a walkable corridor that
preserves the historical character of the area, and
promotes retail/art opportunities.
Economic Development Department
Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Adjacent property owners and residents
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
4th Avenue Cultural Corridor
Potential performance measures
@ project funded in phases or full
@ construction initiated in phases or full
% adjacent property owners indicate result successful
% public indicates result successful
# new galleries or businesses locate along corridor
Packet Page 178 of 265
Top – 4th Avenue Cultural
Corridor
Above right – historical landmarks
map
Packet Page 179 of 265
Action 1e.5 (31): Artist live/work
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Chamber of Commerce
Economic Development Department
Cultural Services Division
Low Medium 12-36
Strategic objective Participants
Explore ways to develop affordable artist live-work-
teach-display-sell spaces to attract young and
emerging talent to Edmonds similar to the Schack
Center in Everett.
City Council
Arts Commission
Snohomish County Housing Authority
Port of Edmonds
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Artspace – developers
Property Owners
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Artist live/work
Potential performance measures
# artists desiring expressing interest in live/work
units/spaces
@ site selected and project initiated
# live/work units created
# persons attend art exhibitions at site
# persons attend art classes at site
@ Level of funding generated by nonprofit or private
sources
Action 1e.6 (30): Art and history walking tours
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Cultural Service Division Low Low-medium 6-12
Strategic objective Participants
Create signage, audio and phone apps, and web
based information to expand art and history walking
tours of waterfront and downtown historical sites
and buildings, artworks, and other visually
interesting and significant landmarks.
Parks & Recreation Department
Art Commission
Historic Preservation Commission
Edmonds Historical Museum
Chamber of Commerce
Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation
Edmonds Community College
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Art and history walking tours
Potential performance measures
# historical buildings located on tour
# tourists requesting maps or apps for tour
% historical property owners indicating successful
Packet Page 180 of 265
Working Artists Ventura (WAV)
The Working Artists Ventura (WAV) project is a
state-of-the-art, sustainable village designed for
artists and creative businesses. Located in the
cultural district of downtown Ventura, California,
WĀV provides affordable living and working
space for over 100 artists of every kind; painters,
sculptors, dancers, poets, musicians, filmmakers
and more.
The WAV Theater Gallery offers performances, art
openings and public gatherings. Arts-friendly
small businesses include coffee houses, galleries,
cafes, wine bars and jazz clubs that will draw
foot traffic and contribute to the vitality of the
neighborhood.
With the community involved in every phase of
development, the WAV project is filled with
diverse, mixed-income families and individuals.
Supportive Housing provides homes and services
to those at the lowest end of the income scale.
Solar-powered, ocean-view condominiums that
come with a hybrid car bring higher income
households to the community and help to cross-
capitalize the affordable components.
The entire community is designed and built to
the highest standards of green building
technology (seeking LEED Gold Award), including
recycled building materials, car sharing, water
and energy conservation, and renewable power
from the sun.
The City of Ventura worked with PLACE (Projects
Linking Art, Community & Environment) a
nonprofit organization based in Minnesota.
www.placeonline.us
http://welcometoplace.com/projects/wav
Packet Page 181 of 265
Action 1e.7 (32): Fine Arts Museum
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Cultural Services Division Low Medium-high 36-72
Strategic objective Participants
Explore ways to develop a museum to exhibit local,
emerging, and traveling fine arts possibly in
combination with Edmonds Center Arts and/or the
proposed artist live/work project.
Edmonds Historical Museum
Art Galleries
Economic Development Department
Arts Commission
Edmonds Arts Festival/Foundation
Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Fine Art Museum
Potential performance measures
@ sponsor group established to develop/operate
museum
@ site/project selected and museum constructed
# exhibitions conducted per year
# persons visiting museum
$ sales attributed to museum store and exhibited art
Strategic Objective 1: Economic Health, Vitality & Sustainability
1f: Promote a permit and licensing process to promote business
recruitment, expansion, and retention
Action 1f.1 (3): Economic incentives
Lead Rank Complexity Months
City Council
Development Services Department
Economic Development Department
Economic Development Commission
Mod-high Medium-high 12-24
Strategic objective Participants
Adopt economic incentives for key business or
development recruitment targets. These may include
reduced or deferred business license fees, permit
fees, utility connection charges, latecomer fees, park
or traffic impact fees, property tax reduction or
deferral, and/or expedited building permit review.
Public Works Department
Parks & Recreation Department
Finance Department
Chamber of Commerce
City Clerk’s Office
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Economic incentives
Potential performance measures
# new businesses locating in Edmonds who attribute
reason to incentives
# businesses on strategic recruitment list who
attribute reason to incentives
% of new businesses remaining in Edmonds after 5
years
# new jobs created as result of incentive programs
Packet Page 182 of 265
Strategic Objective 2: Maintain, enhance, and create a sustainable
environment
2a: Build a community that balances environmental protection,
economic health, and social needs
Action 2a.1 (47): Recycling
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Public Works Department
Sustainable Edmonds
Very high Low-medium On-going
Strategic objective Participants
Expand reuse and recycling programs in current city
operations and in waste management outreach
activities by Edmonds households and businesses.
Waste Management
Sound Disposal
Edmonds Climate Protection Committee
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Recycling
Potential performance measures
# tons of garbage and waste picked up per household
per year
% tons of waste reduced per household per year
# tons of recycled materials picked up per year in
city
Action 2a.2 (33): Farmers’/Public Market
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Edmonds Summer Market Very high Medium-high 12-36
Strategic objective Participants
Expand into a year-round activity with available all-
weather structures, available parking, and increased
visibility to attract out-of-area customers and
tourists.
Economic Development Department
Cultural Service Division
Parks & Recreation Department
Public Works Department
Edmonds Historical Museum
Chamber of Commerce
Property owners
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Farmers’/Public Market
Potential performance measures
@ permanent site selected and all-weather shelter
built
# new vendors added to market
# market days conducted year-round
# market customers per year
% public indicating results successful
Packet Page 183 of 265
Action 2a.3 (45c): Stormwater
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Public Works Department Very high Medium-high 24-48
Strategic objective Participants
Resolve flooding on SR-104 and Dayton. Olympic Water District
Salmon Recovery Board
WA Department of Ecology
WA Department of Fish & Wildlife
WA Department of Natural Resources
People for Puget Sound
Friends of Edmonds Marsh
Sustainable Edmonds
Property owners
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Stormwater
Potential performance measures
@ Willow Creek daylighted
@ Edmonds Marsh natural flow restored
# demonstration rain gardens, bio-swales installed
# complaints related to flooding
Action 2a.4 (43): Native habitat
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Parks & Recreation Department
Backyard Wildlife Habitat
Mod-high Medium On-going
Strategic objective Participants
Plant street trees, restore native habitat in disturbed
areas, remove invasive species and update the
landscape ordinance to promote use of native and
drought resistant plants and restoration of wildlife
habitat.
Public Works Department
Tree Board
Frog Watch
Sustainable Edmonds
Friends of Edmonds Marsh
Pilchuck Audubon Society
Edmonds in Bloom
Floretum Garden Club
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Native habitat
Potential performance measures
% acreage impacted by invasive species
# acres cleared of invasive species per year
# volunteers involved
Packet Page 184 of 265
Action 2a.4 (45b): Stormwater
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Public Works Department Mod-high Medium-high On-going
Strategic objective Participants
Resolve on-going flooding and water quality issues in
Lake Ballinger.
Olympic Water District
Salmon Recovery Board
WA Department of Ecology
WA Department of Fish & Wildlife
WA Department of Natural Resources
People for Puget Sound
Sustainable Edmonds
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Stormwater
Potential performance measures
# demonstration rain gardens, bio-swales installed
% stormwater volume treatable by green methods
% realized by green methods
# complaints received
Action 2a.5 (46): Energy
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Public Works Department
Sustainable Edmonds
Mod-high Medium On-going
Strategic objective Participants
Reduce Edmond’s carbon footprint through solar
installations and other energy conservation practices
in current city operations, updating development
codes, and utilizing Sustainable Works energy audits
and retrofits.
Development Services Department
Puget Sound Energy
Snohomish County PUD
Community Transit
Sound Transit
WA Department of Transportation
Edmonds Climate Protection Committee
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Energy
Potential performance measures
% city energy reduced at WWTP, city buildings, and
city fleet
# energy audits/retrofits completed per year
# alternative energy projects/programs completed in
Edmonds
% power consumption reduced per household in
Edmonds
# miles driven per household
% miles reduced per year
Packet Page 185 of 265
Solar applications
Solar panels harness the energy of the sun,
converting it into energy that can be stored
and used. The type of solar panel known as a
solar thermal collector works by absorbing the
energy into a liquid medium, such as water, to
later use as heat energy. The type of solar
panel known as a photovoltaic module
converts this energy into electricity, which can
then be stored in battery bays to be used at a
later date.
Most commonly, solar roof panels are of the
solar thermal collector variety. Many buildings
line their roofs with hot water panels to collect
heat energy. These panels contain a liquid
which runs through pipes that are attached to
an absorber panel. This absorber panel is
coated with a deep black coloring, to help it
absorb as much sunlight as is possible. The
sunlight strikes this panel, and heats it up, in
turn heating up the liquid, which can then be
pumped elsewhere for use.
Bullitt Center
Bullitt Center is shown on the left – Seattle’s
first completely self-sufficient application of
solar and other energy saving building
applications – “the greenest commercial
building in the world”.
The goal of the Bullitt Center is to change the
way buildings are designed, built and operated
to improve long-term environmental
performance and promote broader
implementation of energy efficiency,
renewable energy and other green building
technologies in the Northwest.
The building is seeking to meet the ambitious
goals of the Living Building Challenge, the
world’s most strenuous benchmark for
sustainability.
For example, a solar array will generate as
much electricity as the building uses and rain
will supply as much water, with all wastewater
treated onsite.
By creating a place where every worker has
access to fresh air and daylight, the Bullitt
Center will create a healthy, human
environment that is more pleasant and more
productive than most commercial buildings.
http://bullittcenter.org/building
Packet Page 186 of 265
Action 2a.5 (44): Food production
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Parks & Recreation Department
Edmonds Tree Board
Sustainable Edmonds
Mod-high Low-medium On-going
Strategic objective Participants
Encourage community gardens and pea patches,
plant fruit tree orchards, harvest and deliver food
products to food banks and other sources to promote
natural systems in Edmonds.
Floretum Garden Club
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Food production
Potential performance measures
# acreage committed to community gardens
# persons involved in gardens
# pounds of food grown and donated per year
# persons served by food donations per year
Action 2a.6 (45a): Stormwater and habitat
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Public Works Department Mod-low High 24-60
Strategic objective Participants
Daylight Willow Creek to help with restoring
saltwater access to Edmonds Marsh.
Olympic Water District
Salmon Recovery Board
WA Department of Ecology
WA Department of Fish & Wildlife
WA Department of Natural Resources
People for Puget Sound
Friends of Edmonds Marsh
Sustainable Edmonds
WRIA 8
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Stormwater and habitat
Potential performance measures
@ Willow Creek daylighted
% Edmonds Marsh natural flow restored
Packet Page 187 of 265
Community Gardens
Community gardening improves people’s
quality of life by providing a catalyst for
neighborhood and community development,
stimulating social interaction, encouraging
self-reliance, beautifying neighborhoods,
producing nutritious food, reducing family
food budgets, conserving resources and
creating opportunities for recreation,
exercise, therapy and education.
Any piece of land gardened by a group of
people is a community garden. A community
garden can be urban, suburban, or rural. It
can grow flowers, vegetables or community.
It can be one community plot, or can be
many individual plots. It can be at a school,
hospital, or in a neighborhood. It can also be
a series of plots dedicated to "urban
agriculture" where the produce is grown for a
market.
Benefits of Community Gardens:
Improves the quality of life for people in
the garden
Provides a catalyst for neighborhood and
community development
Stimulates social interaction
Encourages self-reliance
Beautifies neighborhoods
Produces nutritious food
Reduces family food budgets
Conserves resources
Creates opportunity for recreation,
exercise, therapy, and education
Reduces crime
Preserves green space
Creates income opportunities and
economic development
Reduces city heat from streets and
parking lots
Provides opportunities for
intergenerational and cross-cultural
connections
The American Community Gardening
Association (ACGA) is a bi-national nonprofit
membership organization of professionals,
volunteers and supporters of community
greening in urban and rural communities.
ACGA and its member organizations work to
promote and support all aspects of
community food and ornamental gardening,
urban forestry, preservation and
management of open space, and integrated
planning and management of developing
urban and rural lands.
www.communitygarden.org
Packet Page 188 of 265
Action 2a.7 (45a): Stormwater and habitat
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Public Works Department Mod-low Low-medium On-going
Strategic objective Participants
Encourage the development of rain gardens, green
roofs and walls, bio-filtration swales, and other green
development features in Edmonds projects and
development codes.
Olympic Water District
Salmon Recovery Board
WA Department of Ecology
WA Department of Fish & Wildlife
People for Puget Sound
Friends of Edmonds Marsh
Sustainable Edmonds
Edmonds Climate Protection Committee
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Stormwater and habitat
Potential performance measures
@ Willow Creek daylighted
% Edmonds Marsh natural flow restored
# demonstration rain gardens, bio-swales installed
% stormwater volume treatable by green methods
% realized by green methods
@ green incorporated into Edmonds development
code
Action 2a.8 (42): Coordination - environment
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Parks & Recreation Department
Sustainable Edmonds
Low Low-medium On-going
Strategic objective Participants
Establish a central clearinghouse to coordinate
environmental education and sustainability funding,
programs, and volunteers.
Friends of Edmonds Marsh
Pilchuck Audubon Society
Edmonds in Bloom
Floretum Garden Club
Tree Board
Edmonds Climate Protection Committee
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Coordination - environment
Potential performance measures
% environmental organizations participating in
clearinghouse
$ funds secured by non-city sources or volunteers
# programs conducted per year
# persons participating in clearinghouse activities
% users indicate success
% public indicates success
Packet Page 189 of 265
Rain gardens
Nearly 70% of the pollution in surface
waters gets there through stormwater
runoff, according to studies by the
Environmental Protection Agency. And
50% of that pollution is chemical
pollution from products used for yard
care and household activities and from
yard waste.
A rain garden is a shallow depression
that is planted with deep-rooted native
plants and grasses and positioned near a
runoff source like a downspout, driveway
or sump pump to capture rainwater
runoff and stop the water from reaching
the sewer system.
A rain garden will:
help reduce pollution in lakes, rivers
and streams
help recharge groundwater
keep rainwater on property where it
naturally belongs
create native habitat for wildlife and
butterflies
beautify the landscape
A rain garden can mimic the natural
absorption and pollutant removal
activities of a forest, or a meadow or a
prairie and can absorb runoff more
efficiently, sometimes as much as 30% -
40% more than a standard lawn.
Capturing rainwater in a rain garden,
holding the water for a short time and
then slowly releasing it into the soil can
reduce the rush of a large storm –
quickly, neatly and naturally.
Because rain gardens are dug 4" to 8"
deep, and in some cases 1' - 2' deep, they
hold larger quantities of rainwater
making their overall construction more
cost efficient then other green
alternatives. Rain gardens also need less
technical experience to install and can be
installed without permits or heavy
equipment.
Rain gardens are one very good option
that helps to lower the impact of
impervious surfaces and polluted runoff
because they are low-tech, inexpensive,
sustainable and esthetically beautiful.
http://www.raingardennetwork.com/
Packet Page 190 of 265
Green/Smart Development
Stormwater management - green
roofing systems retain 60-100% of the
rainfall they receive. Stormwater
retention relieves excess volume from
overburdened sewer systems and filters
stormwater pollutants. By replacing the
footprint of vegetation that was
removed by buildings and associated
impermeable pavement surfaces, green
roofs mitigate impacts of stormwater
runoff from urban development.
Reduce energy costs - green roofs
provide the ecologically and
economically important benefit of
rooftop insulation to reduce the amount
of energy used for building air
conditioning. Green roofing acts as a
barrier to thermal transfer of the sun's
energy through the roof. Plants re-
circulate water from the root zone,
cooling the air above the roof and
absorb or deflect incoming solar
radiation.
Reduce urban heat island effect -
cities can be up to 5-7º C hotter than
their surrounding rural areas. Living
green roofs help mitigate this effect by
cooling the air over congested urban
environments.
Improve air quality - tests show that
increased urban vegetation habitats
helps reduce atmospheric pollutants
and the levels of CO, NO2, O3, PM10,
SO2.
Green walls - the benefits of green
walls are similar to green roofs in that
green walls covered in vegetation are
25% cooler than regular buildings walls
in summer, remove air pollutants, and
look great.
www.xeroflor.ca/types-and-
systems/green-roof-types.html
Packet Page 191 of 265
Strategic Objective 3: Maintain and enhance Edmonds’ community
character and quality of life
Action 3a.1 (41a): Senior Center
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Edmonds Senior Center
Parks & Recreation Department
Very high High 12-72
Strategic objective Participants
Develop long term solution for maintaining and
updating the Senior Center.
City Council
Citizens
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Senior Center
Potential performance measures
@ long range plan/project completed for center
$ funding secured
# new programs realized as result of plan/project
# new users added by implementing plan
% users indicate project success
% public indicate project success
Action 3a.2 (37): Downtown restrooms
Lead Rank Complexity Months
City of Edmonds
Chamber of Commerce
Very high Medium-high 12-48
Strategic objective Participants
Develop a public restroom facility to serve
pedestrians, customers, and tourists in the
downtown district.
City Council
Economic Development Department
Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Edmonds Downtown BID
Downtown businesses and property owners
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Downtown restrooms
Potential performance measures
@ site selected and restrooms constructed
% downtown businesses indicate successful
% downtown customers indicate restrooms successful
Action 3a.3 (40): Anderson Center
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Park & Recreation Department Very high Medium 12-60
Strategic objective Participants
Refine long range strategy to enhance, maintain and
update life cycle maintenance, repair requirements
and functional program needs.
City Council
Planning Board
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Anderson Center
Potential performance measures
@ facility renovation and retrofit accomplished
% funding secured
# life cycle years added to facility as result of project
# increased programs and events possible
# increased center users
% users indicate upgrade successful
% public indicates upgrade successful
Packet Page 192 of 265
Top – aerial view of waterfront, ferry landing, Senior Center, Antique Mall, and Harbor
Square
Bottom left– frontage of Antique Mall
Bottom right – north end of Antique Mall
Edmonds Senior Center Ferry terminal
Harbor Square Amtrak/Sounder Train Station Safeway/Antique Mall
Packet Page 193 of 265
Action 3a.4 (35): Greenways and Parks
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Parks & Recreation Department
Sustainable Edmonds
Very high Medium-high 12-60
Strategic objective Participants
Develop a system of coordinated open spaces,
conservation corridors, and greenways with trail
access along the shoreline, waterfront, wetlands,
hillsides, and parks to preserve the natural setting
and increase public awareness and access.
City Council
Planning Board
Development Services Department
Friends of Edmonds Marsh
Edmonds in Bloom
Pilchuck Audubon Society
Floretum Garden Club
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Greenways
Potential performance measures
# acres of parkland
# acres representing natural/protected/conservation
status land
# miles of extended greenway or corridors in city
% accessible by trail or walkway
% public indicates greenways are sufficient
Action 3a.5 (16): Activities - youth
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Parks & Recreation Department
Edmonds School District
Very high Low-medium On-going
Strategic objective Participants
Create young adult social and recreation oriented
activities and facilities that offer evening and after
school peer group interactions and events.
Edmonds Community College
Edmonds Boys & Girls Club
SnoKing Youth Association
Young Life Edmonds
Jeremiah Center
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Activities - youth
Potential performance measures
@ facilities available for young adults
# increased programs and events possible
# increased center users
% young adults using facilities
% users indicate upgrade(s) successful
% public indicates upgrade(s) successful
Packet Page 194 of 265
Action 3a.6 (38a): Yost Pool - financing
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Parks & Recreation Department Very high Medium-high 12-36
Strategic objective Participants
Create and implement a long term financial and
operational strategy for the updating/upgrading,
refurbishment and retrofitting of the current Yost
Pool facility.
City Council
Planning Board
Edmonds School District
Edmonds Boys & Girls Club
Pool users
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Yost Pool - financing
Potential performance measures
@ funding strategy resolved for Pool upgrades and
possible expansion
% funding provided by non-city sources
% operating costs recovered by user fees and
schedules
# annual pool users
% annual increase in pool utilization
# events at pool
Action 3a.7 (65): Public view preservation
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Development Services Department Mod-high High 12-24
Strategic objective Participants
Identify public view corridors and view sheds in the
Bowl and create appropriate public view protection
overlay districts, ordinances, and other measures to
preserve and protect them.
City Council
Planning Board
Architectural Design Board
Port of Edmonds
Chamber of Commerce
Property owners
Citizens
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Public view preservation
Potential performance measures
% of Bowl field surveyed and mapped for viewscapes
@ viewscape maps developed as part of city GIS
system
@ view overlay zones and ordinances adopted by
Council
% residents indicate success of view preservation
efforts
% developers indicate success of view preservation
efforts
Packet Page 195 of 265
Action 3a.8 (38b): Yost Pool - improvement
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Parks & Recreation Department Mod-low High 60-120
Strategic objective Participants
Develop and/or expand Yost Pool to include outdoor
and indoor leisure pool elements, therapy pool, party
rooms and concessions, and possibly other
recreation physical conditioning, courts, and
gymnasium uses.
City Council
Planning Board
Edmonds School District
Edmonds Boys & Girls Club
Edmonds Senior Center
Nearby residents
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Yost Pool - improvement
Potential performance measures
@ funding strategy resolved for Pool upgrade and
expansion
% funding provided by non-city sources
% operating costs recovered by user fees and
schedules
# annual pool users
% annual increase in pool utilization
# events at pool
Action 3a.9 (39a): Civic Field
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Parks & Recreation Department
Edmonds School District
Mod-low High 24-96
Strategic objective Participants
Address long term property ownership and upgrade
field, stadium, lighting, and other features to support
competitive play including tournaments.
City Council
Planning Board
Economic Development Department
Economic Development Commission
Edmonds Boys & Girls Club
Snohomish County Sports Tourism
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Civic Field
Potential performance measures
@ ownership status resolved for properties
% of planned projects completed
% funding provided by non-city sources
# annual events conducted at fields
% use by out-of-area visitors or tourists
Packet Page 196 of 265
Action 3a.10 (67): Design standards
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Development Services Department Mod-low Medium 12-24
Strategic objective Participants
Illustrate site, building, landscape, and signage
design objectives using examples to achieve public
quality design objectives.
City Council
Planning Board
Architectural Design Board
Property owners
Citizens
Business owners
Architects
Developers
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Design standards
Potential performance measures
@ design standards updated to include illustrations
and form-based examples
% developers rating standards to be understandable
and fair
% Architectural Design Board rating standards
effective
# variances sought post adoption of updated
standards
Action 3a.11 (17): Diversify housing options
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Development Services Department Mod-low Medium 12-24
Strategic objective Participants
Increase housing choice by type, price, and proximity
to employment centers, transit corridors, and
recreational sites in order to provide live/work/play
opportunities in Edmonds.
Port of Edmonds
Community Transit
Chamber of Commerce
Sound Transit
Edmonds property owners
Developers
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Diversify housing options
Potential performance measures
# new urban housing starts by type, price, location
% vacancy and occupancy rate of new urban housing
products
Action 3a.12 (18): Affordable housing
Lead Rank Complexity Months
City Council
Development Services Department
Low Medium 12-24
Strategic objective Participants
Promote the creation of rental and sale workforce
housing for moderate income working households
through incentives that may include additional
density, reduced parking requirements, reduced
permit fees, and/or other measures.
Planning Board
Economic Development Department
Snohomish County Housing Authority
Edmonds property owners
Developers
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Affordable housing
Potential performance measures
# new housing starts affordable to Edmonds
households at 80% of Family Median Income (FMI)
% of all new housing projects participating in
affordable housing
% of occupants that work in Edmonds
Packet Page 197 of 265
Form-Based Codes
Form-Based Codes (FBCs) are clear and
precise standards that offer
predictability. FBCs are developed to
create a specific place that residents
can desire. Both the vision and FBCs
are developed with citizen input.
Citizens have a higher comfort level
with the end result the standards is
likely to produce.
City staff gets a streamlined and easy
to administer review process. FBCs
also create more choices, more
opportunities and options for the
property owner. Typically, developers
borrow money to pursue pre-
construction work. For developers,
time is money. The biggest incentive
that cities can offer is not money, but
clear and predictable development
standards. Most developers are willing
to build to higher standards if the
rules are clear and the process is
predictable. By offering a predictable
environment FBCs reduce risks where
banks in a credit-starved economy
may be more willing to loan
construction money.
Flex Blocks – mixed use
Flex Block is a vertical mixed-use
building typically of a single massing
element, designed for occupancy by
retail, service, or office uses on the
ground floor, with upper floors
configured for retail, service, office,
and/or residential uses. Second floor
units may be directly accessed from
the street through a stair. Upper floors
are accessed through a street level
lobby.
This building type is typically found
in town centers and neighborhood
main streets. The building can be
owned by one entity, or divided into
several individually owned
commercial and residential condos.
Shown are examples of mixed use
developments around Puget Sound.
http://www.formbasedcodes.org/
http://www.smartcodecentral.org/
Packet Page 198 of 265
Action 3a.13 (39b): Woodway Fields
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Parks & Recreation Department Low Medium-high 36-48
Strategic objective Participants
Address long term property ownership and upgrade
field, lighting, and other features to support
competitive play including tournaments.
Edmonds School District
City Council
Planning Board
Edmonds Boys & Girls Club
Snohomish County Sports Tourism
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Woodway Fields
Potential performance measures
@ ownership status resolved for property
@ improvement projects completed for site
% funding provided by non-city sources
# annual events conducted at fields
% of use by out-of-area visitors or tourists
Action 3a.14 (36): Dog Park
Lead Rank Complexity Months
OLAE Stewardship
Parks & Recreation Department
Low Medium 36-60
Strategic objective Participants
Identify a suitable relocation site and develop a
dedicated dog park consisting of fenced social yards
with spectator seating and amenities, and off-leash
exercise areas and trails.
City Council
Planning Board
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Dog Park
Potential performance measures
@ site selected and park constructed
# dog park users
% dog park users indicate park is successful
Action 3a.15 (41b): Senior Center
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Edmonds Senior Center
Parks & Recreation Department
Very low High 60-96
Strategic objective Participants
Relocate the Senior Center to another location. City of Edmonds
Planning Board
Development Services Department
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Senior Center
Potential performance measures
@ long range plan/project completed for center
% funding provided by non-city sources
# new programs realized as result of plan/project
# new users added by project
% users indicate project success
% public indicate project success
Packet Page 199 of 265
Strategic Objective 4: Develop and maintain a transportation and
infrastructure system to meet current and future demand
4a: Build a community that balances environmental protection,
economic health, and social needs
Action 4a.1 (62): BNSF Railroad
Lead Rank Complexity Months
City Council Very high Medium 12-18
Strategic objective Participants
Participate in the environmental impact assessment
process related to a proposal to build a coal export
terminal at Cherry Point in Bellingham. Identify
required improvements in Edmonds to mitigate extra
tracks, train volumes, dust, noise, and potential
conflicts with ferry terminal and waterfront
pedestrian, bike, and vehicular traffic.
Economic Development Department
Development Services Department
Public Works Department
WA Department of Transportation
WA State Ferries
WA Department of Ecology
Port of Edmonds
Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
BNSF Railroad
Potential performance measures
# coal trains
# ferry loading/unloading delayed due to coal train
traffic
# complaints filed due to dust, noise, horns
$ mitigation provided to minimize/eliminate impacts
created by coal trains
Action 4a.2 (53): Street maintenance
Lead Rank Complexity Months
City Council
Public Works Department
Very high Medium-high 12-18
Strategic objective Participants
Create a financing mechanism to generate
approximately $1,400,000 per year which is needed
annually to maintain city streets.
WA Department of Transportation
Snohomish County Infrastructure
Coordination Committee (ICC)
Economic Development Commission
Community Transit
Chamber of Commerce
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Street maintenance
Potential performance measures
@ funding strategy resolved and approved by Council
and/or voters
# complaints pavement or pot holes per year
# street miles pavement overlaid per year
% street pavement life cycle met
% all street pavement rated as good or better
% public indicating success
Packet Page 200 of 265
Action 4a.3 (49): Walkways
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Public Works Department Very high Medium-high On-going
Strategic objective Participants
Institute sidewalk maintenance and construction
program to complete key connections to the
waterfront, downtown, business districts, schools,
parks, and other major walking destinations.
City Council
Community Transit
WA Department of Transportation
Edmonds School District
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Walkways
Potential performance measures
% of Edmonds street lane miles with sidewalks on
one side
% of Edmonds residents that walk to work
% of Edmonds residents that walk to transit
Action 4a.4 (58): Sounder Train
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Sound Transit Mod-high High On-going
Strategic objective Participants
Increase the schedule and number of Sound Transit
commuter rail trains between downtown Seattle and
Edmonds to promote development of transit oriented
development at Harbor Square, the waterfront, and
downtown.
City of Edmonds
Port of Edmonds
Chamber of Commerce
Community Transit
WA Department of Transportation
WA State Ferries
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Sounder Train
Potential performance measures
# riders using Sounder Edmonds Station due to
increase in Sounder service
% increase in boardings at the Sounder Edmonds
Station due to increase in Sounder service
Action 4a.5 (59): Sound Transit LINK
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Sound Transit Mod-high Medium-high 1-132
Strategic objective Participants
Develop Community Transit links with the proposed
Sound Transit LINK light rail corridor alignment
along Interstate 5.
Public Works
Community Transit
Chamber of Commerce
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Sound Transit LINK
Potential performance measures
# Edmonds riders forecast to use transit as result of
LINK corridor development
# new mixed use and transit-oriented development
(TOD) likely along Highway 99 corridor due to
LINK connection
Packet Page 201 of 265
Action 4a.6 (48): Trails
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Parks & Recreation Department Mod-high Medium On-going
Strategic objective Participants
Complete an off-road multipurpose trail network
linking the shoreline and waterfront, Edmonds
Marsh, downtown, business districts, parks and open
spaces, bus and rail transit connections, and the
Interurban Trail in Edmonds.
Planning Board
Development Services Department
Public Works Department
Community Transit
Sound Transit
Edmonds Bike Group(s)
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Trails
Potential performance measures
# miles of off-road trails in Edmonds
# sites and facilities connected to or by off-road
trails
# of people living within 0.25 miles of an off-road
trail
% people stating they use trails during peak summer
weekend
% public indicating trails success
Action 4a.7 (54): Highway 99
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Economic Development Department
Public Works Department
Mod-high Medium-high 12-60
Strategic objective Participants
Create transportation improvement program and
project for Highway 99 to improve traffic flow,
transit connections, pedestrian streetscape and to
encourage mixed use project developments similar to
what has been recently completed in Shoreline and is
planned in Everett and Lynnwood.
City Council
Planning Board
Washington State Legislature
Police Department
Cultural Service Division
WA Department of Transportation
Community Transit
Swedish Hospital
Highway 99 property and business owners
Citizens
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Highway 99
Potential performance measures
@ planning process initiated
% traffic flow LOS improved
% transit ridership increase
# new projects attributed to corridor improvement
% increase in property value and property tax
revenue
% increase in retail sales and retail sales tax revenue
% public indicates success
Packet Page 202 of 265
Top – existing conditions on Highway 99 in
Edmonds
Center – completed Highway 99
improvements in Tukwila
Bottom – completed Highway 99
improvements in Des Moines
Wayfinding signage
Interurban Trail
Gateways
Packet Page 203 of 265
Action 4a.8 (61): Intermodal Station
Lead Rank Complexity Months
City of Edmonds
Sound Transit
Community Transit
WSDOT
WA State Ferries
Amtrak
Mod-high High 60+
Strategic objective Participants
Develop an integrated Amtrak, Sounder, Community
Transit, shuttle, ferry, bike, and pedestrian transfer
facility on the waterfront to promote accessibility
and connectivity to and within Edmonds.
Port of Edmonds
Economic Development Department
Development Services Department
Port of Edmonds
Public Works Department
BNSF Railroad
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Intermodal Station
Potential performance measures
@ intermodal station funded and developed on
waterfront
# new riders on trains and transit
% new riders indicating use of transit over vehicles as
result of station
% new residents indicating sought to live in Edmonds
due to station development
% residents walk to ride bikes to station
Action 4a.9 (51): Waterfront connection
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Public Works Department
BNSF Railroad
WA State Ferries
Mod-high High 60+
Strategic objective Participants
Work to establish an emergency and everyday access
over the railroad tracks and ferry terminal lanes for
pedestrians bound for shoreline and waterfront
attractions from Harbor Square, Salish Crossing, and
the downtown.
Sound Transit
Amtrak
Community Transit
WA Department of Transportation
Port of Edmonds
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
waterfront connection
Potential performance measures
@ agreement reached with BNSF and WA Department
of Transportation
@ crossing constructed to improve access/safety for
pedestrians and vehicles
% waterfront users indicating success
Packet Page 204 of 265
Action 4a.10 (60): Ferry Terminal
Lead Rank Complexity Months
WSDOT
WA State Ferries
Mod-high High 60+
Strategic objective Participants
Create an interim ferry waiting and loading strategy
that reduces conflicts between trains, automobiles
and pedestrians while improving ferry rider access to
the waterfront and downtown services and amenities.
City of Edmonds
Sound Transit
Amtrak
BNSF Railroad
Port of Edmonds
Community Transit
Public Works Department
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Ferry Terminal
Potential performance measures
# new customers in waterfront and downtown
businesses due to staging improvement
$ spent in businesses as result of improvement
% ferry riders indicating success of improvement
% local businesses indicating staging success
Action 4a.11 (50): Crosswalks
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Public Works Department Mod-low Medium-high 24-60
Strategic objective Participants
Install special paving materials, flashing light
crossing strips, pedestrian activated signals, median
and curb extensions as appropriate to improve
pedestrian safety, increase visibility, and calm traffic
at major intersections on SR-104 and Highway 99.
Police Department
Community Transit
WA Department of Transportation
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Crosswalks
Potential performance measures
# crosswalks improved along SR-104 and Highway 99
# pedestrian/vehicle accidents at locations where
improvements are made
% reduction in accident rate
% users, customers indicating improvement
Action 4a.12 (57): SR-104 Transit
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Community Transit Mod-low Low On-going
Strategic objective Participants
Expand Community Transit’s schedule and hours to
support Edmonds employees and residents,
particularly at the waterfront, downtown, Westgate,
and Highway 99 including connections to the
Highway 99 International District.
City of Edmonds
Chamber of Commerce
Port of Edmonds
Property and business owners
Community Transit riders
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
SR-104 Transit
Potential performance measures
# riders boarding or departing in Edmonds
% public indicating use of transit over vehicles due to
schedule improvements
Packet Page 205 of 265
Action 4a.13 (52): Bikeway network
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Public Works Department
Edmonds Bike Group
Low Medium 12-60
Strategic objective Participants
Institute an on-street network of bike lanes,
shoulders, and sharrows (shared lanes) to complete
key connections to the waterfront, downtown,
business districts, schools, parks, and other major
commuter and recreational destinations including the
interurban trail.
Development Services Department work
Edmonds School District
WA Department of Transportation
WA State Ferries
Community Transit
Sound Transit
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Bikeway network
Potential performance measures
% of Edmonds residents that ride bikes to work
% of Edmonds school students that ride bikes to
school
% of Edmonds residents that ride bikes using
Edmonds roads and trails for recreational
purposes, daily, weekly, monthly, etc.
Action 4a.14 (55b): Shuttle service
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Highway 99 Business Owners
Downtown/Waterfront Business
Community
Low Low 12
Strategic objective Participants
Initiate seasonal or possibly year-round shuttle
service between downtown and Community Transit’s
Swift BRT transit stations along Highway 99.
Chamber of Commerce
Community Transit
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Shuttle service
Potential performance measures
@ trolley service initiated
% trolley operating funds provided by non-city
sources
% trolley cost recovered from fares
# trolley riders per year
% businesses indicate trolley success
Action 4a.15 (56): Swift Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Community Transit Low Low On-going
Strategic objective Participants
Enhance Community Transit’s route along Highway
99 from Everett to the King County Metro transfer
station at Aurora Village by designating transit lanes
and pull-outs, transit traffic signal activation, all-
weather shelters, and other improvements.
Chamber of Commerce
Highway 99 Property and Business owners
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Swift Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
Potential performance measures
# riders on Swift boarding and departing at Edmonds
stations along Highway 99 corridor
% rider increase due to improvements project and
mixed use developments
% new residents living within ¼ mile of Highway 99
Packet Page 206 of 265
Capital Bikeshare
Capital Bikeshare puts over 1,670 bicycles at any of
the 175 stations across Washington, DC, Arlington
and Alexandria, Virginia and allows riders to return it
to any station near the destination. Bikes can be
checked out for a trip to work, Metro, run errands, go
shopping, or visit friends and family.
Capital Bikeshare can be joined for 24 hours, 3 days,
30 days, or a year, and provide access to the fleet of
bikes 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The first 30
minutes of each trip are free. Each additional 30
minutes incurs an additional fee.
Annual or 30-day memberships are available online.
Members must be at least 16 years of age. Infrequent
users may choose to purchase a 24-hour membership
for $5 or 3-day membership for $15 by using the
kiosk located at each Capital Bikeshare station.
Capital Bikeshare bikes step-thru frames have 3
speeds, front and rear flashing LED lights and a front
rack as well as chain guard and fenders.
The stations are solar-powered and modular to allow
for easy installation. Each station consists of a
variable number of docking ports for the bikes based
on demand, plus a kiosk for the purchase of 24-hour
and 3-day memberships. There is also a two-sided
information panel which displays a local and regional
map with usage instructions on the kiosk.
However, Capital Bikeshare bike can only be taken out
for a maximum of 24 hours. If the bike has not been
returned and correctly docked at a station after 24
hours the bike is considered stolen and a fee of
$1,000 is charged to the credit card.
The Capital Bikeshare system is self-service to
empower users to make relatively quick, short
distance rides around town – as a similar system
could in and between MLK and the South Downtown
subareas.
http://www.capitalbikeshare.com/
Pedicabs
Portland Pedicab and PDX Pedicab operate 35
pedicabs, and PDX operates 8 pedicabs in the
downtown Portland area. Pedicabs offer safe, fun, and
environmental transportation. Pedicabs are also used
for tours, special events, and weddings.
Pedicabs also collaborate with local public agencies
such as the Portland Office of Transportation, the
Portland Old Town Arts & Culture Foundation, and the
Old Town Chinatown Neighborhood Association to
provide pedicab-led audio tours.
Packet Page 207 of 265
Action 4a.16 (55a): Shuttle service
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Downtown Edmonds and Highway 99
Business Community and Residents Very low Low 12
Strategic objective Participants
Initiate seasonal or possibly year-round shuttle
service between the waterfront area and downtown.
Chamber of Commerce
Community Transit
International District
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Shuttle service
Potential performance measures
@ trolley service initiated
% trolley operating funds provided by non-city
sources
% trolley cost recovered from fares
# trolley riders per year
% businesses indicate trolley success
Strategic Objective 4: Develop and maintain a transportation and
infrastructure system to meet current and future demand
4b: Provide quality services, facilities, and infrastructure
Action 4b.1
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Public Works Department On-going
Strategic objective Participants
WA Department of Transportation
WA State Ferries
Community Transit
Sound Transit
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Potential performance measures
Packet Page 208 of 265
Trolley
A tourist trolley, also called a road
trolley, is a rubber-tired bus (usually
diesel fueled, sometimes compressed
natural gas), which is made to resemble
an old-style streetcar or tram. These
vehicles are not actually trolleys, and to
avoid confusion with trolley buses, the
American Public Transportation
Association (APTA) refers to them as
"trolley-replica buses".
Tourist trolleys are used by both
municipal and private operators.
Municipal operators may mix tourist
trolleys in with the regular service bus
fleet to add more visitor interest or
attract attention to new routes. In many
cities tourist trolleys are used as
circulators. A circulator operates a
simplified route limited to popular
destinations on a fixed schedule with a
reduced or free fare. Tourist trolleys are
also run by private operators to carry
tourists to popular destinations.
RIPTA trolley transportation
Rhode Island Trolleys are an
environment-friendly way of going
around and seeing the sights. This mode
of transportation was introduced by the
Rhode Island Public Transit Authority or
RIPTA in 1999. RIPTA’s trolleys are
produced by the Chance Coach & Optima
Bus Company. They make use of
compressed natural gas or CNG for fuel.
The trolley services Providence’s historic
sites, universities, restaurants, shopping
places and cultural spots without the
problems of parking. Its 91 Gold Line
services the Providence Marriott
throughout the week. One-day, 10-ride
and 15-ride passes are available at stop
and shop outlets. Seniors and persons
with disabilities are given discounts.
http://www.island-
rhode.com/trolley.html
Packet Page 209 of 265
Strategic Objective 5: Responsible, accountable, and responsive
government
5a: Provide efficient and effective delivery of services
Action 5a.1 (63): Fiscal sustainability
Lead Rank Complexity Months
City Council Very high Medium-high 12-24
Strategic objective Participants
Implement Budgeting for Objectives (BFO) process
that incorporates public input to establish
community priorities, resolves a balance between
revenues and expenditures, and encourages
innovative and alternative delivery methods.
Finance Department
Economic Development Department
Public Works Department
Parks & Recreation Department
Police Department
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Fiscal sustainability
Potential performance measures
% of priorities accomplished annually
% completed within budget parameters
$ set aside in rainy day reserve
% of public rating BFO results to be satisfactory
# rating by bond agencies of city solvency
$ leveraged ratio of city funds to state and federal
grants
Action 5a.2 (68): Permitting processes
Lead Rank Complexity Months
City Council
Development Services Department
Very high Medium-high 12-18
Strategic objective Participants
Consolidate and simplify the business license, land
use and building permit review process to
incorporate electronic application procedures, pre-
submittal workshops, and concurrent reviews.
Planning Board
Architectural Design Board
Chamber of Commerce
City Clerk’s Office
Property owners
Architects
Developers
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Permitting processes
Potential performance measures
@ on-line applications available
# on-line applications filed annually
% users indicating on-line applications useful
% review process developers indicating new process
predictable and fair
% public indicating new process provides adequate
input and review
Packet Page 210 of 265
Action 5a.3 (72): Assess performance results
Lead Rank Complexity Months
City Council Very high Medium On-going
Strategic objective Participants
Assess, on an annual basis, State of the City
programs, projects, and budget. Regularly conduct
public, customer, and business surveys to determine
the effectiveness, performance, and priorities of
adopted Strategic Plan actions.
All Departments
Port of Edmonds
Swedish Hospital
Edmonds School District
Edmonds Community College
Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Edmonds Downtown BID
Sustainable Edmonds
Citizens
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Assess performance results
Potential performance measures
% businesses satisfied with strategic plan results
% public satisfied with strategic plan results
% young adults satisfied with strategic plan results
% of Council satisfied with strategic plan results
Action 5a.4 (71): Strategy development
Lead Rank Complexity Months
City Council
All Departments
Very high Medium 12
Strategic objective Participants
Adopt and implement a Strategic Plan in partnership
with public and private organizations.
Port of Edmonds
Swedish Hospital
Edmonds School District
Edmonds Community College
Sound Transit
Senior Center
Community Transit
WA Department of Transportation
WA State Ferries
Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Edmonds Downtown BID
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Strategy development
Potential performance measures
# of organizations involved in strategic plan
implementation actions
$ combined to fund marketing, promotion actions
Packet Page 211 of 265
Budgeting for Outcomes (BFO)
How is BFO different?
Traditional budgeting Budgeting for Outcomes
Budget begins with Last year’s budget Community priorities
Focuses on Cost of services Value of services
Is organized by Department Priority
Encourages Low risk “same as before” approach New ideas, innovation, cooperation, and
improvement
Motivation Be fair to all, avoid pain Get the best results that match priorities
BFO is also called Priority-Driven Budgeting (PDB) or Budgeting by Priority (BP) or Performance Based
Budgeting (PBB)
Budgeting for Outcomes (BFO)
BFO is one form of priority based budgeting
where spending is linked to overall
community results. Using BFO, the
government identifies its most important
priorities for its citizens. Services are then
ranked according to how well they align with
the priorities, and resources are allocated in
accordance with the ranking.
Budgeting for Outcomes is drastically
different than a traditional incremental
approach to budgeting where decreases in
revenue often lead to across the board cuts
limiting results that can be achieved for both
low and high priority services. Rather than
having the starting point be what was funded
by department in the previous budget, the
starting point with BFO becomes what results
the jurisdiction wants to achieve.
Elected officials spend more of their time
making decisions on how much revenue
citizens can afford to provide and on
choosing results and less time on deciding
how much money to cut from the budget and
where to cut. The incentives for agencies and
departments change from making it difficult
for the budget office to find places to cut
their budgets to figuring out what activities
work best to achieve results and how to
provide those activities at lower cost.
BFO is an innovative approach to budgeting
that acts as a catalyst for additional
improvements in efficiency and the ability to
deliver results for citizens.
http://www.gfoaconsulting.org/downloads/
GFOAWhitepaper_AnatomyofaPriority-
Driven%20BudgetProcess_March2011.pdf
Packet Page 212 of 265
Action 5a.5 (64): NGO participation
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Chamber of Commerce Mod-high Medium 12-18
Strategic objective Participants
Integrate NGOs such as the Chamber of Commerce,
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Association, Business
Improvement District, and others into the operation
and implementation of BFO and Strategic Plan
actions.
Downtown Edmonds Merchants Assn
Edmonds Downtown BID
Edmonds Center for the Arts
Sustainable Edmonds
Edmonds School District
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
NGO participation
Potential performance measures
% organizations who feel city government is giving
good service
% organizations who feel city government is listening
to them and keeping them involved
% organizations involved in policy development and
implementation
Action 5a.6 (34): Fiscal sustainability
Lead Rank Complexity Months
City Council Mod-high Medium 12-24
Strategic objective Participants
Create an alternative mechanism other than the City
of Edmonds General Fund with which to finance
parks and recreation programs and services.
Parks & Recreation Department
Finance Department
Port of Edmonds
Economic Development Commission
Citizens
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Fiscal sustainability
Potential performance measures
@ levy or bond referendum successful for park
projects
$ raised by above over current funding amounts
% cost recovery of recreational programs
% life cycle facility requirements funded per year
% capital projects funded in 6-10 year planning
period
Packet Page 213 of 265
Strategic Objective 5: Responsible, accountable, and responsive
government
5b: Promotion and encouragement of an active and involved community
Action 5b.1 (70): Public access
Lead Rank Complexity Months
City Council Mod-high Low-medium On-going
Strategic objective Participants
Conduct frequent town halls, public open houses,
and other events at locations throughout the city to
improve public access and facilitate dialogue on
policies, programs, projects, and budgets.
Economic Development Department
Finance Department
Parks & Recreation Department
Development Services Department
Public Works Department
Police Department
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Public access
Potential performance measures
# outreach events per year
% outreach events conducted throughout the City
# persons participating in outreach events
# persons on outreach contact lists
% eligible voters who participated in last general
election
Action 5b.2 (69): Communication
Lead Rank Complexity Months
City Council Mod-high Low-medium On-going
Strategic objective Participants
Establish effective public information and feedback
methods including websites, blogs, Facebook,
Twitter, and other social media outreach.
Economic Development Department
Finance Department
Parks & Recreation Department
Development Services Department
Public Works Department
Police Department
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Communication
Potential performance measures
% residents who feel that Edmonds listens to them,
keeps them informed, and seeks their
involvement
Packet Page 214 of 265
Strategic Objective 5: Provide responsible, accountable, and responsive
government
5c: Ensure a safe and secure environment for residents, businesses, and
visitors
Action 5c.1: Safe and secure environment
Lead Rank Complexity Months
Police Department Low On-going
Strategic objective Participants
City Council
Parks & Recreation Department
Development Services Department
Public Works Department
Implementation schedule 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018+
Safe and secure environment
Potential performance measures
% of residents who feel safe in their neighborhood
# reported part 1 crimes per 1,000 population
% of part 1 crimes cleared by arrest or exceptional
means
# reportable traffic collisions per 1,000 population
% of residents who rate their neighborhood condition
good or excellent
% of residents who rate their overall quality of life as
good or excellent
# active Community Emergency Response Team
(CERT) volunteers
# of residents trained in CERT
Packet Page 215 of 265
Strategic Objective
1
2
3
4
5
SO RS Rk Pg#Short Title Actions - Strategies - Goals Month Complex Lead 1 Lead 2 Lead 3 Lead 4 Lead 5 Lead 6 Sub1 Sub2
1 3 ML 25 01: Database Create and maintain a database to identify
opportunities for business and developer recruitment
efforts. The database may include an inventory of
available properties, buildings, and resources in
Edmonds business districts and zones.
6-18 Low-Med EDD Cham Port Ed Com
Brok
Com
1 5 VH 11 02: Business
outreach
Integrate City, Port, Chamber, Edmonds Community
College, Edmonds School District, and private business
efforts and communications for the benefit of
economic recruitment.
12 Low EDD Port Cham SP
1 4 MH 35 03: Economic
incentives
Adopt economic incentives for key business or
development recruitment targets. These may include
reduced or deferred business license fees, permit fees,
utility connection charges, latecomer fees, park or
traffic impact fees, property tax reduction or deferral,
and/or expedited building permit review.
12-24 Medium Council DSD EDD EDC Land
Use
1 5 VH 9 04: Economic
sustainability
Recruit businesses that employ technical, professional,
and managerial skills offered by Edmonds residents to
facilitate live/work sustainability in Edmonds.
Ongoing Low EDD Port Cham Sp Tech
1 5 VH 16 05: High tech
industries
Retain and recruit businesses that depend on, and can
take advantage of, Edmonds superior fiber optics
capability.
Ongoing Medium EDD Cham Port Tech
5 5 VH 68 05c.1Safe
Environment
Ensure a Safe and Secure Environment for residents,
businesses, and visitors
Ongoing Low ED Pol
1 5 VH 16 06: Health and
medical
industries
Retain and recruit businesses that support and can
expand health related services and products within the
general area of Swedish Hospital Edmonds.
36-72 Low EDD Swed
1 1 VL 22 07: Car
dealerships
Encourage development of auto sales facilities that
include decked display and storage lots, multistory
sales and service facilities in order to retain this
important source of retail sales revenue in the city and
maximize land use.
1-12 Low EDD 99 CD
Total Data Base
Develop and Maintain a Transportation & Infrastucture System to Meet Current & Future Demand Months = the time estimate to complete and Complexity is task complexity
Responsible, Accountable & Responsive Government Leads=organizations assigned to lead task and Subs are EDC committee assign
Notes: SO=Strategic Objective, RS and Rk=Numerical Ranking 5-1 and Terms
Economic Health, Vitality & Sustainability Rank 5-1 or Very High, Mod-High, Mod-Low, Low, and Very Low respectively.
Maintain, Enhance and Create a Sustainable Environment Pg# = page number in the Master Strategic Planning Doc
Maintain and Enhance Edmonds' Community Character & Quality of Life Short Title and Actions-Strategies-Goals taken directly from Master Doc.
Packet Page 216 of 265
1 5 VH 9 08: Marketing Identify and recruit retailers to fill critical gaps in retail
sales and services such as basic needs (clothing
downtown, professional services) within the business
districts of downtown, Westgate, Firdale Village, 5-
Corners, and Perrinville, as well as larger department
stores and specialty retailers on Highway 99.
1-36 Low EDD Port Cham SP
1 4 MH 11 09: Design Develop a process to identify ways to enhance retail
storefronts within the business districts of downtown,
Westgate, Firdale Village, 5-Corners, Perrinville and
Highway 99. For example, this could include identifying
competitive grants and low cost loan programs.
1-36 Low-Med DTMA Cham
1 5 VH 11 10: Promotion Initiate and expand retail sales and other events and
activities including sidewalk cafes and vendors within
the business districts of downtown, Westgate, Firdale
Village, 5-Corners, Perrinville and Highway 99.
1-36 Medium DTMA Cham
1 4 MH 20 11: Organization Institute the "Main Street" Program 4-Point approach
which includes economic restructuring, promotion,
design and organization for the downtown and
Highway 99 business districts.
1-24 Low EDD Cham DTMA
1 3 ML 22 12: Financing Create an Edmonds Downtown Business Improvement
District (BID) to benefit properties and businesses for
the purpose of instituting marketing, design, and
promotional activities within the downtown business
district.
1-12 Medium Ed DT BID Council
1 5 VH 9 13: Interim
storefronts
Encourage temporary artist exhibits or similar uses in
vacant storefronts or buildings in order to provide
visual interest and activity while the building is being
marketed for a future tenant or owner.
1-36 Low EDD DTMA Tour
1 5 VH 24 14: Employment Create a young adult job placement service to help
find part and full-time employment opportunities with
Edmonds businesses, schools and organizations.
12-18 Medium Cham ESD ECC
1 5 VH 24 15: Participation Work with public and private organizations to provide
mentoring opportunities for young adults through
events or social outreach, projects, environmental
stewardship, arts and culture and job/career
networking.
12 Low-Med Parks ESD ECC
Packet Page 217 of 265
3 5 VH 47 16: Activities Create young adult social and recreation oriented
activities and facilities that offer evening and after
school peer group interactions and events.
Ongoing Medium Parks ESD
3 3 ML 50 17: Diversify
housing options
Increase housing choice by type, price, and proximity
to employment centers, transit corridors, and
recreational sites in order to provide live/work/play
opportunities in Edmonds.
12-24 Medium DSD
3 2 L 50 18: Affordable
housing
Promote the creation of rental and sale workforce
housing for moderate income working households
through incentives that may include additional density,
reduced parking requirements, reduced permit fees,
and/or other measures.
12-24 Medium Council DSD
1 5 VH 17 19: Shoreline and
waterfront
Develop a strategy for the combined shoreline
(east/west of rail lines) from the Port to the
Underwater Dive Park and from the waterfront to the
downtown that increases public access and
recreational opportunities.
24-60 Med-High EDD DSD Council Port Tour Land
Use
1 5 VH 17 20: Harbor
Square
Review and approve a long term master plan and
agreement for the Port of Edmonds Harbor Square
property that enhances the waterfront environment,
public access and promotes mixed use development.
1-12 High City Port Land
Use
SP
1 5 VH 18 21: Antique Mall Encourage packaging the Safeway/Antique Mall and
nearby properties for the purpose of enhancing
redevelopment opportunities of this significant
gateway site.
1-36 Med-High Pr Own EDD Port Land
Use
SP
1 3 ML 20 22: Highway 99
International
District
Create a plan and design theme for this unique area,
initiate promotional events and activities, and recruit
additional anchors or destination stores.
21-26 Med-High Bus Own DSD EDD CSD Pr Own Tour Land
Use
1 5 VH 18 23: Swedish
Hospital
Update the Hospital District master plan to meet
hospital needs while mitigating impacts to adjacent
nonmedical land uses.
12-36 High Swed DSD Land
Use
1 2 L 27 24: Marketing Conduct surveys of visitors to determine their
characteristics, expenditure patterns, sources of
information, and other behavior to better understand
the economic benefits and what attracts visitors to
Edmonds.
Ongoing Low EDD CSD Cham Tour
Packet Page 218 of 265
1 4 MH 25 25: Design Continue to include arts and historical themes in the
Edmonds brand and install artworks, gateways,
wayfinding signage, and streetscape improvements at
key entrances to Edmonds, e.g., the waterfront,
downtown, Highway 99, State Route-104 and other
business districts.
Ongoing Low-Med CSD EDD Tour
1 4 MH 29 26: Promotion Create an Edmonds arts website and utilize social
media including Google maps, Facebook, and Twitter
to promote and attract visitors to an expanded year-
round calendar of events and festivals for performing,
literary, culinary, fine, and other arts interests.
12 Medium Cham CSD
1 4 MH 29 27: Organization Create a central clearinghouse to coordinate
scheduling and promotion of events in Edmonds.
Ongoing Low-Med Cham CSD Com
1 4 MH 31 28: Edmonds
Center for the
Arts (ECA)
Complete a strategic plan identifying financial
strategies for debt payment, redevelopment and reuse
of the remaining un-renovated property, including a
potential parking garage.
1-12 Med-High ECA
1 3 ML 31 29: 4th Avenue
Cultural Corridor
Fund and complete construction of a linear park
streetscape between the downtown and Edmonds
Center Arts in order to create a walkable corridor that
preserves the historical character of the area, and
promotes retail/art opportunities.
24-60 Med-High CSD Council Pub Wks
1 2 L 33 30: Art and
history walking
tours
Create signage, audio and phone apps, and web based
information to expand art and history walking tours of
waterfront and downtown historical sites and
buildings, artworks, and other visually interesting and
significant landmarks.
6-12 Low CSD
1 2 L 33 31: Artist
live/work
Explore ways to develop affordable artist live-work-
teach-display-sell spaces to attract young and
emerging talent to Edmonds similar to the Schack
Center in Everett.
12-36 Low-Med Cham EDD CSD Land
Use
Tour
1 2 L 35 32: Fine Arts
Museum
Explore ways to develop a museum to exhibit local,
emerging, and traveling fine arts possibly in
combination with ECA and/or the proposed artist
live/work project.
36-72 Med-High CSD
2 5 VH 36 33:
Farmers'/Public
Market
Expand into a year-round activity with available all-
weather structures, available parking, and increased
visibility to attract out-of-area customers and tourists.
12-36 Medium Ed Sum
Mkt
Tour SP
Packet Page 219 of 265
3 4 MH 66 34: Fiscal
sustainability
Create an alternative mechanism other than the City of
Edmonds General Fund with which to finance parks
and recreation programs and services.
12-24 Medium Council
3 5 VH 47 35: Greenways Develop a system of coordinated open spaces,
conservation corridors, and greenways with trail
access along the shoreline, waterfront, wetlands,
hillsides, and parks to preserve the natural setting and
increase public awareness and access.
12-60 Med-High Parks Sust Ed
3 2 L 52 36: Dog park Identify a suitable relocation site and develop a
dedicated dog park consisting of fenced social yards
with spectator seating and amenities, and off-leash
exercise areas and trails.
36-60 Medium OLAE Parks
3 5 VH 45 37: Downtown
restrooms
Develop a public restroom facility to serve pedestrians,
customers, and tourists in the downtown district.
12-48 Med-High City Cham Tour
3 5 VH 48 38a: Yost Pool Create and implement a long term financial and
operational strategy for the updating/upgrading,
refurbishment and retrofitting of the current Yost Pool
facility.
12-36 Med-High Parks
3 3 ML 49 38b: Yost Pool Develop and/or expand Yost Pool to include outdoor
and indoor leisure pool elements, therapy pool, party
rooms and concessions, and possibly other recreation
physical conditioning, courts, and gymnasium uses.
60-120 High Parks
3 3 ML 49 39a: Civic Field Civic Field - address long term property ownership and
upgrade field, stadium, lighting, and other features to
support competitive play including tournaments.
12-96 High Parks ESD Tour
3 2 L 52 39b: Woodway
Fields
Woodway Fields - address long term property
ownership and upgrade field, lighting, and other
features to support competitive play including
tournaments.
36-48 Med-High Parks
3 5 VH 45 40: Anderson
Center
Refine long range strategy to enhance, maintain and
update life cycle maintenance, repair requirements
and functional program needs.
12-60 Medium Parks
3 5 VH 45 41a: Senior
Center
a. Develop long term solution for maintaining and
updating the Senior Center.
12-72 High ED Sen Ctr Parks
3 1 VL 52 41b: Senior
Center
b. Relocate the Senior Center to another location.60-96 High ED Sen Ctr Parks
Packet Page 220 of 265
2 2 L 42 42: Coordination Establish a central clearinghouse to coordinate
environmental education and sustainability funding,
programs, and volunteers.
Ongoing Low-Med Parks Sust Ed
2 4 MH 37 43: Native
habitat
Plant street trees, restore native habitat in disturbed
areas, remove invasive species and update the
landscape ordinance to promote use of native and
drought resistant plants and restoration of wildlife
habitat.
Ongoing Medium Parks BY W
Hab
2 4 MH 40 44: Food
production
Encourage community gardens and pea patches, plant
fruit tree orchards, harvest and deliver food products
to food banks and other sources to promote natural
systems in Edmonds.
Ongoing Low Parks Ed TB Sust Ed
2 3 ML 40 45a: Stormwater
and habitat
Daylight Willow Creek to help with restoring saltwater
access to Edmonds Marsh.
24-60 High Pub Wks
2 4 MH 38 45b: Stormwater Resolve on-going flooding and water quality issues in
Lake Ballinger.
Ongoing Med-High Pub Wks
2 5 VH 37 45c: Stormwater Resolve flooding on SR-104 and Dayton.24-48 Med-High Pub Wks
2 3 ML 42 45d: Stormwater
and habitat
Encourage the development of rain gardens, green
roofs and walls, bio-filtration swales, and other green
development features in Edmonds projects and
development codes.
Ongoing Medium Pub Wks
2 4 MH 38 46: Energy Reduce Edmond's carbon footprint through solar
installations and other energy conservation practices
in current city operations, updating development
codes, and utilizing Sustainable Works energy audits
and retrofits.
Ongoing Medium Pub Wks Sust Ed
2 5 VH 36 47: Recycling Expand reuse and recycling programs in current city
operations and in waste management outreach
activities by Edmonds households and businesses.
Ongoing Low-Med Pub Wks
4 4 MH 55 48: Trails Complete an off-road multipurpose trail network
linking the shoreline and waterfront, Edmonds Marsh,
downtown, business districts, parks and open spaces,
bus and rail transit connections, and the Interurban
Trail in Edmonds.
Ongoing Medium Parks
4 5 VH 54 49: Walkways Institute sidewalk maintenance and construction
program to complete key connections to the
waterfront, downtown, business districts, schools,
parks, and other major walking destinations.
Ongoing Medium Pub Wks
Packet Page 221 of 265
4 3 ML 58 50: Crosswalks Install special paving materials, flashing light crossing
strips, pedestrian activated signals, median and curb
extensions as appropriate to improve pedestrian
safety, increase visibility, and calm traffic at major
intersections on SR-104 and Highway 99.
24-60 Med-High Pub Wks
4 4 MH 57 51: Waterfront
connection
Work to establish an emergency and everyday access
over the railroad tracks and ferry terminal lanes for
pedestrians bound for shoreline and waterfront
attractions from Harbor Square, Antique Mall, and the
downtown.
60+High Pub Wks BNSF WS Ferry
4 2 L 59 52: Bikeway
network
Institute an on-street network of bike lanes, shoulders,
and sharrows (shared lanes) to complete key
connections to the waterfront, downtown, business
districts, schools, parks, and other major commuter
and recreational destinations including the Interurban
Trail.
12-60 Medium Pub Wks Ed Bike
GP
4 5 VH 53 53: Street
maintenance
Create a financing mechanism to generate
approximately $1,400,000 per year which is needed
annually to maintain city streets.
12-18 Med-High Council Pub Wks Land
Use
4 4 MH 55 54: Highway 99 Create transportation improvement program and
project for Highway 99 to improve traffic flow, transit
connections, pedestrian streetscape and to encourage
mixed use project developments similar to what has
been recently completed in Shoreline and is planned in
Everett and Lynnwood.
12-60 Med-High EDD Pub Wks
4 1 VL 61 55a: Shuttle
service
Initiate seasonal or possibly year-round shuttle service
between the waterfront area and downtown.
12 Low DT/99 Bus
Com and
Res
4 2 L 59 55b: Shuttle
service
Initiate seasonal or possibly year-round shuttle service
between downtown and Community Transit's Swift
BRT transit stations along Highway 99.
12 Low 99 Bus
Own
DT/WF
Bus Com
4 2 L 59 56: Swift Bus
Rapid Transit
(BRT)
Enhance Community Transit's route along Highway 99
from Everett to the King County Metro transfer station
at Aurora Village by designating transit lanes and pull-
outs, transit traffic signal activation, all-weather
shelters, and other improvements.
Ongoing Low Com Tran
Packet Page 222 of 265
4 3 ML 58 57: SR-104
Transit
Expand Community Transit's schedule and hours to
support Edmonds employees and residents,
particularly at the waterfront, downtown, Westgate,
and Highway 99 including connections to the Highway
99 International District.
Ongoing Low Com Tran
4 4 MH 54 58: Sounder
Train
Increase the schedule and number of Sound Transit
commuter rail trains between downtown Seattle and
Edmonds to promote development of transit oriented
development at Harbor Square, the waterfront, and
downtown.
Ongoing Medium SD Tran
4 4 MH 54 59: Sound Transit
LINK
Develop Community Transit links with the proposed
Sound Transit LINK light rail corridor alignment along
Interstate 5.
1-132 Med-High SD Tran
4 4 MH 58 60: Ferry
Terminal
Create an interim ferry waiting and loading strategy
that reduces conflicts between trains, automobiles and
pedestrians while improving ferry rider access to the
waterfront and downtown services and amenities.
60+High WSDOT WS Ferry
4 4 MH 57 61: Intermodal
Station
Develop an integrated Amtrak, Sounder, Community
Transit, shuttle, ferry, bike, and pedestrian transfer
facility on the waterfront to promote accessibility and
connectivity to and within Edmonds.
60+High City SD Tran Com Tran WSDOT WS Ferry Amtrak
4 5 VH 53 62: BNSF
Railroad
Participate in the environmental impact assessment
process related to a proposal to build a coal export
terminal at Cherry Point in Bellingham. Identify
required improvements in Edmonds by Burlington
Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad to mitigate extra
tracks, train volumes, dust, noise, and potential
conflicts with ferry terminal and waterfront
pedestrian, bike, and vehicular traffic.
12-18 Medium Council
5 5 VH 63 63: Fiscal
sustainability
Implement Budgeting for Objectives (BFO) process that
incorporates public input to establish community
priorities, resolves a balance between revenues and
expenditures, and encourages innovative and
alternative delivery methods.
12-24 Med-High Council
Packet Page 223 of 265
5 4 MH 66 64: NGO
participation
Integrate Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) such
as the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Edmonds
Merchants Association, Busing Improvement District,
and others into the operation and implementation of
BFO and Strategic Plan actions.
12-18 Medium Cham
3 4 MH 48 65: Public view
preservation
Identify public view corridors and view sheds in the
Bowl and create appropriate public view protection
overlay districts, ordinances, and other measures to
preserve and protect them.
12-24 Med-High DSD
1 2 L 15 66a:
Development
regulations
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the following commercial
districts.
12-36 High DSD Land
Use
1 3 ML 13 66a1:
Development
regulations
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the
Downtown/Waterfront area.
12-24 Med-High DSD Land
Use
1 3 ML 13 66a2:
Development
regulations
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the Westgate area.
1-12 Med-High DSD Land
Use
1 4 MH 12 66a3:
Development
regulations
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the Highway 99 area.
12-36 Med-High DSD 99 TF Land
Use
1 2 L 15 66a4:
Development
regulations
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the Five Corners area.
1-24 Med-High DSD Land
Use
1 2 L 14 66a5:
Development
regulations
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the Perrinville area.
1-12 Low DSD
1 2 L 14 66a6:
Development
regulations
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the Firdale Village area.
Comp Low DSD
1 3 ML 12 66b:
Development
regulations
Address ground floor retail requirements to reflect
demand in different retail corridors and locations.
1-24 Medium DSD Land
Use
SP
3 3 ML 50 67: Design
standards
Illustrate site, building, landscape, and signage design
objectives using examples to achieve public quality
design objectives.
12-24 Medium DSD Land
Use
5 5 VH 63 68: Permitting
processes
Consolidate and simplify the business license, land use
and building permit review process to incorporate
electronic application procedures, pre-submittal
workshops, and concurrent reviews.
12-18 Med-High Council DSD Land
Use
Packet Page 224 of 265
5 4 MH 67 69:
Communication
Establish effective public information and feedback
methods including websites, blogs, Facebook, Twitter,
and other social media outreach.
Ongoing Low-Med Council Com
5 4 MH 67 70: Public access Conduct frequent town halls, public open houses, and
other events at locations throughout the city to
improve public access and facilitate dialogue on
policies, programs, projects, and budgets.
Ongoing Low-Med Council Com
5 5 VH 64 71: Strategy
development
Adopt and implement a Strategic Plan in partnership
with public and private organizations.
12 Medium Council All Dept
5 5 VH 64 72: Assess
performance
results
Assess, on an annual basis, State of the City programs,
projects, and budget. Regularly conduct public,
customer, and business surveys to determine the
effectiveness, performance, and priorities of adopted
Strategic Plan actions.
Ongoing Medium Council
Packet Page 225 of 265
Strategic Objective
1
2
3
4
5
SO RS Rk Pg#Short Title Actions - Strategies - Goals Month Complex Lead 1 Lead 2 Lead 3 Lead 4 Lead 5 Lead 6 Sub1 Sub2
4 5 VH 53 53: Street
maintenance
Create a financing mechanism to generate
approximately $1,400,000 per year which is needed
annually to maintain city streets.
12-18 Med-High Council Pub Wks Land
Use
4 5 VH 53 62: BNSF Railroad Participate in the environmental impact assessment
process related to a proposal to build a coal export
terminal at Cherry Point in Bellingham. Identify
required improvements in Edmonds by Burlington
Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad to mitigate extra
tracks, train volumes, dust, noise, and potential
conflicts with ferry terminal and waterfront pedestrian,
bike and vehicular traffic
12-18 Medium Council
5 5 VH 63 63: Fiscal
sustainability
Implement Budgeting for Objectives (BFO) process that
incorporates public input to establish community
priorities, resolves a balance between revenues and
expenditures, and encourages innovative and
alternative delivery methods.
12-24 Med-High Council
5 5 VH 63 68: Permitting
processes
Consolidate and simplify the business license, land use
and building permit review process to incorporate
electronic application procedures, pre-submittal
workshops, and concurrent reviews.
12-18 Med-High Council DSD Land
Use
5 5 VH 64 71: Strategy
development
Adopt and implement a Strategic Plan in partnership
with public and private organizations.
12 Medium Council All Dept
5 5 VH 64 72: Assess
performance
results
Assess, on an annual basis, State of the City programs,
projects, and budget. Regularly conduct public,
customer, and business surveys to determine the
effectiveness, performance, and priorities of adopted
Strategic Plan actions.
Ongoing Medium Council
Council
Develop and Maintain a Transportation & Infrastucture System to Meet Current & Future Demand Months = the time estimate to complete and Complexity is task complexity
Responsible, Accountable & Responsive Government Leads=organizations assigned to lead task and Subs are EDC committee assig
Notes: SO=Strategic Objective, RS and Rk=Numerical Ranking 5-1 and Terms
Economic Health, Vitality & Sustainability Rank 5-1 or Very High, Mod-High, Mod-Low, Low, and Very Low respectively
Maintain, Enhance and Create a Sustainable Environment Pg# = page number in the Master Strategic Planning Doc
Maintain and Enhance Edmonds' Community Character & Quality of Life Short Title and Actions-Strategies-Goals taken directly from Master Doc.
Packet Page 226 of 265
1 5 VH 17 19: Shoreline and
waterfront
Develop a strategy for the combined shoreline
(east/west of rail lines) from the Port to the
Underwater Dive Park and from the waterfront to the
downtown that increases public access and
recreational opportunities.
24-60 Med-High EDD DSD Council Port Tour Land
Use
1 4 MH 35 03: Economic
incentives
Adopt economic incentives for key business or
development recruitment targets. These may include
reduced or deferred business license fees, permit fees,
utility connection charges, latecomer fees, park or
traffic impact fees, property tax reduction or deferral,
and/or expedited building permit review.
12-24 Medium Council DSD EDD EDC Land
Use
3 4 MH 66 34: Fiscal
sustainability
Create an alternative mechanism other than the City of
Edmonds General Fund with which to finance parks
and recreation programs and services.
12-24 Medium Council
5 4 MH 67 70: Public access Conduct frequent town halls, public open houses, and
other events at locations throughout the city to
improve public access and facilitate dialogue on
policies, programs, projects, and budgets.
Ongoing Low-Med Council Com
5 4 MH 67 69:
Communication
Establish effective public information and feedback
methods including websites, blogs, Facebook, Twitter,
and other social media outreach.
Ongoing Low-Med Council Com
1 3 ML 31 29: 4th Avenue
Cultural Corridor
Fund and complete construction of a linear park
streetscape between the downtown and Edmonds
Center Arts in order to create a walkable corridor that
preserves the historical character of the area, and
promotes retail/art opportunities.
24-60 Med-High CSD Council Pub Wks
1 3 ML 22 12: Financing Create an Edmonds Downtown Business Improvement
District (BID) to benefit properties and businesses for
the purpose of instituting marketing, design, and
promotional activities within the downtown business
district.
1-12 Medium Ed DT BID Council
Packet Page 227 of 265
3 2 L 50 18: Affordable
housing
Promote the creation of rental and sale workforce
housing for moderate income working households
through incentives that may include additional density,
reduced parking requirements, reduced permit fees,
and/or other measures.
12-24 Medium Council DSD
Packet Page 228 of 265
Strategic Objective
1
2
3
4
5
SO RS Rk Pg#Short Title Actions - Strategies - Goals Month Complex Lead 1 Lead 2 Lead 3 Lead 4 Lead 5 Lead 6 Sub1 Sub2
1 5 VH 24 14: Employment Create a young adult job placement service to help find
part and full-time employment opportunities with
Edmonds businesses, schools and organizations.
12-18 Medium Cham ESD ECC
1 5 VH 17 20: Harbor
Square
Review and approve a long term master plan and
agreement for the Port of Edmonds Harbor Square
property that enhances the waterfront environment,
public access and promotes mixed use development.
1-12 High City Port Land
Use
SP
3 5 VH 45 37: Downtown
restrooms
Develop a public restroom facility to serve pedestrians,
customers, and tourists in the downtown district.
12-48 Med-High City Cham Tour
5 5 VH 68 05c.1Safe
Environment
Ensure a Safe and Secure Environment for residents,
businesses, and visitors
Ongoing Low ED Pol
3 5 VH 45 41a: Senior
Center
a. Develop long term solution for maintaining and
updating the Senior Center.
12-72 High ED Sen Ctr Parks
1 5 VH 11 02: Business
outreach
Integrate City, Port, Chamber, Edmonds Community
College, Edmonds School District, and private business
efforts and communications for the benefit of
economic recruitment.
12 Low EDD Port Cham SP
1 5 VH 9 04: Economic
sustainability
Recruit businesses that employ technical, professional,
and managerial skills offered by Edmonds residents to
facilitate live/work sustainability in Edmonds.
Ongoing Low EDD Port Cham Sp Tech
1 5 VH 16 05: High tech
industries
Retain and recruit businesses that depend on, and can
take advantage of, Edmonds superior fiber optics
capability.
Ongoing Medium EDD Cham Port Tech
1 5 VH 16 06: Health and
medical
industries
Retain and recruit businesses that support and can
expand health related services and products within the
general area of Swedish Hospital Edmonds.
36-72 Low EDD Swed
Staff
Develop and Maintain a Transportation & Infrastucture System to Meet Current & Future Demand Months = the time estimate to complete and Complexity is task complexity
Responsible, Accountable & Responsive Government Leads=organizations assigned to lead task and Subs are EDC committee assig
Notes: SO=Strategic Objective, RS and Rk=Numerical Ranking 5-1 and Terms
Economic Health, Vitality & Sustainability Rank 5-1 or Very High, Mod-High, Mod-Low, Low, and Very Low respectively
Maintain, Enhance and Create a Sustainable Environment Pg# = page number in the Master Strategic Planning Doc
Maintain and Enhance Edmonds' Community Character & Quality of Life Short Title and Actions-Strategies-Goals taken directly from Master Doc.
Packet Page 229 of 265
1 5 VH 9 08: Marketing Identify and recruit retailers to fill critical gaps in retail
sales and services such as basic needs (clothing
downtown, professional services) within the business
districts of downtown, Westgate, Firdale Village, 5-
Corners, and Perrinville, as well as larger department
stores and specialty retailers on Highway 99.
1-36 Low EDD Port Cham SP
1 5 VH 9 13: Interim
storefronts
Encourage temporary artist exhibits or similar uses in
vacant storefronts or buildings in order to provide
visual interest and activity while the building is being
marketed for a future tenant or owner.
1-36 Low EDD DTMA Tour
1 5 VH 24 15: Participation Work with public and private organizations to provide
mentoring opportunities for young adults through
events or social outreach, projects, environmental
stewardship, arts and culture and job/career
networking.
12 Low-Med Parks ESD ECC
3 5 VH 47 16: Activities Create young adult social and recreation oriented
activities and facilities that offer evening and after
school peer group interactions and events.
Ongoing Medium Parks ESD
3 5 VH 47 35: Greenways Develop a system of coordinated open spaces,
conservation corridors, and greenways with trail access
along the shoreline, waterfront, wetlands, hillsides, and
parks to preserve the natural setting and increase
public awareness and access.
12-60 Med-High Parks Sust Ed
3 5 VH 48 38a: Yost Pool Create and implement a long term financial and
operational strategy for the updating/upgrading,
refurbishment and retrofitting of the current Yost Pool
facility.
12-36 Med-High Parks
3 5 VH 45 40: Anderson
Center
Refine long range strategy to enhance, maintain and
update life cycle maintenance, repair requirements and
functional program needs.
12-60 Medium Parks
1 5 VH 18 21: Antique Mall Encourage packaging the Safeway/Antique Mall and
nearby properties for the purpose of enhancing
redevelopment opportunities of this significant
gateway site.
1-36 Med-High Pr Own EDD Port Land
Use
SP
2 5 VH 37 45c: Stormwater Resolve flooding on SR-104 and Dayton.24-48 Med-High Pub Wks
Packet Page 230 of 265
2 5 VH 36 47: Recycling Expand reuse and recycling programs in current city
operations and in waste management outreach
activities by Edmonds households and businesses.
Ongoing Low-Med Pub Wks
4 5 VH 54 49: Walkways Institute sidewalk maintenance and construction
program to complete key connections to the
waterfront, downtown, business districts, schools,
parks, and other major walking destinations.
Ongoing Medium Pub Wks
1 5 VH 18 23: Swedish
Hospital
Update the Hospital District master plan to meet
hospital needs while mitigating impacts to adjacent
nonmedical land uses.
12-36 High Swed DSD Land
Use
4 5 VH 53 53: Street
maintenance
Create a financing mechanism to generate
approximately $1,400,000 per year which is needed
annually to maintain city streets.
12-18 Med-High Council Pub Wks Land
Use
5 5 VH 63 68: Permitting
processes
Consolidate and simplify the business license, land use
and building permit review process to incorporate
electronic application procedures, pre-submittal
workshops, and concurrent reviews.
12-18 Med-High Council DSD Land
Use
5 5 VH 64 71: Strategy
development
Adopt and implement a Strategic Plan in partnership
with public and private organizations.
12 Medium Council All Dept
1 4 MH 29 26: Promotion Create an Edmonds arts website and utilize social
media including Google maps, Facebook, and Twitter to
promote and attract visitors to an expanded year-
round calendar of events and festivals for performing,
literary, culinary, fine, and other arts interests.
12 Medium Cham CSD
1 4 MH 29 27: Organization Create a central clearinghouse to coordinate
scheduling and promotion of events in Edmonds.
Ongoing Low-Med Cham CSD Com
1 4 MH 25 25: Design Continue to include arts and historical themes in the
Edmonds brand and install artworks, gateways,
wayfinding signage, and streetscape improvements at
key entrances to Edmonds, e.g., the waterfront,
downtown, Highway 99, State Route-104 and other
business districts.
Ongoing Low-Med CSD EDD Tour
3 4 MH 48 65: Public view
preservation
Identify public view corridors and view sheds in the
Bowl and create appropriate public view protection
overlay districts, ordinances, and other measures to
preserve and protect them.
12-24 Med-High DSD
Packet Page 231 of 265
1 4 MH 12 66a3:
Development
regulations
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the Highway 99 area.
12-36 Med-High DSD 99 TF Land
Use
1 4 MH 20 11: Organization Institute the "Main Street" Program 4-Point approach
which includes economic restructuring, promotion,
design and organization for the downtown and
Highway 99 business districts.
1-24 Low EDD Cham DTMA
4 4 MH 55 54: Highway 99 Create transportation improvement program and
project for Highway 99 to improve traffic flow, transit
connections, pedestrian streetscape and to encourage
mixed use project developments similar to what has
been recently completed in Shoreline and is planned in
Everett and Lynnwood.
12-60 Med-High EDD Pub Wks
2 4 MH 37 43: Native
habitat
Plant street trees, restore native habitat in disturbed
areas, remove invasive species and update the
landscape ordinance to promote use of native and
drought resistant plants and restoration of wildlife
habitat.
Ongoing Medium Parks BY W
Hab
2 4 MH 40 44: Food
production
Encourage community gardens and pea patches, plant
fruit tree orchards, harvest and deliver food products
to food banks and other sources to promote natural
systems in Edmonds.
Ongoing Low Parks Ed TB Sust Ed
4 4 MH 55 48: Trails Complete an off-road multipurpose trail network
linking the shoreline and waterfront, Edmonds Marsh,
downtown, business districts, parks and open spaces,
bus and rail transit connections, and the Interurban
Trail in Edmonds.
Ongoing Medium Parks
2 4 MH 38 45b: Stormwater Resolve on-going flooding and water quality issues in
Lake Ballinger.
Ongoing Med-High Pub Wks
2 4 MH 38 46: Energy Reduce Edmond's carbon footprint through solar
installations and other energy conservation practices in
current city operations, updating development codes,
and utilizing Sustainable Works energy audits and
retrofits.
Ongoing Medium Pub Wks Sust Ed
Packet Page 232 of 265
4 4 MH 57 51: Waterfront
connection
Work to establish an emergency and everyday access
over the railroad tracks and ferry terminal lanes for
pedestrians bound for shoreline and waterfront
attractions from Harbor Square, Antique Mall, and the
downtown.
60+High Pub Wks BNSF WS Ferry
1 4 MH 35 03: Economic
incentives
Adopt economic incentives for key business or
development recruitment targets. These may include
reduced or deferred business license fees, permit fees,
utility connection charges, latecomer fees, park or
traffic impact fees, property tax reduction or deferral,
and/or expedited building permit review.
12-24 Medium Council DSD EDD EDC Land
Use
1 3 ML 20 22: Highway 99
International
District
Create a plan and design theme for this unique area,
initiate promotional events and activities, and recruit
additional anchors or destination stores.
21-26 Med-High Bus Own DSD EDD CSD Pr Own Tour Land
Use
3 3 ML 50 17: Diversify
housing options
Increase housing choice by type, price, and proximity
to employment centers, transit corridors, and
recreational sites in order to provide live/work/play
opportunities in Edmonds.
12-24 Medium DSD
1 3 ML 13 66a1:
Development
regulations
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the
Downtown/Waterfront area.
12-24 Med-High DSD Land
Use
1 3 ML 13 66a2:
Development
regulations
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the Westgate area.
1-12 Med-High DSD Land
Use
1 3 ML 12 66b:
Development
regulations
Address ground floor retail requirements to reflect
demand in different retail corridors and locations.
1-24 Medium DSD Land
Use
SP
1 3 ML 25 01: Database Create and maintain a database to identify
opportunities for business and developer recruitment
efforts. The database may include an inventory of
available properties, buildings, and resources in
Edmonds business districts and zones.
6-18 Low-Med EDD Cham Port Ed Com
Brok
Com
3 3 ML 49 38b: Yost Pool Develop and/or expand Yost Pool to include outdoor
and indoor leisure pool elements, therapy pool, party
rooms and concessions, and possibly other recreation
physical conditioning, courts, and gymnasium uses.
60-120 High Parks
Packet Page 233 of 265
3 3 ML 49 39a: Civic Field Civic Field - address long term property ownership and
upgrade field, stadium, lighting, and other features to
support competitive play including tournaments.
12-96 High Parks ESD Tour
2 3 ML 40 45a: Stormwater
and habitat
Daylight Willow Creek to help with restoring saltwater
access to Edmonds Marsh.
24-60 High Pub Wks
2 3 ML 42 45d: Stormwater
and habitat
Encourage the development of rain gardens, green
roofs and walls, bio-filtration swales, and other green
development features in Edmonds projects and
development codes.
Ongoing Medium Pub Wks
4 3 ML 58 50: Crosswalks Install special paving materials, flashing light crossing
strips, pedestrian activated signals, median and curb
extensions as appropriate to improve pedestrian
safety, increase visibility, and calm traffic at major
intersections on SR-104 and Highway 99.
24-60 Med-High Pub Wks
1 3 ML 31 29: 4th Avenue
Cultural Corridor
Fund and complete construction of a linear park
streetscape between the downtown and Edmonds
Center Arts in order to create a walkable corridor that
preserves the historical character of the area, and
promotes retail/art opportunities.
24-60 Med-High CSD Council Pub Wks
1 2 L 33 31: Artist
live/work
Explore ways to develop affordable artist live-work-
teach-display-sell spaces to attract young and emerging
talent to Edmonds similar to the Schack Center in
Everett.
12-36 Low-Med Cham EDD CSD Land
Use
Tour
1 2 L 33 30: Art and
history walking
tours
Create signage, audio and phone apps, and web based
information to expand art and history walking tours of
waterfront and downtown historical sites and
buildings, artworks, and other visually interesting and
significant landmarks.
6-12 Low CSD
1 2 L 35 32: Fine Arts
Museum
Explore ways to develop a museum to exhibit local,
emerging, and traveling fine arts possibly in
combination with ECA and/or the proposed artist
live/work project.
36-72 Med-High CSD
1 2 L 15 66a:
Development
regulations
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the following commercial
districts.
12-36 High DSD Land
Use
Packet Page 234 of 265
1 2 L 15 66a4:
Development
regulations
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the Five Corners area.
1-24 Med-High DSD Land
Use
1 2 L 14 66a5:
Development
regulations
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the Perrinville area.
1-12 Low DSD
1 2 L 14 66a6:
Development
regulations
Amend mixed use development standards to allow
higher, mixed use density in the Firdale Village area.
Comp Low DSD
1 2 L 27 24: Marketing Conduct surveys of visitors to determine their
characteristics, expenditure patterns, sources of
information, and other behavior to better understand
the economic benefits and what attracts visitors to
Edmonds.
Ongoing Low EDD CSD Cham Tour
3 2 L 52 36: Dog park Identify a suitable relocation site and develop a
dedicated dog park consisting of fenced social yards
with spectator seating and amenities, and off-leash
exercise areas and trails.
36-60 Medium OLAE Parks
3 2 L 52 39b: Woodway
Fields
Woodway Fields - address long term property
ownership and upgrade field, lighting, and other
features to support competitive play including
tournaments.
36-48 Med-High Parks
2 2 L 42 42: Coordination Establish a central clearinghouse to coordinate
environmental education and sustainability funding,
programs, and volunteers.
Ongoing Low-Med Parks Sust Ed
4 2 L 59 52: Bikeway
network
Institute an on-street network of bike lanes, shoulders,
and sharrows (shared lanes) to complete key
connections to the waterfront, downtown, business
districts, schools, parks, and other major commuter
and recreational destinations including the Interurban
Trail.
12-60 Medium Pub Wks Ed Bike
GP
3 1 VL 52 41b: Senior
Center
b. Relocate the Senior Center to another location.60-96 High ED Sen Ctr Parks
1 1 VL 22 07: Car
dealerships
Encourage development of auto sales facilities that
include decked display and storage lots, multistory
sales and service facilities in order to retain this
important source of retail sales revenue in the city and
maximize land use.
1-12 Low EDD 99 CD
Packet Page 235 of 265
AM-6648 6.
City Council Retreat
Meeting Date:03/14/2014
Time:30 Minutes
Submitted For:Council President Buckshnis Submitted By:Jana
Spellman
Department:City Council
Review Committee: Committee Action:
Type: Information
Information
Subject Title
Report on Senior Center Strategic Plan
Recommendation
Previous Council Action
Presentation provided to the Parks, Public Works and Planning Committee on March 11, 2014
Narrative
The need to rebuild the Edmonds Senior Center has been a focus for many years. Two resolutions by
Edmonds City Council (342 and 943) established the Senior Center at its current location and supported
the demolition of its existing structure to be replaced by a new facility to meet both current and projected
needs in the future.
Each year, the City of Edmonds provides the Edmonds Senior Center a bill for $10.00 to lease the land
and provides $60,000 towards current operating costs. The remaining operating revenue and costs are the
responsibility of the Board of Directors of the Edmonds Senior Center and Administration.
The Strategic Action Plan for the City of Edmonds includes an item towards “develop(ing) a long term
solution for maintaining and updating the Edmonds Senior Center” , rated as VERY HIGH in importance;
In fall of 2013, the Board of Directors of the Edmonds Senior Center created a Strategic Action Group to
focus on the long-term viability of the current structure and/or replacement at its current location. A
special retreat of the Board of the Senior Center reaffirmed that this Strategic Action Group should move
forward with a feasibility study towards potential rebuilding of the Edmonds Senior Center at its current
location.
In 2014, members of the Edmonds Senior Center were updated and agreed that a feasibility study should
be undertaken with the Center at its current location. The Senior Center Strategic Planning Staff would
like to bring forth information for support of the City Council to move forward on the rebuilding of the
Senior Center.
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year:
Packet Page 236 of 265
Fiscal Year:
Revenue:
Expenditure:
Fiscal Impact:
$60.00 provided each year.
Attachments
Atttach 1: New Building presentations for City Council
Attach 2: Sr. Center Feasibility Study Schedule
Form Review
Inbox Reviewed By Date
City Clerk Scott Passey 03/10/2014 10:38 AM
Mayor Dave Earling 03/10/2014 10:48 AM
Finalize for Agenda Scott Passey 03/10/2014 11:05 AM
Form Started By: Jana Spellman Started On: 03/06/2014 02:30 PM
Final Approval Date: 03/10/2014
Packet Page 237 of 265
Edmonds City Council
Retreat
March 14, 2014
New Senior Center Building on
present waterfront site
Edmonds
Senior Center
Packet Page 238 of 265
To build a new state of the art “Edmonds
kind of” senior center on our present
waterfront site. The structure will take full
advantage of the magnificent views and
be a resource to the whole community.
Edmonds
Senior
Center
Goal
Packet Page 239 of 265
Building would function as senior center
weekdays 8:00am - 4:00pm with community
use in off hours and weekends
The greater the proposed use the greater
support towards funding and operating the
new facility
Edmonds Senior
Center Senior Center
Community Center
Packet Page 240 of 265
Cost of significant refurbishment too high
- 2007 Structural Study
Two choices: “Band-Aid” existing building
and hope for the best or new building
Edmonds Senior
Center
Why A New Building?
Packet Page 241 of 265
Secure building envelope
Level floors throughout
Designed to accommodate new programs
Meet contemporary seismic standards
Takes maximum advantage of views with
dramatic vistas from almost every room
Meet high green building standards
Edmonds Senior
Center
New Building
Advantages
Packet Page 242 of 265
It will welcome people and invite them in
State of the art technology
Would be used by entire community
Coffee shop, café meeting places for all ages
Increased parking
Increased view corridors
New Building
Advantages (2)
Edmonds Senior
Center
Packet Page 243 of 265
Health & Wellness Wing with one-on-one spaces
A really good dance/exercise floor
Dramatically increased rental income
More Parks & Recreation programs
Lower maintenance costs
It will maintain the senior center on this site
All of Edmonds would be proud of it
Edmonds Senior
Center
New Building
Advantages (3)
Packet Page 244 of 265
City’s Strategic Plan 3a.1:
“Develop long term solution for
maintaining and updating the senior
center.” (Leads: Senior Center & Parks
and Recreation Department) Very high
Edmonds Senior
Center
Context:
City’s Strategic Plan
Packet Page 245 of 265
1.D Consider new strategic partnerships with …
the Edmonds Senior Center…that would
increase recreation opportunities for Edmonds
residents in accordance with this PROS Plan.
2.Y Work with the Edmonds Senior Center in
developing a long term solution for upgrading
and maintaining the Senior Center.
Edmonds Senior
Center
Context:
City’s PROS Plan
Packet Page 246 of 265
The City/Center partnership is 46 years old.
Project must recognize financial limitations of City.
Current strategy envisions the Senior Center funding
the facility’s replacement on City’s land parcel
granted under a long term lease arrangement.
Land to remain regional park with beach access.
Possible model: East County Senior Center (Monroe)
where nonprofit built, owns, and maintains the
building, City owns land, Center has ground lease.
Edmonds Senior
Center Partnership
With City is Key
Packet Page 247 of 265
Exploring creating a Senior Center
Foundation to manage campaign.
The Foundation would involve Boomers.
Many naming opportunities.
Grants (particularly WA State) and large
donors will drive success.
Initial WA Capital Grant application – 6/2014.
Edmonds Senior
Center
Fundraising
Capital Campaign
Packet Page 248 of 265
Agreements with City
Legal – Shoreline Management Program
Programs of new senior/community center
Architectural – conceptual drawings
Fundraising: Foundation & capital campaign
Community input
Edmonds Senior
Center
Process
Feasibility Study
Packet Page 249 of 265
January – Special Membership Meeting
February – Hired lawyer and two architects
March - Legal work, presentations to City,
conceptual drawings by architects, Center’s
Annual Membership Meeting
April – Community Forums
May – Feasibility study completed
June – Board Decision, WA Capital Grant App
Edmonds Senior
Center Feasibility Study
Timeline 2014
Packet Page 250 of 265
Edmonds Senior Center
Feasibility Study Schedule
Rev. 3/3/14
2014
line Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug
1 ESC Board Briefings 15 19 19 16 21 18 16 20
2 Third Wednesday of the month
3 Planning Subcommittee Meetings 6 3 3 7 5 2 7 4
4 First Monday of the month
5 LEGAL WORK: City-owned land vs ESC-owned building, land use regs, long-term land lease options, zoning, SMP, other legal challenges
6 Study/report on legal aspects:
7 Reviews with City
8 Complete/Integrate legal work with report
9 Coordination meetings with City Council 11 14 ^
10 "Townhall" discussions with ESC membership 21 ^?
11
12 CONCEPTUAL DESIGN WORK:
13 Select Designer/architect
14 Solidify conceptual facility Program
15 Review with ESC
16 Refine Procedures & Schedule
17 Designer work product preparation 18
18 FEASIBILITY STUDY PRODUCTION:
19 ESC fundraising stratagies
20 Funding foundation studies
21 Combine legal & design work product
22 Draft supporting council resolution 1st
23 Revise study as required & complete
24 ESC Board approve Feasibility Study ^
25 Present study+report+resolution to Council prep.^
26
27
28
29
30 Longterm: Design- Sept'14-Dec.'14 Activity color key: light work
31 Fundraising- Oct.'14-Dec.'17 heavy work
32 Start Construction- April, 2017 final/production work
Packet Page 251 of 265
Packet Page 252 of 265
AM-6651 7.
City Council Retreat
Meeting Date:03/14/2014
Time:15 Minutes
Submitted For:Councilmember Peterson Submitted By:Jana
Spellman
Department:City Council
Review Committee: Committee Action:
Type: Information
Information
Subject Title
Discussion regarding Green Resource Center
Recommendation
Previous Council Action
Narrative
Discussion regarding Green Resource Center
Form Review
Inbox Reviewed By Date
City Clerk Scott Passey 03/10/2014 10:38 AM
Mayor Dave Earling 03/10/2014 10:48 AM
Finalize for Agenda Scott Passey 03/10/2014 11:05 AM
Form Started By: Jana Spellman Started On: 03/06/2014 03:54 PM
Final Approval Date: 03/10/2014
Packet Page 253 of 265
AM-6647 8.
City Council Retreat
Meeting Date:03/14/2014
Time:30 Minutes
Submitted By:Jana Spellman
Department:City Council
Review Committee: Committee Action:
Type: Information
Information
Subject Title
Transportation Forecasting including re-establishing the Transportation Committee
Recommendation
None
Previous Council Action
2014 Budget included a set aside of $1,200,000 for streets.
Narrative
The City of Edmonds has lived through turbulent economic times which resulted in no funding to our
street repaving for many years. In 2005, street repaving occurred as a result of a surplus of REET money.
In 2009, a few streets were repaved as a result of Federal Grant money. A transportation levy was placed
on the ballot in 2010 and failed and an established transportation committee disbanded.
Due to the condition of our streets and the surplus in funds as a result of hard economic decisions made
over the years, the Council approved an allocation of $1,200,000 in 2013 for begin recommitting to our
streets.
As a Council, we need to determine the long terms plans for repaving our streets. Here are some questions
to start the discussion:
1) Do we want to set aside a specific amount each year regardless of budget priorities?
2) Do we want to see what the overall budget surplus or shortfall will be and commit on a year by year
basis?
3) Do we want to look at the REET set aside for streets and lower it?
4) Other methods of funding such as grant money or federal stimulus packages?
5) Do we want to re-establish the transportation committee?
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year:
Revenue:
Expenditure:
Fiscal Impact:
Packet Page 254 of 265
$1,200,000 last year from General Fund in 2013
Form Review
Inbox Reviewed By Date
City Clerk Scott Passey 03/10/2014 10:38 AM
Mayor Dave Earling 03/10/2014 10:49 AM
Finalize for Agenda Scott Passey 03/10/2014 11:05 AM
Form Started By: Jana Spellman Started On: 03/06/2014 02:28 PM
Final Approval Date: 03/10/2014
Packet Page 255 of 265
AM-6660 9.
City Council Retreat
Meeting Date:03/14/2014
Time:90 Minutes
Submitted By:Carrie Hite
Department:Parks and Recreation
Committee: Public Safety, Personnel Type: Information
Information
Subject Title
Discussion regarding City Council Consultant Services to improve communication between Council
members and Council members and Administration.
Recommendation
City Council converse about the process of work with the consultant.
Previous Council Action
The City Council charged the Personnel Committee to identify a consultant to work with the Council,
Mayor, and leadership team to create effective government.
The Personnel committee is forwarding the recommendation to hire Jim Reid to work with the City to
better relations with and between Council, Mayor, and the leadership team.
Council will discuss the recommendation on Tuesday night, March 11th. If Council approves the
recommendation and moves forward with Jim Reid, he will be available on March 14th, 1:00-2:30 to
discuss his proposal and process.
Narrative
As you may recall, the Council charged Personnel Committee members Councilmember Strom Peterson
and Councilmember Adrienne Fraley Monillas with finding a consultant to work with the Council.
After identifying three individuals, one was unable to commit because he is in Australia. Strom and
Adrienne interviewed the other two, and requested a complete scope of work from Jim Reid.
Councilmembers Peterson and Fraley Monillas are recommending the Council contract with Mr. Jim
Reid for the attached scope of work and cost.
In addition, Jim Reid is available to attend the City Council retreat to begin the process.
Attached is Mr. Reid's proposal and a brief biography.
Attachments
Jim Reid Proposal
Jim Reid Bio
Packet Page 256 of 265
Form Review
Inbox Reviewed By Date
City Clerk Scott Passey 03/10/2014 09:20 AM
Mayor Dave Earling 03/10/2014 09:23 AM
Finalize for Agenda Scott Passey 03/10/2014 09:30 AM
Form Started By: Carrie Hite Started On: 03/10/2014 08:44 AM
Final Approval Date: 03/10/2014
Packet Page 257 of 265
JAMES FALCONER REID, PRINCIPAL
1300 SW Webster Street
Seattle, Washington 98106
Phone: 206.324.2061 Email: jfalconerreid@comcast.net
Website: www.falconergroup.net
STRENGTHENING TRUST, COMMUNICATION, AND COOPERATION
AMONG EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
AND BETWEEN THE
COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR AND HIS LEADERSHIP TEAM
Submitted by Jim Reid, The Falconer Group
1 March 2014
This
project’s
principal
goal
is
to
strengthen
trust,
communication,
and
cooperation
among
the
Edmonds
City
Council
members,
and
between
them
and
Mayor
Earling
and
his
senior
leadership
team.
To
achieve
this
outcome,
we’ll
identify,
discuss,
and
define
the
common
interests
of
the
Council
members,
Mayor,
and
department
directors.
We
will
also
examine
the
leadership,
learning,
and
decision-‐making
styles
of
the
participants.
Some
of
the
likely
products
of
this
process
will
be
a
“cultural
statement,”
clarification
of
roles
and
responsibilities,
ground
rules
or
protocols
for
working
together,
dispute
resolution
strategies,
and
communications
tools
and
techniques.
We
could
also
examine
how
Council
meetings-‐of-‐the-‐whole
and
committee
meetings
are
conducted
to
determine
if
new
approaches
or
techniques
might
help
the
group
strengthen
decision-‐
making,
communications,
and
teamwork.
Three
workshops
are
proposed
to
produce
the
specific
and
practical
tools
that
are
needed
to
achieve
the
overarching
goal.
They
could
be
approximately
three
weeks
apart
to
allow
for
reflection
and
the
completion
of
assignments,
but
they
can
be
closer
to
or
farther
apart
depending
on
the
schedules
of
the
participants.
Packet Page 258 of 265
THE FALCONER GROUP’S
PROPOSED SCOPE OF WORK
Phases
and
Tasks
Completion
Date
I. DEFINE ISSUES AND PROBLEMS TO RESOLVE 03.14.14
Jim Reid’s tasks include:
§ Conduct
confidential
Interviews
of:
a)
each
City
Council
member;
b)
the
Mayor;
and
c)
department
directors,
including
the
City
Clerk.
The
purposes
of
the
interviews
are
to
identify:
a)
issues
and
conditions
that
appear
to
be
undermining
trust,
communication,
cooperation,
and
collaboration;
b)
each
person’s
interests
in
serving
the
City
and
being
part
of
the
team;
and
c)
each
person’s
leadership,
learning,
and
decision-‐making
style.
(Due
to
the
vacancy
on
the
Council,
seven
Council
interviews
will
be
conducted,
unless
a
new
member
is
soon
appointed.
This
proposal
assumes
all
interviews
will
last
one
hour.)
§ Based
on
the
interviews,
draft
a
brief
problem
statement
and
the
common
interests
of
the
Council,
Mayor,
and
leadership
team.
A
companion
document
could
be
a
list
of
draft
ground
rules
to
guide
decision-‐making
and
strengthening
teamwork
and
communication.
II. FACILITATE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PARTIES’ MUTUAL INTERESTS 04.05.14
The
goal
of
this
workshop
is
to
achieve
understanding
of
each
participant’s
interests,
needs,
and
expectations,
and
the
mutual
interests
of
the
group.
Jim Reid’s tasks include:
§ Design
a
three
or
four-‐hour
workshop
for
the
City
Council,
Mayor,
and
department
directors
during
which
they
discuss
and
recognize:
a)
the
unique
interests
of
each
person
and
the
common
interests
of
the
group;
b)
their
individual
and
collective
leadership,
learning,
and
decision-‐making
styles;
and
c)
the
roles
and
responsibilities
of
elected
and
high-‐ranking
appointed
officials.
§ If
appropriate
for
this
workshop,
design
an
exercise
that
gives
the
participants
the
opportunity
to
“practice”
dispute
resolution
strategies
and
communications
tools
and
techniques.
§ Facilitate
the
workshop.
§ Produce
a
summary
of
the
key
discussions
and
decisions,
and
send
it
to
the
participants
for
review
and
approval.
Packet Page 259 of 265
III. FACILITATE IDENTIFICATION OF ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 04.26.14
AND DEVELOPMENT OF GROUND RULES
The
goals
of
this
workshop
are
to
clarify
and
understand
the
roles
and
responsibilities
of
the
parties
and
begin
to
develop
ground
rules
and
a
“cultural
statement.”
Jim Reid’s tasks include:
§ Design
and
produce
an
agenda
for
a
two
or
three-‐hour
meeting
at
which
the
Council
members,
Mayor,
and
department
outline
their
respective
roles
and
responsibilities,
develop
a
“cultural”
statement
describing
the
kind
of
work
environment
they
want
to
establish
in
the
City,
and
develop
ground
rules
to
guide
decision-‐
making
and
strengthen
teamwork.
§ Design
an
exercise
that
gives
the
participants
the
opportunity
to
strengthen
their
skills
in
the
areas
we
have
focused
on
during
the
first
two
workshops.
§ Facilitate
the
workshop.
§ Produce
a
summary
of
key
discussions,
decisions,
and
agreements
and
send
it
to
the
participants
for
review
and
approval.
IV. FACILITATE AGREEMENTS ON ROLES/RESPONSILITIES, 05.17.14
GROUND RULES, AND COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOLS
The
goals
of
this
workshop
are
to
reach
agreement
on
the
roles
and
responsibilities
of
the
parties,
ground
rules,
a
“cultural”
statement,
and
communications
protocols.
Jim Reid’s tasks include:
§ Design
and
produce
an
agenda
for
a
two
or
three-‐hour
meeting
at
which
the
Council
members,
Mayor,
and
department
reach
agreement
on
their
respective
roles
and
responsibilities,
a
“cultural”
statement,
ground
rules,
and
communications
protocols.
§ Facilitate
the
workshop.
§ Produce
a
summary
of
the
key
discussions,
decisions,
and
agreements
and
send
it
to
the
participants
for
review
and
approval.
Packet Page 260 of 265
THE FALCONER GROUP’S
PROPOSED BUDGET
Notes:
§ The
Falconer
Group’s
costs
for
this
project
will
be
$5,915.
§ This
total
cost
would
change
only
if
the
City
requests
that
Jim
provide
additional
services
that
go
beyond
those
described
in
the
Scope
of
Work.
In
this
case,
the
City
and
Jim
would
agree
on
the
additional
services
that
Jim
will
provide
and
their
total
cost.
§ The
Falconer
Group
does
not
charge
for
travel
time
and
other
expenses
such
as
long
distance
telephone
calls,
printing,
mailing
and
faxing.
Packet Page 261 of 265
JIM REID
Jim Reid is the founder and principal of THE FALCONER GROUP, which he established in 1995. His
expertise is in organizational and leadership development, strategic planning, and conflict
resolution. He has devoted his career to resolving disputes, creating visionary yet practical
strategic plans, and strengthening leadership, communications, implementation, and
partnerships. He is certified in facilitating 360 Leadership Assessments to develop or
strengthen the leadership skills of executives.
Jim teaches courses on conflict resolution and consensus building at the University of
Washington's Daniel J. Evans Graduate School of Public Affairs and at the School of Public
Health’s Northwest Center for Public Health Practice. For the Evans School he also teaches
courses on facilitation, managing change, and building relationships. For the Cascade Executive
Programs, he teaches intensive courses on mediation/negotiation and communications to
senior leaders and managers.
In the early 1990s Jim served as the director of King County’s Planning and Community
Development Division, where he focused on strengthening the agency’s leadership and culture,
improving customer service, and building intergovernmental and public-private partnerships to
implement the State’s Growth Management Act.
Jim earned his Masters of Public Administration (MPA) from the Evans School. He was certified
in 360 Leadership Assessments at the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) in Colorado Springs,
Colorado. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Packet Page 262 of 265
AM-6655 10.
City Council Retreat
Meeting Date:03/14/2014
Time:10 Minutes
Submitted For:Council President Buckshnis Submitted By:Jana Spellman
Department:City Council
Review Committee: Committee Action:
Type: Information
Information
Subject Title
Committee Assignments
Recommendation
None
Previous Council Action
During the first Council Meeting of the year, Committee assignments are made by the newly-elected
Council President.
Narrative
Committee assignments have become an item of discussion recently with some wondering why we sit on
some committees and while other wonder why we have two members on a committee. Also, questions
have been asked if the Mayor’s Climate Protection Committee should be added.
So, this item is to discuss our role in each committee as well as the regional view of Edmonds on these
committees as well.
Attachments
2014 Council Committee Assignments
Form Review
Inbox Reviewed By Date
City Clerk Scott Passey 03/10/2014 10:38 AM
Mayor Dave Earling 03/10/2014 10:47 AM
Finalize for Agenda Scott Passey 03/10/2014 11:05 AM
Form Started By: Jana Spellman Started On: 03/07/2014 09:15 AM
Final Approval Date: 03/10/2014
Packet Page 263 of 265
2014 Council Appointments
PLANNING/PARKS/PUBLIC WORKS FINANCE PUBLIC SAFETY/PERSONNEL
Bloom Position #6 Petso, Chair Johnson Peterson Fraley-Monillas
As of 3/7/2014
OTHER COUNCIL APPOINTED COMMITTEES
COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CTAC)
Position #6
CITY-WIDE PARKING COMMITTEE
(Name change announced by Plunkett at 3-23-2010 Council Meeting)
Council Position #6 Peterson
COMMUNITY TRANSIT (Pd by CT)
Earling Buckshnis (Alt)
DISABILITY BOARD (Appt by Mayor)
Bloom Fraley-Monillas
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Johnson Peterson
HIGHWAY 99 TASK FORCE
Fraley-Monillas Johnson
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Petso Johnson
LAKE BALLINGER WORK GROUP
Peterson
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Bloom
PFD OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
Petso
PFD TASK FORCE
Peterson Petso
MAYOR’S CLIMATE PROTECTION COMMITTEE
Johnson
(2014 Appointment by Mayor Earling)
PORT OF EDMONDS
Bloom
REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY
Peterson Petso Earling
SEASHORE TRANSPORTATION FORUM 2014
Position #6
SNO. COUNTY EMERGENCY RADIO SYSTEM
Governing Board
Peterson
SNOCOM
Position #6
SNOHOMISH HEALTH DISTRICT (Pd by District)
Fraley-Monillas
SNOHOMISH COUNTY TOMORROW
Buckshnis Johnson (Alt.)
SALMON RECOVERY – WRIA 8
Buckshnis
TREE BOARD LIAISON
Bloom
Packet Page 264 of 265
AM-6656 11.
City Council Retreat
Meeting Date:03/14/2014
Time:15 Minutes
Submitted For:Councilmember Bloom/Council President Buckshnis
Submitted By:Jana Spellman
Department:City Council
Review Committee: Committee Action:
Type: Information
Information
Subject Title
Discussion Regarding a Youth Coordinator
Recommendation
Previous Council Action
Discussed in 2014 budget deliberations but no money designated to cause.
Narrative
During last retreat, the need for involving youth was discussed and ways in which we can involve more
youth in the legislative process. The City each year attempts to have a high school student be part of the
legislative process and each year, that goal has been successful.
During the budget process, discussion occurred regarding setting aside funds for a youth coordinator and
it was decided not to pursue this action.
Councilmember Bloom would like to pursue this discussion again.
Form Review
Inbox Reviewed By Date
City Clerk Scott Passey 03/10/2014 10:38 AM
Mayor Dave Earling 03/10/2014 10:47 AM
Finalize for Agenda Scott Passey 03/10/2014 11:05 AM
Form Started By: Jana Spellman Started On: 03/07/2014 10:55 AM
Final Approval Date: 03/10/2014
Packet Page 265 of 265