How much should neighborhoods in Everett, Washington change as population increases? Is the single family home a thing of the past? Growth in Everett is being pushed by the Puget Sound Regional Council, Federal and State funders and the private sector. Planners in Everett are asking for public input on where growth should occur in the city limits and what that should look like. You have a chance to give your opinion at an event later this month. Here’s more from the City.

Rethink Zoning has an open house scheduled to explore that question on Thursday Feb. 27, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A report just released from the Snohomish County Housing Affordability Regional Taskforce (HART) shows that housing construction has not kept with population growth, placing “pressures on our housing market [which] are particularly visible.”

Promoting greater housing growth and diversity of housing types is Goal 1 in the HART report. The Rethink Zoning project is looking at introducing new housing types in neighborhoods which have historically been predominantly single-family homes. Duplexes, townhouses and cottage housing are examples of new housing options that could be permitted. A priority for placement of these new housing types is within walking distance of frequent transit routes and future light rail stations.

During early public input for Rethink Zoning, community members voiced support and concern regarding new housing types in their neighborhood. Many recognize the need for additional housing growth and diversity of housing types. Concerns were also voiced about what these new housing types would look like. Will they fit into our neighborhood character?

The open house will also explore what larger multifamily development might look like, and will explore draft building heights, including how heights can transition from one neighborhood to another.

The open house will be held on Thursday, Feb. 27, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Weyerhaeuser Room at Everett Station (3201 Smith Ave). Anyone interested in Rethink Zoning is invited to come, ask questions and provide input. For more information, please visit everettwa.gov/rethink.





