Legislation Details

File #: 2026-2258    Version: 1
Type: Ordinance Status: Regular Agenda
File created: 8/24/2026 In control: Committee of the Whole
On agenda: 10/14/2026 Final action:
Title: Ordinance 26-062, relating to growth management; concerning urban center development building height; amending chapter 30.34A of the Snohomish County Code
Attachments: 1. Proposed Ordinance 26-062, 2. PowerPoint Presentation, 3. Ordinance Introduction Slip

 

 

Executive/Council Action Form (ECAF)

 

 

ITEM TITLE:

Title

Ordinance 26-062, relating to growth management; concerning urban center development building height; amending chapter 30.34A of the Snohomish County Code

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DEPARTMENT:  Planning and Development Services (PDS)

 

ORIGINATOR:  Jennifer Cao

 

EXECUTIVE RECOMMENDATION:  Approved by Mike McCrary 9/14/26

 

PURPOSE: To address an unintended over-restriction in the current height allowance in the Urban Center zone to maintain consistency with what is permitted in adjacent zones.

 

BACKGROUND: SCC 30.34A.040 regulates building height and scale in the UC zone, particularly providing guidance on how development in the UC transitions to adjacent lower-density zones. Specifically, SCC 30.34A.040(2) requires that UC buildings within 90 feet of R-9600, R-8400, R-7200, Townhouse (T), and Low-Density Multiple Residential (LDMR) zones be limited to half the distance the building or part of the building is located from those zoning lines. This has caused a discrepancy between what was intended and what is allowed, leading to permitting inefficiencies. This amendment seeks to reconcile this to allow new buildings in the UC zone to be as tall as buildings allowed in adjacent zones. It will ensure height transitions are practical and consistent with code.

 

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

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DEPARTMENT FISCAL IMPACT NOTES:  Click or tap here to enter text.

 

CONTRACT INFORMATION:

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OTHER DEPARTMENTAL REVIEW/COMMENTS:  Reviewed/approved by Finance - Nathan Kennedy 9/1/26.  AATF: Justin Kasting