[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6331269,"mediaKeyId","2312242-56d4be8eb9012a495c9c30470b29ed5d","parentId",2312242,"title","Monroe planners review state-mandated ADU code changes; public urges allowing ADUs in mixed‑use areas","audioSeconds",2426,"startMs",371000,"endMs",2797000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2312242-56d4be8eb9012a495c9c30470b29ed5d&start=371&end=2797","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2312242-56d4be8eb9012a495c9c30470b29ed5d/thumbnail_371000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6331269/Monroe-City/Snohomish-County/Washington/Monroe-planners-review-state-mandated-ADU-code-changes-public-urges-allowing-ADUs-in-mixeduse-areas","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6331269-9302d6df4cb4289da65010d8625d21e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137107&Signature=ilgTmY6WKpUZr90cxYra3fh3BVDZQc6LE3b4ljVSon~Bap62PiIlPmEkBsy2co~novpSgdbS3jl8~5WrjCu~4Hsky9edh~wPwYxz6mEayYeL7RvwNUxCALNWMTOXLSbOUefUOUgGScD3PsuTToQs8wUnYdag7QxalZkc7pPSlm02HOmrmVO7Tnpd2rSrgRkU3HA5yOAVd-Irhw2ZIBlb3SSPN~DsZxxHeizsQt1Lrgon2f9pPVYo7wow2V1yRG14~X8rFsfqaNg3no7nlrJpVkFioboDK1VLxwRiZoLSEP64Kmy2-Pyrs-yIbBhD5wcatays2w5ycpGdJ3aPLoLPnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Monroe City, WA","date","2025-02-12T18:24:26Z","article","Planning staff presented draft amendments to Monroe’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules Monday as they work to meet state requirements under House Bill 13 37, and one resident urged the commission to also allow ADUs in mixed‑use neighborhoods.

The proposed amendments, presented by Amy (planning staff), would bring Monroe’s code into alignment with the state law, staff said. \"House Bill 13 37 passed, and it requires jurisdictions to adopt new ADU regulations by 6 months after the adoption of their comp plan,\" Amy told commissioners, noting the city’s June 30 deadline.

The staff proposal would allow up to two ADUs per lot in single‑family zones (attached, detached, or both), remove the city’s owner‑occupancy covenant and affidavit requirements, and move ADU decisions from a Type 2 land‑use review to an administrative Type 1 decision to speed permitting. Staff recommended keeping one additional off‑street parking stall per ADU in Monroe because the city has no transit stops that meet the state definition of a \"major transit stop.\"

Nut graf: The changes are largely driven by state law intended to expand housing supply; Monroe staff are proposing the minimum code changes required by the statute while commissioners pressed for more local analysis on unit sizes, design standards and neighborhood impacts before formal adoption.

Details: Staff explained several specific ways the draft will change local practice. The state requires jurisdictions to allow ADUs in all zones where single‑family dwellings are permitted and allows two ADUs per lot; it also limits how restrictive local setback, entry‑door location, tree retention and yard‑coverage standards can be compared with the principal dwelling. Amy said the city currently allows only one ADU per lot and that the draft would permit two and remove the separate owner‑occupancy requirement.

On unit size the staff presentation discussed a threshold tied to state guidance: \"the local governments may not require ADUs to be smaller than a thousand [square] feet,\" Amy said, adding Monroe could choose a larger maximum but must not adopt standards that make ADUs effectively impossible. Commissioners debated how to translate the state language into local code. Commissioner Dawkins and others pointed to a draft line that would limit ADU floor area to \"the larger of a thousand square feet or 40% of the total floor area,\" and some commissioners said they preferred the 40% measure be based on the principal dwelling only.

On permitting and review, staff proposed moving ADU approvals to a Type 1 administrative decision, which would eliminate the mailed notice and public comment step that accompanies a Type 2 review. That prompted discussion: Commissioner Brandy Blair said she opposed further expedition beyond the Type 1 change, arguing public input helps spot neighborhood impacts; others noted faster turnaround could reduce time and cost for applicants. Amy said staff would return with more detail on expedited review options and capacity implications.

Public comment and neighborhood issues: Stacy McGrader, who identified herself as a Monroe resident at 514 West Main Street, told the commission she supported the state mandate but asked the city to \"please consider expanding it to the mixed use neighborhoods also.\" McGrader described a block near her home that includes both small commercial uses and single‑family homes and said allowing ADUs in mixed‑use areas could better realize local mixed‑use character.

Staff noted other practical questions remain, including utility connections, metering and whether separate sewer/water/electric connections should be allowed for ADUs. Amy said the city currently allows one sewer connection per lot and that public works would be part of follow‑up conversations. The packet also included guidance from Commerce and examples of preapproved plan programs used by larger cities. Amy said staff will research preapproved plan models and liability/fee arrangements and bring examples back to the commission.

Ending: Commissioners did not take a final vote on the ADU code amendments Monday. Staff said it will refine the draft language—particularly the square‑footage/percentage calculation, the preapproved plan options and parking/utilities questions—and return for further discussion and a future public hearing. The ADU changes must be adopted by June 30 to meet the state timeline.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Monroe, WA Planning Commission - February 10, 2025 Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Planning staff presented draft amendments to Monroe’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules Monday as they work to meet state requirements under House Bill 13 37, and one resident urged the commission to also allow ADUs in mixed‑use neighborhoods.","taxTitle","Monroe City, Snohomish County, Washington","taxId",71110,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6331260,"Monroe Planning Commission elects 2025 chair and vice chair, approves minutes and adopts 2025 work plan",5809,139000,5948000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2312242-56d4be8eb9012a495c9c30470b29ed5d&start=139&end=5948","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2312242-56d4be8eb9012a495c9c30470b29ed5d/thumbnail_139000.jpg","/articles/6331260/Monroe-City/Snohomish-County/Washington/Monroe-Planning-Commission-elects-2025-chair-and-vice-chair-approves-minutes-and-adopts-2025-work-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6331260-36ce20c4cb2431ffc0401dacc285794a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137107&Signature=C9QsOUdINmtG7MUSO4UNN0auJo7oqIu6KMZQ0SUNuZyBKnA-CimhEMz1hg4qXFWLcpPdZ9RU2hL3joOrOqp~NnuVlTPy05gya9sDCm-S-2nFGL3guRfmRHgWOOCfTuCPJDJAV7OpJX3Lpec0D~4vWaayVruvQru61PUO1vXsLCWCnA4AFaWYUS54E0wsQmYBcTrwOQ7thJ8QrwnihUDNumEjfp79P1GFGt1-jobi12IXtlGwPFGQEf8n3r~7BeuYB146mQoRF4J6hB-rHzmOQJ0AVKnO~N2389ySSrbwwzQtmw8ZQeRONAZVG6-HnCfNGzDw7lK91UJRVHyl-rN4tQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Monroe City Planning Commission held routine business at its Feb. 10 meeting, approving minutes, electing officers for 2025 and forwarding its 2025 work plan to city council.

The commission approved the minutes from the Jan. 27 meeting by motion. Commissioners then conducted the annual election: Commissioner Melanie Lockhart was nominated and elected chair for 2025; the commission also nominated and elected Commissioner Brandy Blair as vice chair. The commission described both elections as \"a nice seamless election\" during the meeting and held no further discussion on nominations.

Nut graf: The commission also moved its adopted 2025 work program forward. Staff summarized numerous state‑driven and local projects to implement the adopted Monroe 2044 comprehensive plan — including code updates tied to recent state bills — and the commission voted to forward the final draft to city council for consideration.

Details: The work program lists multiple near‑term projects required by state law (including ADU and commercial‑to‑residential conversions) plus locally prioritized items such as critical area regulation updates, middle‑housing work, unit lot subdivision rules, and a parks/forestry element. At the meeting a commissioner moved to \"accept the final draft for the 2025 planning work program and move it to Monroe City Council for final review;\" the motion passed with an affirmative vote.

Ending: The commission concluded with brief commissioner reports and staff notes about upcoming deadlines and meetings. Commissioners requested printed copies of the adopted comprehensive plan and an updated map; staff agreed to provide them at the next meeting.","At its Feb. 10 meeting the Monroe City Planning Commission approved minutes from Jan. 27, elected Melanie Lockhart as chair and Brandy Blair as vice chair for 2025, and voted to forward the 2025 work program to city council.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6331264,"Planning commission directs staff to prepare packet and public hearing on converting commercial buildings to housing under state law",1434,4036000,5470000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2312242-56d4be8eb9012a495c9c30470b29ed5d&start=4036&end=5470","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2312242-56d4be8eb9012a495c9c30470b29ed5d/thumbnail_4036000.jpg","/articles/6331264/Monroe-City/Snohomish-County/Washington/Planning-commission-directs-staff-to-prepare-packet-and-public-hearing-on-converting-commercial-buildings-to-housing-under-state-law","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6331264-feb041d35fdb69c5db5a7290def10fb5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137107&Signature=kxdj3PC2QhxMgbMcBuwI4gQyzPVdOMnoZzVbmEadze-8ljpm7eMegVPTQMit2L~wdXiX2uN-B7kNE~hq2L2N1rmfpg~NQV3bg-l~B~swois2PN87z~G4GVorWsk1u2-KLDGSVdtNbgDb1NwHqEr1nOGD7TH6dzegChJ9f~8B1osqnfo-r48S9os0e-PSVs89sYPXVkBHOrvsB~chiLZwRBL~CsINli33Vnq2hUXOpgQv13h8EBNm2K9EA1YaT2mB445Ma1YkEJrKbeSw2NMy1R37-lUrgwKCBmBJWfYNa7fyEmhbEinA7lsr8AhdVRSB1sqpZUQoHEME6LaDU3Hlew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Planning staff introduced draft code amendments Monday to implement House Bill 10 42, the state law intended to encourage conversion of existing commercial and mixed‑use buildings to residential uses, and the Monroe Planning Commission voted to direct staff to prepare a formal packet and schedule a public hearing.

Penn (planning staff) told commissioners HB 10 42 \"is intended to encourage the interior redevelopment of existing commercial or mixed use buildings, with the goal of encouraging more residential uses.\" The law defines an \"existing building\" as one with a certificate of occupancy issued at least three years earlier and requires jurisdictions to allow 50% greater residential density in buildings converted to residential use.

Nut graf: The proposed city amendments mostly remove land‑use barriers the state forbids, including the ability to require additional parking or extra exterior design standards for conversions; commission members approved moving the item forward for public hearing so the council and public can review the draft.

Details: Staff summarized that HB 10 42 requires cities to allow up to 50% greater residential density in areas that allow residential uses and prohibits several local conditions that would make such conversions harder. Specifically, staff said the city cannot require additional parking for converted residential space (it may require retention of existing on‑site parking), cannot require additional exterior design standards beyond what new construction requires, cannot require ground‑floor commercial uses except in major pedestrian corridors (Monroe’s downtown promenade) and cannot deny projects for existing nonconformities within the building footprint.

Staff noted building‑code issues remain: energy code requirements apply to the portions converted to residential, and other building code triggers (sprinklers, structural upgrades, seismic work) may apply. Penn said CEPA review (state environmental review) would be exempt for these conversions under the statute, and some permit checklists would need updating.

Vote and next steps: Commissioner Petrino made a motion \"that we direct staff to prepare a formal packet for review and consideration and schedule a public hearing.\" A second was recorded and the chair called for a vote; the motion passed unanimously. Staff will prepare the formal packet, return the proposal to the commission for a public hearing in March, and then forward it to city council.

Ending: Staff emphasized the city intends to propose baseline code amendments required by the law rather than add local restrictions. The amendments must be completed by June 30; the commission scheduled the public hearing and will consider public input before forwarding a recommendation to council.","Staff introduced draft code amendments to implement House Bill 10 42, which requires cities to ease interior conversions of existing commercial or mixed‑use buildings to residential uses; the commission voted to direct staff to prepare a formal packet and schedule a public hearing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Monroe planners review state-mandated ADU code changes; public urges allowing ADUs in mixed‑use areas

Monroe Planning Commission elects 2025 chair and vice chair, approves minutes and adopts 2025 work plan

Planning commission directs staff to prepare packet and public hearing on converting commercial buildings to housing under state law