[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6264481,"mediaKeyId","3096388-4297e9b5452f06c37caf9d8c61270141","parentId",3096388,"title","Finance director reports stronger‑than‑budgeted 2024 revenue; council warned of potential near‑term headwinds","audioSeconds",602,"startMs",11668000,"endMs",12270000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3096388-4297e9b5452f06c37caf9d8c61270141&start=11668&end=12270","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3096388-4297e9b5452f06c37caf9d8c61270141/thumbnail_11668000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6264481/Kenmore/King-County/Washington/Finance-director-reports-strongerthanbudgeted-2024-revenue-council-warned-of-potential-nearterm-headwinds","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264481-8f8b07012edb370663caf139ab75a851/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160504&Signature=GilUdoL3mEP9Jooq~FSWDYZ8bGLL2vH4OHbb7XDS2BfhIc8tst80iTTRmqtfiJOf1OU6fipvwnLuoeK3wL5pmj5M8ii9KFjj9IWOohw1pfPYOruprJa42AGpb4r7LBtlCYbzjdxRyMsMuoRqp7amre8r7vulSogucLfAx~G-YfSjlopq89i3U6RI6P33Y4r2PTW3wwXoa8Y~9GNZQn9gIVhU1g5VNypBlnSOsSnpALQVp~mEKYBlVYEbw81sKHScvw0FA~ri4Z23ehYQ4D8XQlGl6d-VjvtZdtz6iVh6Lyjr-AWo34vtFsK-hLUGIeWxDitJCHPzxEnpCrOqX18Rgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Kenmore, Washington","date","2025-04-22T17:39:22Z","article","Finance Administration Director Linda Merrill presented Kenmore’s fourth quarter and year‑end 2024 financial report and highlighted revenue performance, expenditures, reserves and investment holdings.

Highlights: the city’s amended biennial revenue budget (~$32.9 million) was outperformed with actual revenues of about $35.4 million (roughly 7% above budget) driven by higher other taxes (business & occupation, cannabis), development fees and investment interest. Expenditures for the biennium were about $29.4 million against an amended budget of roughly $33.4 million; some underspending reflected vacancies and use of ARPA funds to offset public safety costs in 2023. The general fund ended the year with an actual fund balance of about $9.6 million (well above a required 20% operating reserve target cited by staff).

Investment posture: the city’s portfolio included both liquid LGIP funds (earning around 4.3% at the time of reporting) and longer‑term bond investments (average yield ~3.6%). Bond proceeds received late in the year produced a larger cash balance headed into 2025 and both LGIP positioning and laddered securities will be monitored as interest rates change.

Fund‑level notes: the Transportation Benefit District and REET collections will be watched closely; the street fund depends materially on fuel tax and car‑tab revenues. The new photo enforcement (CAEP) program generated about $921,000 in receipts since implementation; staff transferred portions into transportation capital. Surface‑water and impact‑fee funds show balances to support planned capital work; the city will continue to monitor timing of expenditures as projects move into construction.

Risks and next steps: Merrill warned of possible revenue headwinds from reduced REET/development activity, lower fuel tax receipts and broader economic pressures that could affect permit revenue and investment income as interest rates change. She noted the Public Works Operations Center is an upcoming large capital program with costs estimated under earlier assumptions and flagged the need to revisit forecasts and capital estimates. Council members asked staff to continue frequent financial updates.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Special and Regular Meeting - Apr 21 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Finance Director Linda Merrill reported Kenmore ended 2024 with revenues above budget, lower overall expenditures and a strong fund balance, while cautioning about several near‑term revenue risks and large capital needs.","taxTitle","Kenmore, King County, Washington","taxId",70669,"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},6264490,"Planning Commission recommends middle‑housing and inclusionary zoning rules; council to review in May",433,3527000,3960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3096388-4297e9b5452f06c37caf9d8c61270141&start=3527&end=3960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3096388-4297e9b5452f06c37caf9d8c61270141/thumbnail_3527000.jpg","/articles/6264490/Kenmore/King-County/Washington/Planning-Commission-recommends-middlehousing-and-inclusionary-zoning-rules-council-to-review-in-May","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264490-fdbf14dad914175f1b09268cd4bf7b35/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160504&Signature=CoiOHXpe7aBHkYy8JI6jTcC7nCiIKqDz2m8HP0B1nO7kh0dSGi2g6m6k94DgtssJMQAGgTngT8ObBraGVY5qLgXzD6FutDnQzr5ppdFIq0nr186s0JLypxyb2aTxA7h8x73vpih6inVjtraPN0qXtEEwo6C~ZorfnDTSq3u2BrmzQfOuP-XKN9lNRWBI4QeR9Qpd9V~SsUkRRHKJ0FQ7u1BmsZgM0d3TG7g57UQEo9EtMX83YAShT~7~tSL~wLEIJo5DuzsDoaoS8FGPKIv1KmJE-dQQYJjQZdYhaqZvyPrBqoX~aaQqI6RnqizjfjHiGZl~ke7g9do4ODkb0XqWfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kenmore’s Planning Commission presented its recommendations for middle housing, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and inclusionary zoning to the city council and explained the basis for its 4–3 recommendation. Staff described state requirements and the community engagement process; the commission outlined proposed development standards, incentives and an inclusionary program modeled by ARCH/BAE.

Key elements of the Planning Commission recommendation:

- Middle housing types permitted: duplexes, triplexes, stacked flats, cottages (cottage housing), townhouses and courtyard apartments (staff/commission additionally referenced townhomes in the materials). The commission also recommended incentives for smaller units and density bonuses for cottage housing.
- Unit allowances: up to 2 units per lot by right outside major transit; up to 4 units per lot within a quarter‑mile of a major transit stop along SR‑522 (the transit corridor). ADUs: allow up to two ADUs per single‑family lot as required by state law (HB 13 37).
- Inclusionary zoning (recommendation): apply to residential development in R4 and R6 zones. Projects of 3 units or fewer would be exempt. Projects of 4–9 units would either provide the fractional required affordable unit on‑site or pay a fee‑in‑lieu (ARCH estimated a fee in the draft modeling at approximately $6 per square foot). Projects of 10 or more units would be required to provide the affordable unit(s) on site. Affordability levels recommended: 80% AMI for ownership units and 50% AMI for rental units.
- Alternative compliance/exemptions: the commission recommended exempting R1 parcels along Swamp Creek and R1/R4 parcels adjacent to the Sammamish River and two unnamed tributaries in South Kenmore (about 14% of single‑family lots) to preserve contiguous riparian corridors; this falls under the state’s 25% alternative compliance allowance.

Commissioners and staff emphasized protecting trees, critical areas and existing neighborhood character while enabling modest density and a range of housing choices. Chair Tracy Banashinsky said the commission conceived of middle housing as \"modest size housing options that serve a broad range of people and families.\" Commissioners also discussed incentives (reduced parking minimums, reduced setbacks in exchange for lower height, density bonuses for cottage housing sized 1,200 sq ft or smaller) and potential anti‑circumvention language (defining \"applicant\" and \"at the same place\" to discourage developer workarounds).

The Planning Commission vote was split 4–3; the minority report from three commissioners raised concerns that the proposed inclusionary approach could unintentionally penalize small infill projects and push developers toward larger single‑family teardowns. Council reserved questions and directed staff to return May 5 with consultants (Kimley Horn, ARCH/BAE) for further discussion and financial modeling; staff warned the city must adopt regulations by June 30 to avoid the state model ordinance taking effect.","The Planning Commission recommended a middle‑housing and inclusionary‑zoning package that would allow modest missing‑middle types and require limited affordability contributions in R4/R6 zones; the recommendation passed 4–3.",{"_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},6264494,"Council holds public hearing on draft right‑of‑way landscaping code; residents urge delay and assistance for seniors",321,2377000,2698000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3096388-4297e9b5452f06c37caf9d8c61270141&start=2377&end=2698","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3096388-4297e9b5452f06c37caf9d8c61270141/thumbnail_2377000.jpg","/articles/6264494/Kenmore/King-County/Washington/Council-holds-public-hearing-on-draft-rightofway-landscaping-code-residents-urge-delay-and-assistance-for-seniors","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264494-1c0ff3d62970dde2c634cbaef35780d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160504&Signature=gXG8VfstSAdGkfQpQNJ7gLdpSuc7YjfXxAKfnG2EL~poRv-BLzJFUH-UNPxTAk-D818R4CWF8836lX~OXz9jE8PzHuhbP7kc0zK9VgIGc1jS50rmNeWO99lx~9A6iEMBsNEKLkmtz219sjkk6SEAAkoAi9KgIo6Z0ILR2ix7Az-BJiW~ZCZcuf7JmF1jFjmtOanYjbeROKwqyXXgHSJEJO6TfYfVRF070XOHKMDAC6xOJMgaDhVZK44HsVtDn6xw8s3sE8G7N9uv~ko6sjBWG~d4tUfIM9iBiXWpBNr8s9GoTSRb2IbbChp48u-gQ8HPAYyyVu66KkYvgTHnEC35nw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council opened a public hearing and heard extended staff and public testimony on ordinance 25‑0628, draft amendments to Kenmore Municipal Code Title 12 (right‑of‑way) and Title 18 (landscaping) that would consolidate and clarify rules for sidewalk planting strips, street trees, vegetation clearance, hazardous trees, trash receptacles in the right‑of‑way, and maintenance responsibilities for abutting property owners.

Engineering Director John Vicente told the council the draft \"is for discussion only\" and reviewed specific changes: a defined term for \"traveled way,\" clarified engineering permit language, added right‑of‑way vegetation maintenance requirements (including a 12‑inch maximum height for grass/weeds), noxious weed removal, soil as an encroachment item, updated clearance diagrams, and a requirement to replace removed trees where feasible. The draft also adds rules about acceptable placement and timing for trash receptacles and creates limited exemptions (for example, for properties without continuous front‑to‑back right‑of‑way access).

Public commenters raised concerns about notice, enforcement, the historical maintenance role King County played before incorporation, and the burden on seniors and residents with disabilities or financial hardship. Patrick O’Brien and Stacy Valenzuela said residents need more time to review changes and asked for broader outreach; O’Brien urged caution about code language and enforcement history. Elizabeth Mooney and other speakers urged stronger protections for exceptional trees and asked the council to reconsider recent amendments to the exceptional tree ordinance.

Council members asked staff whether the city can provide physical or financial assistance to property owners who cannot meet maintenance obligations. John Vicente and other staff said the code already includes a provision that \"certain planting strips, sidewalks, unimproved right‑of‑way and other right‑of‑way areas may be maintained by the city at the city manager’s discretion,\" but implementing a formal assistance program would require additional policy work to define eligibility, criteria, and operational impacts on Public Works crews. Several councilmembers asked staff to explore language that would allow the city manager to consider hardship (financial or physical disability) in granting maintenance exemptions; staff said they will look into proposed language and return with options.

Council direction: staff will revise the draft ordinance based on tonight’s input, consider language clarifying the city manager’s discretion for hardship/assistance, and return with a revised draft for final passage at a future meeting (staff indicated a May meeting date for follow up).","Kenmore held a public hearing on ordinance 25‑0628 to consolidate and update right‑of‑way landscaping and maintenance rules; residents urged delay, more notice, and assistance options for seniors and people with disabilities.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6264499,"Council authorizes enforcement action from executive session; accepts two King County grants for Lake Point work",575,3431000,4006000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3096388-4297e9b5452f06c37caf9d8c61270141&start=3431&end=4006","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3096388-4297e9b5452f06c37caf9d8c61270141/thumbnail_3431000.jpg","/articles/6264499/Kenmore/King-County/Washington/Council-authorizes-enforcement-action-from-executive-session-accepts-two-King-County-grants-for-Lake-Point-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264499-ef7cabb6da155d5ee3e1b9f8c123dfc7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160504&Signature=j9Vm0t9L9XiA3Z34Jdb6wQsNktEzA-dIEJnaldWDbvLZ2DwKVfBlht8TSx7SFefJjNEMl91Qivn4ehlOklLEZYVBzZqGf4zVx0OxidHCIA3H-zTEQaxvAYaRpDtQXC8XcGuZckcPbRCORJc~wMJMlm0VvNnOzzqFt8FSW60qkn32Vu4dx4mxzVPdCFRjjEk02EKaBsV8-3ziNUyGWfC7WswUCTxQGwH-WXIO37KNJXYHxsWl96a2n28Rxqk37L4Wpv4R81cA~DZW53JcwXJZHj9il7G5KN-rlkr5XgTNM2k6pj1zob9vBQkjYcUZuiIZtEkRjrljeiVJbkIzdkslLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kenmore City Council on April 21 authorized enforcement of a street improvement delay agreement and approved two King County grant agreements related to Lake Point, all by 6–1 votes.

During the special meeting’s executive-session follow-up, the council voted to \"authorize the city manager and city attorney and their delegates to enforce the street improvement delay agreement related to the Wyler Short Platt and Chateau Short Platt and take all steps necessary to enforce the agreement, including, but not limited to filing an action in court.\" The motion passed 6 to 1; Councilmember Culver cast the lone no vote.

On the consent agenda the council approved an interlocal agreement with King County to accept a Conservation Futures grant award to acquire two properties (listed in the agenda packet) for a total shown in the staff report as $7,946,700. That motion also passed 6 to 1 with Councilmember Culver voting no.

The council next approved an interlocal agreement to accept a Cooperative Watershed Management Award Program grant to conduct an environmental evaluation of the Lake Point shoreline. The staff presentation described the award as $750,000; during the clerk’s roll-call the grant amount was read as $450,000. The motion passed 6 to 1 (Councilmember Culver no). The discrepancy in the recorded dollar amount appears in the meeting record and was not resolved on the record during the meeting.

Councilmembers who spoke in favor framed both grants as opportunities to advance restoration and habitat work at the Sammamish River mouth and Lake Point; public commenters and several council members emphasized the long-standing community interest in Lake Point restoration and expressed desire for testing and transparency before any acquisitions.

Next steps: staff will execute the interlocal agreements with King County and proceed with the environmental evaluation described in the grant materials; the enforcement action authorized in the executive-session follow-up gives city legal staff and the city manager authority to pursue court steps as needed.","Kenmore City Council voted 6–1 to authorize the city manager and city attorney to enforce a street improvement delay agreement from a recent executive session and approved two interlocal agreements with King County to fund acquisition and environmental evaluation work at the Lake Point shoreline.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6264486,"Staff previews new state rules on co‑living and residential parking; council prefers neutral term",522,10753000,11275000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3096388-4297e9b5452f06c37caf9d8c61270141&start=10753&end=11275","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3096388-4297e9b5452f06c37caf9d8c61270141/thumbnail_10753000.jpg","/articles/6264486/Kenmore/King-County/Washington/Staff-previews-new-state-rules-on-coliving-and-residential-parking-council-prefers-neutral-term","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6264486-c77ff0921b3a62ee0c0dded82e875c96/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160504&Signature=hG3FYOzbONqrtRH636iE3zf7VrC7KLxkwUWyStT628n5K4fDAgv3WhoxjdsXisPtdd9dhu01EWj7chHWKvzYb2JC4nWldfzhpLV2FlgnBPrDrDtiCpU2lqke-WXoLjusicoWy8RmMnQD-LKOaghV0Uu0GNu~8k-nDgk7K2AF4UeJXDIqDjdyNPftXTX4hzNXUA4Yfsx3WyqjHnkQcMrqig5YHyqL0vV7ysp-7VUrKnlz5p~Cdfha9BI~2BLXRKP9snHyNgkYRh4OShJaeHp6Bt~Y-XE10ZXkhOHrqS4fh7CCTelYShJyw-U1LFZJQM-uvqKr0bSTbqczcTurB6wDeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented state laws that require cities to allow co‑living/sleeping‑unit housing and establish new residential parking standards, and asked council for direction on drafting local implementing regulations.

Staff summarized HB 1998 (2024), which requires Growth‑Management cities to allow co‑living (sleeping units with shared kitchens) where multifamily housing is permitted. The presentation said co‑living will be allowed in Kenmore in zones that allow at least six multifamily units, including R6 through R48 and mixed‑use zones downtown and along SR‑522. Key points from the state law as presented: co‑living sleeping units count toward density at a rate of four sleeping units = one dwelling unit (i.e., one sleeping unit equals 0.25 of a dwelling unit for density calculations); parking may be capped at 0.25 spaces per sleeping unit and is not required within a half‑mile of a major transit stop; sewer connection fees are limited to half the per‑dwelling fee.

Staff also summarized SB 6015 (2024) on residential parking: required minimum stall dimensions, allowance for tandem parking and gravel/grass‑paver surfacing in some cases, up to six existing legally established gravel spaces may count toward minimums, and no required minimum parking if strict compliance would make tree retention infeasible. The council discussed what to call the land‑use category; options included \"co‑living,\" \"micro unit,\" and \"single‑room occupancy.\" Several councilmembers said they favored a descriptive, neutral term such as \"single‑room occupancy\" to avoid confusion with shared‑house or roommate arrangements. Staff will prepare draft code language (including naming and where the use will be permitted) and return to council with an ordinance in June; a public hearing on the drafts is planned for July with adoption targeted for September.

Staff noted Kenmore already has a \"micro housing\" definition (220–320 sq ft units) in code; the state sleeping‑unit minimums can be smaller (70–90 sq ft depending on the standards). Council members asked staff to ensure clear distinctions between co‑living definitions and other shared‑housing or supportive‑housing models so the regulations address the state intent.","City staff briefed the council on new state requirements for co‑living (HB 1998) and residential parking (SB 6015). The council discussed naming (some members favored 'single‑room occupancy' or 'micro unit'); staff will draft implementing code amendments for council review in June and a public hearing in July.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Finance director reports stronger‑than‑budgeted 2024 revenue; council warned of potential near‑term headwinds

Planning Commission recommends middle‑housing and inclusionary zoning rules; council to review in May

Council holds public hearing on draft right‑of‑way landscaping code; residents urge delay and assistance for seniors

Council authorizes enforcement action from executive session; accepts two King County grants for Lake Point work

Staff previews new state rules on co‑living and residential parking; council prefers neutral term