Planning commission approves housekeeping package; debates inclusionary zoning land-transfer alternative

The Everett Planning Commission on Sept. 16 recommended a set of housekeeping amendments to the Everett development code tied to the Everett 2044 comprehensive plan update, and debated possible changes to the city's inclusionary-zoning approach for ownership housing.

Staff described the package as a sequence of clarifications, error corrections and targeted policy adjustments to Title 19 and related chapters after a large periodic update earlier in the year. The proposed changes would: clarify that building design and site-design standards in Chapter 19.08 apply only when a dwelling has a facade within 30 feet of a public street right-of-way; move and consolidate some landscaping and screening rules to more appropriate sections of the code; allow limited flexibility for utility connections where two units share common ownership; and clarify accessory building and garage rules.

On yards and landscaping, staff explained that private yards would remain required (minimum 80 square feet, at least 8 feet in any direction and direct access from the dwelling) and the draft language preserved a separation between required perimeter landscaping and private-yard area. Commissioners asked whether that…