Edmonds council adopts interim ordinance allowing step housing in ECDC, adds language on nuisances and evictions

The Edmonds City Council adopted an interim ordinance to allow step housing in the Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) on Jan. 28, adding two amendments that spell out enforcement expectations for nuisance or criminal behavior and that evictions of residents for unsafe actions are not precluded by city code.

Acting staff described the ordinance as a temporary measure to bring the city into compliance with state law that requires jurisdictions to allow certain supportive and emergency housing types. The staff presentation explained the interim ordinance will be followed by additional public outreach, planning‑board review and a required public hearing within six months of adoption; absent a council action the interim ordinance automatically expires after six months.

Council President Tibbitt proposed two amendments. The first, adopted by the council, adds a subsection stating: “Nuisances and criminal behavior are subject to enforcement to the full extent of the city’s code and state law.” The second amendment, also adopted, adds the sentence: “Evictions of residents for unsafe actions are not precluded by city codes.”

Council members debated the amendments during public deliberations. Supporters said the language clarifies expectations for operators and signals city support for enforcement of laws; opponents said the additions were redundant with existing code and risked chilling potential providers of step housing. Ultimately both amendments passed and the main motion adopting the interim ordinance as amended passed by unanimous council vote.

Staff told the council the ordinance is intended to be temporary: the council must hold a public hearing within six months (staff proposed Feb. 11 during the presentation), complete outreach and return with proposed refinements or a longer‑term code amendment before the interim ordinance would expire or be replaced.