Edmonds holds public hearing on interim neighborhood centers and hubs code; residents raise height, transition and notice concerns

Interim Planning Director Hope outlined an interim ordinance the Edmonds City Council held a public hearing on Feb. 4 to implement neighborhood centers and hubs adopted in the city’s comprehensive plan.

Hope told the council the interim code is a temporary measure (an interim ordinance may last up to six months unless extended) that applies only in the nine areas designated as neighborhood centers or hubs in the comprehensive plan and contains definitions, subdistricts, uses, site development standards, initial design standards, signage, parking and electric vehicle charging requirements.

Under the interim code staff described three mixed-use district types (Mixed Use 3, 4 and 5) with differing height limits: Mixed Use 3 generally limited to three stories (about 30 feet), Mixed Use 4 generally limited to three stories (about 30 feet, with an option to reach ~33 feet with a taller first floor), and Mixed Use 5 starting at four stories (about 40 feet) with a possible incentive floor up to roughly 52 feet in limited…