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Lake Stevens council moves transitional housing into Type 2 review; staff to update code language
Summary
After extended debate, council amended an ordinance to subject transitional housing to Type 2 review (public notice and supplementary use regulations) and instructed staff to update related code sections and parking provisions before returning with revised language.
The Lake Stevens City Council on Sept. 9 amended proposed STEP-housing code updates to subject transitional housing to a Type 2 review process, adding public notice and supplementary use requirements to the categories that already apply to emergency housing and shelters.
David Levitan, the city—s principal planner, had presented staff and Planning Commission recommendations that would have kept transitional housing as an outright permitted use (Type 1) while applying Type 2 supplementary regulations to emergency housing and shelters. During the continued public hearing, several councilmembers said they favored Type 2 review for transitional housing to ensure transparency, public participation and enforceable site management plans. Others argued that imposing Type 2 review would create barriers for nonprofit developers and deter the placement of transitional housing in Lake Stevens.
After discussion and amendments, the council voted on an amendment to add transitional housing to Section 14.44.100 (the supplementary-use regulations) and then passed the ordinance as amended. City staff said the amendment will require corresponding changes to the permissible-use table in Chapter 14.40 and to Chapter 14.72 (parking), and recommended returning with consolidated code changes and specific criteria for staff review; council directed staff to prepare those updates, with the option to remand to the Planning Commission if additional deliberation is needed.
Why it matters: The council—s action changes how transitional housing proposals will be reviewed locally: a Type 2 process adds notice to neighboring property owners, printed notice and on-site posting, and typically requires a site management plan and periodic checks that can be renewed or reviewed. Supporters said the step increases transparency and confidence for neighborhoods; opponents warned it could slow or deter developers who provide much-needed housing services.
Next steps: Staff will update the code sections (Chapter 14.44, the permissible-use table in Chapter 14.40 and Chapter 14.72) to reflect the council amendment and return with revised ordinance language and implementation details.
