Council adopts zoning amendments for Houghton Village and authorizes sale of the site
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Summary
Council adopted minor zoning code amendments implementing the already‑adopted Houghton Village development plan (Ordinance O‑49‑24) and passed Resolution 57‑19 authorizing the city manager to solicit and return viable offers for the Houghton Village property to repay an interfund loan; votes were unanimous 7–0.
The Kirkland City Council on Feb. 3 adopted zoning code amendments that reference the development plan‑approved height and parking standards for the Houghton Village area and then authorized the city manager to market and accept offers to sell the Houghton Village property to repay the interfund loan used to purchase the site.
Planning staff explained the amendments are minor and intended to place the adopted development‑plan parameters (allowed height and lower parking minimums) into the Zoning Code for transparency and ease of use; staff emphasized the zoning amendments do not themselves authorize increased height or reduced parking — those decisions were already made when council adopted the development plan in December (Ordinance 4,915).
After the public hearing on the zoning amendments — for which no members of the public offered testimony — Council Member Arnold moved adoption of Ordinance O‑49‑24 and Council Member Prim seconded; the city clerk called the roll and the ordinance passed 7–0.
On the related question of property disposition, Deputy City Manager Jim Lopez reviewed the project timeline: the city purchased the Houghton Village Shopping Center in January 2022, issued an RFP in early 2025, and found prospective developers indicated a need for substantial subsidy to meet all plan objectives. In December 2025, council adopted the development plan and approved a resolution expressing intent to repay the interfund loan in 2026. Lopez recommended authorizing the city manager to solicit offers (public, private, non‑profit) and return viable offers to council for final disposition.
Council debated policy tradeoffs — several members expressed disappointment that holding the land for longer might preserve a greater chance for deeply affordable housing but agreed that repaying the interfund loan and avoiding ongoing carrying costs were important. Council Member Paschal moved and Deputy Mayor Black seconded Resolution 57‑19 authorizing sale; council approved the resolution on voice vote 7–0.
Council directed staff that all viable offers will be returned to council for final approval and reiterated their expectation that any buyer proposing development should follow the adopted development plan unless council chooses to approve a different plan through a public process.
What changed: Ordinance O‑49‑24 was adopted (roll call 7–0) and Resolution 57‑19 authorizing sale was approved (7–0). Staff will return with marketing, offer evaluation criteria and next steps for council review.
