This code amendment implements House Bill 1923 to increase housing supply through infill development of duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in single-family zones.

Snohomish County Public Works has finalized changes to its Engineering Development and Design Standards (EDDS). This project culminates several months of effort and input from MBAKS members on positive changes to the code that go into effect May 1.

The grant will fund costs associated with municipal code changes to authorize at least one duplex, triplex, or courtyard apartment on each parcel in one or more zoning districts that permit single-family residences; create a new form-based code for downtown and North Bend Way; and create a new medium-density zoning district.

The council was not expected to take action at this meeting, but MBAKS wanted to be on record supporting a delayed implementation into next year.

Unfortunately, most homebuilding remains classified as a non-essential business. MBAKS continues to reach out to the governor’s office asking for further guidance to safely bring more residential construction back online.

On October 2, 2018, we took to social media to discuss the benefits of more flexible accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules and various cottage housing ordinances throughout our two-county region.

Language was strengthened to apply code equitably to residents and developers, and additional language was added to hold the city accountable for replacing damaged or removed trees on municipal property.

Cities are currently working to identify locations for the centers within their borders, and will then work cooperatively with Snohomish County to identify center locations in unincorporated areas.

Any land swap, urban growth area expansion, or other significant land use change must be applied for by that date. It is already known that some cities such as Arlington and Monroe will be bringing forward such requests.

The Affordable Housing Strategy will include code amendments to allow for a fee simple overlay for townhome development, remove the three-year wait for attached accessory dwelling units, and change minimum parking requirements.

The Washington State Legislature has concluded its 2020 session. Most notably, the Legislature failed to delay implementation of the energy code. Outside of that disappointing news, MBAKS supported four bills that passed and will benefit housing.

NAHB’s latest report estimates that for every $1,000 increase in the price of home in the Seattle/Bellevue/Tacoma market, 1,161 people are priced out, meaning they no longer quality for a mortgage after the price increase.

During this unprecedented time, SDOT does not currently have the authority to waive fees. They are in the process of seeking the authority and mechanism to defer/waive fees for this scenario from the city’s Budget Office and Mayor’s Office.

Initially the HE’s office was hesitant to move its meetings to virtual, but projects need to move forward since it’s uncertain when large groups may gather again.

The Richards Creek substation work is on track in Bellevue. The Renton permit for the project has been approved and no appeals were received. PSE staff continues to work with the city of Newcastle staff.

The ordinance will take effect immediately, however the council is required to hold a public hearing on the emergency ordinance within 60 days. We do not expect that hearing to be controversial.

The emergency bill, as passed, allows development projects that would normally move through the Full Design Review process to move through Administrative Design Review (ADR) and affordable housing development projects to be exempted from the ADR process altogether.

On April 20, both the Bellevue City Council and Renton City Council adopted ordinances to extend permit applications and issued permits for 180 days, or six months beyond what is already provided in city code.

Unlike Snohomish County’s emergency ordinance, no further public hearings are needed. The new law applies to permits granted before Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Safe Order.

The council also signaled a clear intention to further extend permits, should it be necessary. Due to the use of an emergency ordinance, a public hearing will have to held within 60 days on the measure’s passage, but that is very likely just a formality.

To keep current projects moving expeditiously through the development process, the city of Redmond has proposed temporarily suspending the Design Review Board (DRB) for six months. The DRB is in agreement with staff and City Council on the proposal.

Notable changes from the current rates in effect are Snohomish, who, having failed to pass their bonds this year, will charge a $6,050 fee. Lake Stevens proposes to increase their fee from $7,085 to $11,890.

The rate increase under consideration is intended to result in a revenue-neutral fee adjustment across all projected land use development classifications and locations.

The total permit fees paid for some projects will go down depending on how these factors, along with process improvements, impact staff time needed to complete the work.

BIAW has extended the deadline for scholarship and grant applications to June 19. Students applying to any Washington state accredited community, vocational/technical college, or university who can demonstrate a funding need to complete a program in a construction-related field of study are eligible.