Resolution 7700 - Laserfiche WebLink

1. Increasing Housing Variety Everett Housing Action Plan 11 however, caused the city to put those initiatives on hold while the Rethink Zoning effort proceeded.  The current code effectively precludes duplexes in R-1 and R-2 zones. While two-lot townhomes are allowed, they require “ownership opportunity” which means that the residential parcel must be divided through zero lot subdivision, condominium, or residential binding site plan in the R-1 zone. In the R-2 zone the maximum density of one dwelling per 3,750 SF of lot area, and minimum lot area of 7,500 SF/ 2 dwellings applies. Since most lots in Everett are less than that, duplexes are generally not feasible in established neighborhoods. The R-2A zone permits single-family residences and also permits up to 4-unit buildings but its geographic area is limited, and development provisions are quite restrictive. The recommendations of this Strategy include actions to pursue infill housing in single family neighborhoods by engaging the public to find solutions that will both allow a greater range of housing while protecting the small-scale character of local neighborhoods. Summary of Feedback from Public Engagement. On February 27, 2020 the staff and consultant team held a public open house at which infill housing proposals and photographs of different housing types were shown to participants and were asked to evaluate them as infill options within single family neighborhoods. The results of this event provided early information regarding participants’ concerns and preferences related to housing types and architectural character which staff incorporated into subsequent proposals. COVID-19 quarantine slowed public engagement for much of 2020, but the team renewed outreach efforts in January 2021 with a “CHAT” in which remote participants discussed questions regarding infill and missing middle housing. On April 8, 2021, the Rethink Housing Action Plan Advisory Committee held a meeting to discuss infill housing in primarily single-family neighborhoods. Notes of this meeting are included in the Appendix F and are reflected in the recommendations. Respondents to the Housing Action Plan Community Survey generally recognized the importance of having a wide variety of housing options for all different income levels and household types. In- between housing options likes cottages would be more affordable options for first time homeowners and downsizing retirees. Supportive housing, subsidized housing, small apartment buildings (less than 20 units), accessory dwellings, townhomes, and single-family homes were identified by survey respondents as the housing types most needed as Everett grows. Economic and Feasibility Analysis Summary A detailed description of the feasibility analysis of prototype projects in the areas discussed in this section is provided in Appendix G. This review of the feasibility of new development projects in the R-1 and R-2 zones highlighted several findings to consider in the implementation of these policies.  It would not currently be feasible to redevelop most lots with an existing house as townhomes or plex developments. Higher density development with multi-plex and townhouse projects would likely provide better than comparable single-family housing projects, all else being equal. However, in many neighborhoods with R-1 and R-2 zoning, property with current housing will be