2022/08/31 Council Agenda Packet

CITY OF EVERETT EVERETT Planning WASHINGTON STAFF MEMO TO: Everett City Council FROM: Rebecca McCrary, Long Range Planning Manager DATE: July 27, 2022 MEETING DATE: August 10, 2022 SUBJECT: Shelter and Housing for Homeless Individuals HB1220—Ordinance First Reading and Briefing INTRODUCTION Homelessness is a complex, challenging, and impactful problem with a variety of causes and potential solutions. Consistent with mayoral directives and council priorities, the city continues to engage in multiple strategies to help alleviate homelessness, including continued social worker outreach and the addition of case management, increasing shelter beds using Pallet units, and partnering with community agencies and Snohomish County Human Services to increase available behavioral health and housing services. In addition to supporting these strategies, the primary catalyst for this code amendment project is the need to address several bills passed by the state legislature in recent years (see recent state legislation section below). Staff have also identified updates to definitions and other regulations that will help clarify and streamline the city's planning and approval process for new facilities. This project did not address market rate or low-income housing, state licensed group housing, or density bonuses for residential development on property owned by a religious organization (2019's HB 1377). The Planning Commission recommended approval under their Planning Commission Resolution 22-002 on July 19, 2022, after holding a public hearing on the proposal. Staff conducted a final audit of the proposal and suggest minor corrections to the amendments reviewed and recommended by the planning commission. POLICY GUIDANCE The city's comprehensive plan foundationally supports the need to allow for the housing continuum for serving people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. Some particularly relevant policies include: Housing Element Policy 4.8.8 — Support local and regional efforts to prevent homelessness, and provide a range of housing options and support efforts to move homeless persons and families to long term financial independence. Policy 4.8.12 — Ensure the zoning code provides opportunities for specific types of special needs housing such as, but not limited to, adult family homes, assisted living facilities, senior citizen housing, supportive housing and temporary shelter housing. Continually monitor and update definitions of existing housing types and add new types of housing for the special needs population as necessary. Implementation Strategy 13 — Identify zones within the city suitable for the placement of emergency shelter facilities. EVEP ETi Page 1 of 10 Planning Commission Exhibit D Homeless Housing Types E2SHB 1220