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Page 1 of 21 <br />ORDINANCE NO. ________ <br />An ORDINANCE Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units, AMENDING Everett Municipal Code Chapters <br />19.04 Definitions, 19.05 Uses, 19.06 Lots, Setbacks and Residential Densities, 19.08 Residential Uses <br />and Development Standards, 19.22 Building and Structure Heights, 19.28 Historic Resources, and <br />19.34 Parking, Loading, and Access Requirements. <br />WHEREAS, <br />A.Everett, along with the Puget Sound Region, is experiencing a housing availability and affordability <br />crisis; Census estimates (American Community Survey Table S2503 for 2021) indicate widespread <br />housing cost burden in the city: <br />a.42% of the city’s households pay more than 30% of their income for housing costs; <br />b.77% of the city’s below median income renter households pay more than 30% of their <br />income for housing costs; and <br />B.Accessory dwelling units are frequently rented at below market rate, providing additional <br />affordable housing options for renters; and <br />C.Accessory dwelling units are often occupied by tenants who pay no rent at all; among these <br />tenants are grandparents, adult children, family members with disabilities, friends going through <br />life transitions, and community members in need. Accessory dwelling units meet the needs of <br />these people who might otherwise require scarce subsidized housing space and resources; and <br />D.Accessory dwelling units can meet the needs of the city’s growing senior population, making it <br />possible for this population to age in their communities by offering senior-friendly housing, which <br />prioritizes physical accessibility, in walkable communities near amenities essential to successful <br />aging in place, including transit and grocery stores, without requiring costly renovations of existing <br />housing stock; and <br />E.Homeowners who add an accessory dwelling unit may benefit from added income and an <br />increased sense of security; and <br />F.The 2021 Snohomish County Buildable Lands Report identified a shortfall in capacity for housing <br />in the city of Everett compared to its 2035 growth target; this ordinance represents a reasonable <br />measure to close that gap under RCW 36.70A.215 and the Countywide Planning Policies for <br />Snohomish County; and <br />3963-23