2025/06/18 Council Agenda Packet

EVERETT 2044 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 6/17/2025 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN URBAN FORM ELEMENT Page 24 high-rise in scale, with lower scale generally more appropriate in locations far from the downtown or transit stations. High-rise development typically ranges up to 15 stories. Trees and high-quality landscaping enhance Urban Corridors and offset the impacts of their large, paved areas. These corridors exemplify the benefits of green infrastructure and low impact development by cleaning and soaking up stormwater runoff and minimizing urban heat island effects, while also being enjoyable places to live, work, and gather. Urban corridors are safe for all types of transportation. Urban Corridors policies apply to the roadway, the public realm of the street, and the buildings that line the street. Neighborhood Connectors Neighborhood Connectors are narrower main streets that connect neighborhoods with each other and to other parts of the city. They have transportation, land use, and design functions that are important at a neighborhood or district level. They support neighborhood business districts and provide housing opportunities close to local services, amenities, and transit lines. They are streets that include a mix of commercial and higher-density housing development. This policy is intended to balance the important transportation functions of Neighborhood Connectors with their roles in supporting the viability of business districts and residential livability. Freight Corridors Freight Corridors are the primary routes into and through the city that supports Everett as a west coast hub and a gateway for international and domestic trade. While the forms of these streets are not expected to change significantly, they are integral to the growth of traded sector businesses such as manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution industries. Policies related to freight are provided in the Transportation, Economic Development, Marine Port elements. Bicycle Routes Bicycle boulevards/lanes are low speed, lower volume streets with designated bike lanes to allow bicyclists to share the road more comfortably with motor vehicles. Bicycle facilities are indicated on these streets by sign and pavement markings, including sharrows. These facilities are appropriate for users of all ages and abilities. For additional policies on designated Bicycle Boulevards, Lanes, and Trails see the Everett Bicycle Master Plan and the Transportation Element. Open Space Corridors Open Space Corridors are natural areas that provide safe, healthy places for resident and migratory fish and wildlife species that live in and move through the city. Maintaining diverse, connected habitat corridors will help fish and wildlife adapt to continued human population growth, development, and climate change. Open Space Corridors also benefit residents by keeping air and water clean and cool, reducing the risks from landslides and flooding, and providing places for people to play, learn and experience nature. Open Space Corridors encompass the city’s valuable and distinctive natural