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Purpose of the Neighborhood Conservation Guidelines <br /> and <br /> Historic Overlay Zone Standards <br /> The proximity to the downtown business district which made this area popular at the beginning <br /> of the 20th century is now creating development pressure that is a potential threat to the historic <br /> homes of the neighborhoods and the unique character of the streetscape. To increase residential <br /> density the city zoned parts of the neighborhood closest to the downtown for multi-family <br /> residential development. In recent years, there have been several homes built that are not <br /> compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. In particular,the southern edge of the <br /> neighborhood is slowly being encroached upon to make way for the construction of multi-family <br /> developments at the expense of historic single-family homes. The possibility of continuing <br /> demolition and redevelopment with larger structures and various architectural styles led the <br /> neighbors to look for development controls to protect the historic features of the neighborhood <br /> they value. The Everett Zoning Code has provisions for Historic Overlay Zones to promote the <br /> community stated goal of preserving historic neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Conservation <br /> Guidelines and the accompanying Historic Overlay Zone Standards are designed to protect the <br /> existing historic character of the homes and streetscape by instituting a reasonable amount of <br /> control and review over future site development. The Guidelines and Historic Overlay Zone <br /> Standards meet the goals of the provisions for special districts by setting guidelines for review <br /> and minimum zoning standards(to overlay the existing zoning) to ensure compliance and <br /> compatibility. <br /> In areas of the neighborhoods zoned for multi-family, the Neighborhood Conservation <br /> Guidelines and Historic Overlay Zone Standards are designed not to curtail new development. <br /> Rather the Standards and Guidelines are designed to conserve the traditional neighborhood <br /> character while allowing for the increased density which the zoning allows. The most innovative <br /> part of this conservation plan allows the development of accessory dwellings accessed off the <br /> alley. This is an incentive to retain the historic homes within the multi-family zone while <br /> allowing for more density and homeowner income. <br /> Organization of the Document <br /> The Neighborhood Conservation Guidelines provide illustrated examples of rehabilitation <br /> techniques to help the homeowner or builder. Whether one plans to renovate the exterior of a <br /> historical home, build an addition onto one, or construct a new building in the district, this <br /> handbook is a useful tool to educate and guide that effort. <br /> The Historic Overlay Zone Standards which follow the Neighborhood Conservation Guidelines <br /> set specific requirements where necessary. <br /> The Neighborhood Conservation Guidelines and Historic Overlay Zone Standards are <br /> complementary and meant to be used together in review of projects within the Historic Overlay <br /> Zones. <br /> J <br /> 2 <br />