Ordinance 3454-15 with Exhibits A- C

EVERETT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 8. Minor amounts of infill development will occur in existing residential neighborhoods as allowed by zoning, including single family dwellings, duplexes, accessory dwelling units, and infill units (detached). 9. Employment growth will be encouraged in mixed use areas described above and in the City's industrially zoned areas. 10. The proposed regional high capacity rapid transit system linking Everett and other major urban centers in the region is highly desirable, but it is uncertain at the time of adoption of this plan update if it will be sufficiently developed within a time frame that will support the Vision 2040 growth guidance or the City's population and employment growth targets. There will be other important improvements to the transportation system, including improvements to public transportation, and Everett will continue to support development of an efficient regional rapid transit system. 11. Protecting and enhancing the character of existing residential neighborhoods is critical to the quality of life in Everett. Everett's growth strategy will encourage more housing in mixed use neighborhoods, with an emphasis on the quality and design character of higher density housing. Increasing opportunities for home ownership is still important, but not a high priority as it has been in previous comprehensive plan updates, since the majority of future housing units will be multiple family dwellings, and most of these units are likely to be rental housing. 12. The city will preserve most of its industrial land for future job growth as an important regional economic resource. Areas that have been designated industrial will be preserved for future employment activities rather than being redesignated for residential development. A few industrial areas may be considered for other land uses in the future if it can be demonstrated that converting them to a non -industrial use will not reduce the viability of adjoining industrial lands, or the viability of Paine Field to operate as a general aviation airport. 13. The Snohomish River area north of Pacific Avenue will be designated as a special study area for consideration of potential economic development strategies and land use changes. 14. Arterial streets traditionally zoned or used for commercial activities will be the focus of redevelopment with a greater emphasis on residential uses mixed with commercial development. Improvements to the public transportation system will be supported along such streets by transit compatible site and building design, and by increased residential densities. These gateway corridors will also be improved aesthetically as properties are redeveloped to make such areas more attractive areas for living, shopping and working. Design measures are needed to promote quality development. 15. The trees within and adjacent to the I-5 corridor will be preserved to the greatest extent possible and enhanced with additional plantings to maintain the natural aesthetic qualities of the most prominent gateway entrance to the city. INTRODUCTION