Ordinance 3454-15 with Exhibits A- C

EVERETT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN framework of existing policies, land use designations and development regulations without further study. Policy 2.11.6 High Capacity Transit Corridors/ Transit Stations. High capacity transit includes both light rail transit (LRT) and bus rapid transit (BRT). BRT has already been established from Everett Station to the King County line along Evergreen Way. Additional BRT lines in Everett and its planning area are contemplated within the time of the planning period (by 2035). The possibility of a regional high capacity transit system (light rail) being extended to Everett within the time frame of the planning period is uncertain. Everett feels that extension of the light rail system to Everett is critical to the growth management objectives of the region, and more specifically, for the ability of the City to accommodate the regional growth expectations for Everett. The introduction of such a transportation mode will have profound impacts on the commuting and land use patterns of Everett and the Puget Sound. The siting of high capacity transit corridors and stations will generate special transportation needs, such as interconnections with local bus service and development of park and ride facilities (where allowed), and create new opportunities for land uses that will benefit from being in close proximity to transit stations. Figure 1 designates the City's preferred high capacity transit corridor and station locations. These designations are based upon preliminary analysis prepared by Sound Transit, with City input, in the updating of the Sound Transit Long Range Plan in 2013-14. The decisions concerning the timing and financial plan for Sound Transit Phase 3, which would extend the light rail system from Lynnwood to Everett, will not be made until after the 2015 ten-year update to the City comprehensive plan. The policies contained herein address the need to evaluate important considerations when making decisions about the location of light rail corridor serving Everett, transit station locations, and land use designations near the transit stations. a) The City of Everett shall take the lead role within the Everett Planning Area for determining the alignment of the high capacity transit system routes, and the siting of high capacity transit stations. b) High capacity transit corridors and stations should be sited so as to provide service to existing or planned locations of high intensity employment centers and/or mixed-use employment/residential centers. c) High capacity transit corridors and stations should be sited so as to complement and support existing or planned land uses and minimize the traffic impacts on existing neighborhoods. d) High capacity transit stations should be sited so as to maximize the opportunity to integrate with other modes of transportation, especially bus transit, pedestrian and bicycle modes, and to reduce the need for use of the automobile. e) The City shall take the lead for planning for the location of LRT and BRT stations. These planning efforts shall include consideration for land use changes to take advantage of the likely increase in development interest near stations. The City should evaluate use of tools identified in the PSRC's Growing Transit Communities (GTC) planning program in the development of station area plans. The planning process shall consider measures to protect existing residential LAND USE ELEMENT 41