Ordinance 3454-15 with Exhibits A- C

EVERETT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Urban Design/Historic Preservation Element may require the revision of zoning code standards to promote other objectives of the plan. Each potential code revision must be carefully evaluated to ensure that the change suggested for implementing the policies of one element do not conflict with the objectives of another element. If conflicts cannot be avoided, the Planning Commission and City Council must decide which policies have the higher priority, or if amending policies is necessary to eliminate the conflict. Zoning code standards and map revisions are one method for the City to implement the recommendations of the Land Use Element. There are a variety of potential zoning code revisions that should be considered. Potential zoning code revisions include: • revision of development standards • revision of permitted uses within zones • requirements for mixed uses in commercial developments • design incentives in return for higher housing densities • mandatory design review for a certain type or size of development • amortization provisions for nonconforming uses or signs • transfer of development rights • rezoning, interim zoning, interim development regulations, master plans, overlay zones • minimum densities as well as maximum densities • maximum lot sizes as well an minimum lot sizes • consolidation of existing zones or creation of new zones • revision to review processes C. Subdivision Code The subdivision code contains standards that regulate the division of land within the city. Like the zoning code, it should be evaluated regularly to keep it consistent with the policies of the Land Use Element. Potential changes include revision to lot area and lot width standards, street standards, and off-street parking requirements. D. SEPA Ordinance The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and the City's SEPA ordinance require that development proposals over a minimum threshold size be evaluated for potential adverse impacts to the environment. Mitigation measures, or conditions of approval may be placed upon specific developments so long as the level of mitigation required does not exceed the level of impact created by the project and the conditions of mitigation are based upon an adopted policy or ordinance of the City. The SEPA process can be extremely useful in implementing the goals and policies of the Land Use Element as well as other elements of the comprehensive plan. In certain instances, revisions to the zoning or subdivision codes will not adequately implement the goals of and policies of the comprehensive plan. The City must use a systematic, consistent method to determine how the cumulative environmental impacts of development proposals are going to be mitigated through SEPA, or another mitigation process, so it does not miss opportunities to implement the comprehensive plan. LAND USE ELEMENT 64