County adopts new residential design standards, restrictions on rural clusters
Published on Thu, Feb 12, 2009Read More Local News
The Snohomish County Council has tackled two property development issues at recent meetings, adopting design standards for new urban residential construction and tightening restrictions for rural cluster subdivisions.
At its January 28 meeting, the council voted to adopt regulations that will set rigid standards for the design and appearance of developments in many urban areas within the county. The new urban residential design standards will apply to all residential development in unincorporated urban areas of the county. The guidelines do not affect development in rural areas or within incorporated cities.
The effort to implement urban residential design standards (URDS) was spearheaded by County Councilmember Dave Gossett, whose district includes many of the areas that will be impacted by the regulations.
"With this vote we will continue to provide affordable housing while causing as little impact as possible on existing neighborhoods and the environment," said Gossett. "There will be more open space, tree retention and replacement, and improved buffering requirements."
Over a period of two years, representatives from the County Council, Planning Commission and County Planning Department worked with neighborhoods and stakeholders to develop regulations that would improve the appearance of residential developments without passing on significant cost to homebuyers.
A significant number of complaints concerned the clearcutting of trees before housing development began. Now developers will be required to spare the trees, or replace them with suitable new plantings.
"I am pleased with our process," said Councilmember Dave Somers. "We initiated an open exchange of ideas between stakeholders that has resulted in practical solutions and sustainable design principles."
The new regulations will take effect in late March 2009.
Meanwhile, the council addressed the subject of rural cluster subdivisions in early February. A particular bone of contention for some rural property owners, rural clusters allow developers to put more houses on acreage than the property's underlying zoning would allow.
The council's actions increased the minimum acreage allowed for rural clusters from five acres to seven, while reducing the maximum number of lots from 30 to 13. The new rules also call for more green space between the development and adjoining properties.
The new urban design regulations include:
New height regulations to reduce impact of development on existing homes.
Incentives for using low impact development techniques to reduce runoff.
Regulations for compatibility with neighborhoods.
An extensive menu of optional design elements to improve the variety and appearance of new homes.
Requirements to reduce the visual impact of garages.
Standards for walkways, parking configuration, and lighting for apartments, townhouses and condominiums.
Requirements for recreational open space in large developments.
New requirements for landscaping, including tree retention and replacement.
Landscaping requirements.
Requirements for most utilities to be located underground.
Flexibility for autocourts, alleys and other ways to provide for walking and driving through developments.
Enhanced provisions for transit facilities.
Improved requirements for off-street parking.
Limiting townhouse density to 9 dwelling units per acre.
New regulations for cottage housing and other innovative developments.
At its January 28 meeting, the council voted to adopt regulations that will set rigid standards for the design and appearance of developments in many urban areas within the county. The new urban residential design standards will apply to all residential development in unincorporated urban areas of the county. The guidelines do not affect development in rural areas or within incorporated cities.
The effort to implement urban residential design standards (URDS) was spearheaded by County Councilmember Dave Gossett, whose district includes many of the areas that will be impacted by the regulations.
"With this vote we will continue to provide affordable housing while causing as little impact as possible on existing neighborhoods and the environment," said Gossett. "There will be more open space, tree retention and replacement, and improved buffering requirements."
Over a period of two years, representatives from the County Council, Planning Commission and County Planning Department worked with neighborhoods and stakeholders to develop regulations that would improve the appearance of residential developments without passing on significant cost to homebuyers.
A significant number of complaints concerned the clearcutting of trees before housing development began. Now developers will be required to spare the trees, or replace them with suitable new plantings.
"I am pleased with our process," said Councilmember Dave Somers. "We initiated an open exchange of ideas between stakeholders that has resulted in practical solutions and sustainable design principles."
The new regulations will take effect in late March 2009.
Meanwhile, the council addressed the subject of rural cluster subdivisions in early February. A particular bone of contention for some rural property owners, rural clusters allow developers to put more houses on acreage than the property's underlying zoning would allow.
The council's actions increased the minimum acreage allowed for rural clusters from five acres to seven, while reducing the maximum number of lots from 30 to 13. The new rules also call for more green space between the development and adjoining properties.
The new urban design regulations include:
New height regulations to reduce impact of development on existing homes.
Incentives for using low impact development techniques to reduce runoff.
Regulations for compatibility with neighborhoods.
An extensive menu of optional design elements to improve the variety and appearance of new homes.
Requirements to reduce the visual impact of garages.
Standards for walkways, parking configuration, and lighting for apartments, townhouses and condominiums.
Requirements for recreational open space in large developments.
New requirements for landscaping, including tree retention and replacement.
Landscaping requirements.
Requirements for most utilities to be located underground.
Flexibility for autocourts, alleys and other ways to provide for walking and driving through developments.
Enhanced provisions for transit facilities.
Improved requirements for off-street parking.
Limiting townhouse density to 9 dwelling units per acre.
New regulations for cottage housing and other innovative developments.
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