Everett City Council has officially approved a sweeping update to its comprehensive plan, dramatically reshaping zoning rules across the city to allow for more housing, introduce middle housing options, and implement inclusionary zoning in select neighborhoods. The plan, known as Everett 2044, aims to manage the city’s expected population and job growth through 2044.
Three-Year Plan Finalized
After over three years of preparation, the Everett City Council approved a major land use and zoning reform Wednesday night. This extensive update to the city’s comprehensive plan eliminates most single-family zoning, opens doors for middle housing, and allows for limited commercial businesses in certain residential areas. The move aligns with new state legislation requiring cities to plan for future growth while preventing displacement.
Middle Housing Now Allowed
A key feature of the Everett 2044 plan is its embrace of “middle housing,” which includes duplexes, triplexes, and townhouses in areas once restricted to single-family homes. City Planning Director Yorik Stevens-Wajda emphasized that these are some of the most affordable housing options developers can produce. Increasing the housing supply is expected to ease the region’s ongoing affordability crisis by reducing costs.
Inclusionary Zoning Stays
Despite mixed reactions, the council retained a requirement for inclusionary zoning in south Everett, around the Casino Road neighborhood. The policy mandates large developments to reserve a percentage of units for lower-income households. Community advocates strongly supported the measure, warning of displacement risks tied to upcoming light rail services. “We want our neighbors to stay,” Melinda Cervantes urged. Bobby Thompson called the move “a vital anti-displacement strategy.” Meanwhile, builders’ representatives like Russell Joe argued the requirement might hinder project feasibility and drive up rents.
Growth Centers Identified
Everett’s plan steers most future development to its downtown core, major arterial roads like Broadway, Evergreen Way, Everett Mall Way, and areas near transit hubs. The strategy focuses on vertical rather than horizontal growth to reduce reliance on cars and encourage walking, biking, and public transport. Research shows this can significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions and safeguard natural habitats.
Neighborhood Stores Debated
The plan introduces a policy to permit small-scale commercial businesses such as bakeries and coffee shops on corner lots within certain residential areas. Initially proposed citywide, the policy was scaled back after concerns about possible disruption. Districts 1, 2, and 4 will now allow these businesses, while most of Districts 3 and 5 will not. Council members Paula Rhyne and Mary Fosse pushed for broader inclusion, with Rhyne stating, “We should be developing a universal and consistent policy for the location of corner stores, not a patchwork approach.” However, others called the shift “complicated” and opted for a cautious rollout.
Public Pressure Influences Decision
Housing nonprofits and community groups spent months advocating for stronger affordability protections. The planning commission recommended dropping inclusionary zoning due to fears it could slow development, but public opposition led to its reinstatement. The council will review its effects in a scheduled report by June 2027. “This is a landmark opportunity,” said Thompson. Builders countered that limiting projects might hurt supply, giving renters less choice.
Further Adjustments and Reports
Other amendments included downzoning select areas after residents raised concerns about historical neighborhoods and infrastructure limitations. Everett’s plan, finalized about six months past the state deadline, allowed the city to implement its middle housing rules alongside the comprehensive plan. This contrasts with other cities still catching up after passing their plans in 2024. The city will also produce a report on the impact of neighborhood commercial businesses by January 2027.
