Reader view City development code updates who is driving the bus?

Edmonds residents have a critical opportunity to influence proposed changes to city codes concerning middle housing and neighborhood centers over the next two weeks. A public hearing is scheduled for April 23, followed by an open house on May 1, both at Edmonds City Hall. City staff has proposed increasing the housing density requirement from allowing two units to three units per lot, which would effectively double the required density in residential zones. This proposal runs counter to community concerns about overdevelopment, as expressed in a recent citizen survey. Senior Planner Brad Shipley indicated that tracking affordable housing units could burden city staff, suggesting that it might be exempted from the new laws.

There are concerns regarding the lack of alignment between city planning and citizen input, especially as Interim Director Shane Hope prepares to retire. The proposed changes may lead Edmonds toward a development model similar to that of Ballard, raising further questions about local identity and infrastructure. Residents are urged to engage with their elected officials regarding these significant developments.