Zoning & Use Matrices
Background
Snohomish County currently has 33 different zoning classifications, each with its own list of permitted and conditional uses. The lists of uses are portrayed in three sections (matrices): urban, rural/resource and other. It is through these matrices that property owners may answer the question, “What can I do with my property?”
Recent experience and numerous code interpretations have shown a need to update the Zoning Classifications and Use Matrices in order to make them more navigable. Some of the existing problems include:
- Too many zoning classifications as compared to comprehensive plan designations
- Over 100 reference notes to the use matrices
- Not all uses listed in the matrices are defined
- Use matrices do not necessarily reflect modern land uses or terminology
- Some zones have associated performance and bulk standards which refer readers to other sections of the code to determine additional allowances or limitations
Project Scope
Initially viewed a comprehensive look at zoning and the use matrices the project has been broken up into multiple parts. One part is being incorporated in a major effort to review rural lands and discuss policy issues surrounding the protection of these areas. Please refer to the Rural Lands Planning Project for more information.
Another part addressing Urban Centers will be incorporated in the project developing a set of permanent regulations to replace those that will expire in November 2008. That project will be developing new zoning classifications and looking at allowable uses.
Remaining portions of the project including looking at [Killingstad, David] residential, commercial and industrial zoning within Urban Growth Areas and zoning in resource lands (agriculture, forestry and minerals) are on hold. A decision to move forward on all or portions that remain will be made in 2009.
Public Comments
To comment on this project, please visit our and mention Zoning and Use Matrices in the first line.
Comments from public forums and stakeholder meetings; handouts (including key questions)