Code Development Projects

Purpose of Code Projects

To simplify development codes and streamline permitting processes in accordance with existing policies. Business processes will ensure that codes accomplish their intended purpose, can be effectively administered, and are consistent with the Snohomish County Comprehensive Plan. Code development projects also include code interpretations pursuant to Snohomish County Code (SCC) Chapter 30.83 and the development of rules pursuant to the rule making procedures of Chapter 30.82 SCC. For interpretations and rules, please see Codes & Regulations page.

Active Code Development Projects

There are several code projects underway that address a variety of issues. We seek your input on our code projects and invite you to contact the staff identified if you have specific questions on a particular project.

Mixed Use Corridor (MUC) Zone

The Mixed Use Corridor (MUC) Zone is a proposed new zone for Snohomish County. This zone is based on the Mixed Use Corridor Future Land Use Designation that is being proposed as part of the Draft Urban Core Subarea Element. The element is being added to the Snohomish County Comprehensive Plan as part of the 2024 update. The Urban Core Subarea Element provides detailed policies for the southwest urban unincorporated area of the County that will be serviced by future light rail transit. The Urban Core Subarea is located between Everett, Mill Creek, Lynnwood, and Mukilteo. Light rail is being constructed by Sound Transit as part of the Everett Link extension.


The intent of the Mixed Use Corridor (MUC) zone is to provide a zone along state routes or country arterials that allows for a mix of high-density residential, office, commercial uses, and with public community facilities. These corridors will support multiple transportation options including transit and modes of active transportation including walking and cycling. Locations for where this zone is proposed includes sections of SR Hwy 99, 164th Street SW and 112th Street SW. 


Features of the MUC Zone include: 

  • A proposed maximum building height is five stories (not to exceed 60 feet) (30.31G.023(2).
  • No maximum density limitations for dwelling units in the MUC Zone (30.31G.023(4)).
  • Regulations regarding inclusionary housing for all new residential and mixed-use developments of five (5) dwelling units or more (30.21G.042).
  • Development applications within located within 0.25 mile of a Community Transit (SWIFT) stop may request a 50% reduction in the minimum amount of required parking (30.26.033). 
  • New definition for Minor Development Activities (SCC 30.91M.115)
  • New definition for Open Space, Publicly Accessible (SCC 30.91O.018)

Housing 

Snohomish County is experiencing a housing crisis, past underproduction has led to a shortage of available housing and existing housing is increasingly getting more expensive. The Snohomish County Housing Affordability Regional Taskforce, looking at the housing challenges that the county faces, adopted a variety of strategies, including to prioritize affordability and accessibility within a 0.5 mi around high capacity transit, and to require low-income housing in development near transit hubs. In 2020 71% of renters and 32% of homeowner households in the planning area around the future light rail stations are cost-burdened -spending more than 30% of their gross monthly income on housing. Demand for housing will only increase as light rail comes to Snohomish County, and it is important that new development not make housing out of reach for existing residents, and residents across the income spectrum. The MUC zone is an opportunity to direct growth along our high capacity transit corridors


MUC Zone code related to housing

  • Density – To encourage the development dense housing along the transit-rich corridors, multifamily residential is the only type of residential permitted in the MUC zone and there are no maximum density requirements in the MUC Zone. 
  • Inclusionary zoning-The MUC zone includes a requirement that at least 15 percent of the proposed units in new residential (or mixed-use developments that include housing) be affordable units. These units would be affordable to low-income households, which are households making 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). To encourage the development of housing affordable to very low-income households (those at 50% AMI), a developer may instead provide 2 very low-income units for each one low-income unit required. Including at least one very-low-income unit (or two or more low-income units) will allow the developer one additional floor in height. 

Providing Feedback on the Draft MUC Zone

The draft MUC regulations are available for review and comments. The regulations can be viewed at the link below. Comments and questions can be emailed to matthew.siddons@snoco.org or 2024Update@snoco.org. Please send any comments on the draft MUC Zone by Friday September 8, 2023. Additional information links have been provided below including to the draft Urban Core Subarea Plan. 


Draft Mixed Use Corridor Zone Regulations

Public Meetings for Planning Commission and County Council

Public feedback is critical to the success of code development projects. Follow the links below to learn about future and past public meetings held by the Planning Commission and County Council: