Kenmore Sound

Development · Occurred · Outcome pending · Sep 21, 2026

Kenmore Council to discuss draft zoning changes for thirteen parcels next to Swamp Creek

At its September 21, 2026 meeting, the Kenmore City Council is scheduled to discuss draft code amendments that would replace interim TOD regulations for parcels adjacent to Swamp Creek near SR-522/80th Ave NE, and give direction on scheduling a public hearing 1.

What the records say

The Kenmore City Council's September 21, 2026 regular meeting agenda includes a business item on draft code amendments for zoning regulations covering thirteen parcels adjacent to Swamp Creek near SR-522/80th Ave NE, where interim regulations currently apply 1. The item is listed for presentation by Senior Planner Brittany Chue and Deputy City Manager Debbie Bent, with the Council asked to discuss the draft and provide direction on moving forward with a public hearing 1. Per the agenda bill, staff are seeking Council direction on scheduling a public hearing; a tentative schedule sets a public hearing for 10/19/26 and consideration of ordinance adoption on 11/16/26 1. The interim regulations currently in effect run through 11/18/26 1. Because only pre-meeting records are available, this is a preview of what is scheduled, not a report of any decision 1.

  • The September 21, 2026 City Council agenda includes draft code amendments for zoning regulations for thirteen parcels adjacent to Swamp Creek near SR-522/80th Ave NE, where interim regulations currently apply; presenters are Senior Planner Brittany Chue and Deputy City Manager Debbie Bent.
  • The draft would eliminate the TOD overlay, rezone all parcels east of Swamp Creek from R12, R18, and R24 to Urban Residential, rezone one parcel west of the creek from R18/Urban Corridor East to Urban Residential, and retain the Urban Corridor East zone for remaining parcels west of the creek.
  • The draft lowers the maximum height in the Urban Corridor East and Urban Residential zones from 85 feet to 65 feet, with height of up to 85 feet allowed outside the shoreline buffer if the Swamp Creek buffer is restored or enhanced; the zones would require 25% affordable units for multifamily development, up from 10% under the TOD zone.
  • Staff are seeking Council direction on scheduling a public hearing; the tentative schedule is a public hearing on 10/19/26 with consideration of ordinance adoption on 11/16/26, and the interim regulations are in effect through 11/18/26.

Why it matters

The draft amendments would shape what can be built near Swamp Creek: they would eliminate the TOD overlay, rezone residential parcels east of the creek to Urban Residential, lower the maximum building height from 85 feet to 65 feet (with an increase back to 85 feet available outside the shoreline buffer if the Swamp Creek buffer is restored or enhanced), and raise the affordable-housing requirement for multifamily development in these zones from 10% to 25% of units 1. Residents have a window to weigh in: the Council's September 21 direction affects when the public hearing is scheduled, with a tentative hearing date of 10/19/26 1.

What changed / what's next

  • The September 21 item is for discussion and direction only; the records do not establish the meeting's outcome or whether the tentative 10/19/26 hearing date holds.
  • The City Attorney is reviewing the draft code for consistency in advance of the public hearing, and staff will incorporate any additional Council feedback on the draft 1.
  • Staff also flagged future, separate code amendments: transit-oriented development regulations under House Bill 1491 (city adoption by December 2029) and an updated Shoreline Master Program (city adoption by June 2029) 1.
  • The available records do not establish the meeting's outcome.