Kenmore Sound

Development · Outcome pending · Jul 28, 2025

Swamp Creek zoning amendments were scheduled for continued discussion

The July 28, 2025 City Council packet listed continued discussion and direction on zoning amendments for parcels near Swamp Creek and SR 522/80th Avenue NE, where interim regulations apply 1.

What the records say

The July 28, 2025 City Council packet listed a continued discussion and direction item on zoning regulation amendments for parcels adjacent to Swamp Creek near SR 522/80th Avenue NE, where interim regulations currently apply 1. The staff memo said the overall goal is to consider regulations that encourage pedestrian-oriented commercial and residential development, including affordable housing, supported by high-capacity transit on SR 522, while also supporting environmental protection based on the Swamp Creek corridor study 1. Staff recommended eliminating the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) overlay and changing residential-zoned parcels (R12, R18, R24) to Urban Residential, retaining Urban Corridor East zoning for UC East parcels, and considering incentives to increase or restore shoreline buffers 1. The item was listed for discussion and direction, not a final vote 1. The packet's presentation timeline listed Sept. 15 for draft code, Oct. 13 for a public hearing, and Nov. 17 for Council adoption, but the records do not establish the meeting's outcome 1.

  • The July 28, 2025 agenda included a continued discussion and direction item on zoning regulation amendments for parcels adjacent to Swamp Creek near SR 522/80th Avenue NE 1.
  • The staff memo said interim regulations currently apply to 13 parcels and were extended for six months at the June 23, 2025 meeting 1.
  • Staff recommended eliminating the TOD overlay and changing residential-zoned parcels (R12, R18, R24) to Urban Residential, while retaining Urban Corridor East zoning for UC East parcels 1.
  • Staff also sought direction on incentives to increase or restore shoreline buffers from Swamp Creek, such as reducing affordability requirements, reducing or eliminating parking requirements, allowing increased density, or allowing increased height 1.
  • The staff memo said the Swamp Creek Prioritization Study assessed 155 parcels; among the 13 TOD parcels, 6 were medium priority and 7 low priority for environmental restoration 1.
  • The presenters were Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Debbie Bent and Senior Planner Brittany Chue 1.
  • The packet's presentation timeline listed Sept. 15 for draft code, Oct. 13 for a public hearing, and Nov. 17 for Council adoption 1.

Why it matters

The staff memo said interim regulations currently apply to 13 parcels adjacent to Swamp Creek near SR 522/80th Avenue NE, and the July 28 item was for continued discussion and direction 1. Analysis: the decision could affect what can be built on parcels near Swamp Creek and how shoreline buffers are treated, but the packet does not establish the Council's direction or any adopted changes 1. The packet's timeline listed draft code for Sept. 15, a public hearing for Oct. 13, and Council adoption for Nov. 17, but those are scheduled dates, not outcomes 1.

What changed / what's next

  • The agenda packet was updated on July 25 to add a presentation on the Swamp Creek zoning amendments 1.
  • The item was listed for continued discussion and direction rather than a final decision 1.
  • The packet included a staff memo and agenda bill added July 22 1.
  • The available records do not establish the meeting's outcome 1.
  • The packet's timeline listed draft code for Sept. 15, a public hearing for Oct. 13, and Council adoption for Nov. 17, but those are scheduled dates, not outcomes 1.
  • The packet included options and staff recommendations, not final adopted amendment text 1.