Kenmore Sound

Development · Outcome pending · Sep 21, 2026

Kenmore council to consider draft zoning changes for parcels next to Swamp Creek on Sept. 21

Draft code amendments would eliminate the TOD overlay for 13 Swamp Creek parcels and rezone them, per the Sept. 21, 2026 council agenda and staff presentation. 1

What the records say

The Kenmore City Council's Sept. 21, 2026, regular meeting agenda lists 'Draft Code Amendments - Zoning Regulations for Parcels Adjacent to Swamp Creek,' presented by Senior Planner Brittany Chue and Deputy City Manager Debbie Bent. 1 The accompanying staff presentation describes eliminating the transit-oriented development (TOD) overlay so that 13 parcels revert to their underlying zones, rezoning six residential parcels and one mixed residential/Urban Corridor East parcel to Urban Residential, and keeping Urban Corridor East parcels unchanged. 1 Under the draft, the 13 parcels' maximum height would drop from 85 feet to 65 feet without buffer restoration, but could rise back to 85 feet if an applicant restores or enhances the Swamp Creek shoreline buffer. 1

  • The agenda item was scheduled for the Sept. 21, 2026, regular meeting (called to order at 7:00 PM), presented by Senior Planner Brittany Chue and Deputy City Manager Debbie Bent.
  • The draft would eliminate the TOD overlay, with 13 parcels reverting to their underlying zones; six residential parcels and one residential/Urban Corridor East parcel would be rezoned to Urban Residential.
  • Maximum building height on the 13 parcels would decrease from 85 feet to 65 feet without buffer restoration, and increase from 65 feet to 85 feet with Swamp Creek buffer enhancement or restoration.
  • Under the draft, Urban Residential and Urban Corridor East standards would require 25% affordability versus 10% under the current TOD standards, with density of 60-150 dwelling units per acre in both.
  • The 13 parcels would move from Design Standard 3 to Design Standard 1, which includes pedestrian bridges, weather protection, and ground floor facade requirements.

Why it matters

These parcels sit near SR-522 and 80th Avenue NE, where interim regulations currently apply. If adopted, the changes would alter what can be built there: density, height, and affordability requirements would shift from TOD standards to Urban Residential or Urban Corridor East standards — for example, affordability rising from 10% to 25% of units in the affected zones, per the staff comparison tables. Residents near Swamp Creek would also see new conditions tying taller buildings to ecological buffer restoration. 1

What changed / what's next

  • Draft zoning amendments for 13 parcels adjacent to Swamp Creek — eliminating the TOD overlay, rezoning parcels to Urban Residential, and adjusting height, affordability, and design standards — were scheduled for council consideration on Sept. 21, 2026. 1
  • The supplied records show the item was scheduled for presentation and discussion; they do not establish what the council decided on Sept. 21.
  • Adoption of zoning code amendments would require further council action; the packet does not state a hearing or adoption date for this item.
  • Questions and comments are directed to Brittany Chue, Senior Planner, at bchue@kenmorewa.gov or 425-984-6157, per the presentation. 1
  • The available records do not establish the meeting's outcome.