SNOHOMISH COUNTY PRD ORDINANCE PASSES COUNCIL
More victories for Snohomish REALTORS® and Builders

Recently, the Snohomish County Council passed a new, improved and less restrictive PRD ordinance by a vote of 4-1. As a result of a great deal of hard work by many parties including the REALTORS® and the Master Builders Association, there was no opposition testimony at the final hearing to the amendments they presented. It was a sizable victory on many issues over alternate proposals brought before the Council, ones that would detract from buildable land supply and the supply of housing opportunities in Snohomish County.

"Once again REALTORS® are on the front lines advocating for affordable
housing, and continued economic vitality," said Nathan Gorton, Snohomish County Association Government Affairs Director who testified at the hearing. "This ordinance would not have passed without the hard work of our members- especially those who came and testified. Our council needs to hear from people who are involved with the real world implications of their legislation, and our members showed up and saved the day!"

With the new ordinance passed, for example, was the defeat of a proposal that would give only 50 percent critical area density credit. The final ordinance included a 100 percent density credit. Instead of fixed setback measurements, setback averaging was adopted with a minimum of 5'. Rather than a density cap of 7 units per net acre, the Council passed 9 units. Rather than a requirement of 50 percent open space per single tract, the new ordinance requires only 40 percent.

In addition, provisions were adopted that allow for use of shared driveways and auto courts, and several landscaping requirements (including tree surveys) were eliminated.

Having passed the County Council, the ordinance now moves to the County Executive for his signature.

More Snohomish County Model Homes Allowed
At the same meeting, the Snohomish County Council voted 5-0 to change the code related to construction of model homes in approved preliminary plats. The ordinance, number 04-017, changes from 4 to 9 the number of model homes allowed. Testimony from the Master Builders noted the proposal as pro-consumer choice and helpful in selling homes more quickly.