County Looks At Increasing Allowed Density

The Council was recently briefed at Planning Committee on Executive Reardon's proposal to increase the allowed density of multi-family developments.

"The proposal doubles the allowed density in multi-family zoned areas from 22 units per acre to 44," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "For properties fronting on Highway 99 the density is increased to 58 units per acre."

Minimum densities are also changed. Currently the minimum density is 4 units per acre. The new minimum required would be 12 units per acre.

The proposal would apply to all multi-family zoned property in Snohomish County. It would also apply to any other zones where multi-family is an allowed use. This would include the Neighborhood Business, Planned Community Business, Community Business, and General Commercial zones.

"I've asked the department for a map that shows each piece of property where these changes would take place," said Gossett. "I want to avoid allowing massive complexes next to single family neighborhoods. Under the proposal a five acre piece of property could have over 200 apartments."

Taller buildings would be allowed (50 feet tall instead of 45 feet and up to 70 feet tall if the property has frontage on Highway 99). Currently the maximum amount of the lot that can be covered is 40%. The new regulations eliminate any limit on lot coverage.

The impacts of increased traffic were discussed at the Planning Committee meeting. Councilmembers requested information on what the traffic impacts will be on roads where the proposal calls for denser development.

"I am particularly concerned about multi-family zoned property near 164^th," said Gossett. "The county has already declared 164^th to be at ultimate capacity and required a program to encourage drivers to use the bus or other options. What will be the impact of these changes on that already stressed corridor?"

The department's public notice process was one of Gossett's greatest concerns. Usually when density is increased the property must be rezoned.

"Snohomish County code requires neighbors be notified of all rezones. This action is not considered a rezone," noted Gossett. "It's considered a change of code which does not require that the neighbors be notified. The public needs the opportunity to weigh in."

Planning Department staff explained that the goal of the changes was to create more transit-friendly neighborhoods. Greater density makes transit service more efficient and likely to be used.

"I strongly support transit," said Gossett. "I've been on the Community Transit board for years and know how important transit is in making our transportation system work. I'm not opposed to looking at these proposals but I have serious concerns about how they will be implemented. There are a lot of questions that need answers."

Community Transit Service Changes Coming

Last fall the Community Transit Board made a second round of cuts to service due to declining revenues. Service had been cut the previous year by roughly 15%. The second round of cuts reduced service by another 20%.

"While adopted last fall, changes of this magnitude take time to implement," said County Councilmember and Community Transit Boardmember Dave Gossett. "I want to remind all riders that the changes in service take effect on February 20^th."

The Bus Plus book is now available which will allow riders to see how routes have changed. Additionally, bus riders can access the online Trip Planner at www.communitytransit.org to plan a trip and see how routes may have changed. The Trip Planner will also allow the rider to calculate the fare and print a map of the route.

In implementing both sets of service reductions Community Transit chose to focus on making the system more efficient while still servicing all communities. Instead of just reducing the frequency of all routes targeted cuts and changes of frequency were employed.

As a result, bus productivity increased by 22% in 2011. In 2010 buses carried 21.7 passengers per hour and now average 26.6. Cost per rider also declined from $7.23 in 2010 to $6.98 in 2011.

"The Swift bus rapid transit route continues to have the highest number of riders of any route," said Gossett. "It is also our most productive, carrying over 30 passengers per hour. The increased efficiency of our system is a direct result of making strategic, targeted decisions instead of across the board cuts in service."

Ridership in 2011 stayed constant at 9.7 million trips despite the reduced service.

"It's very unfortunate that Community Transit must make these cuts in service," said Gossett. "But we've focused on doing it in a way that provides the best service for the most citizens."