Frequently Asked Questions
Will my single-family neighborhood be impacted/changed/eliminated?
Yes! The 4 main housing commission proposals before Council will eliminate ALL single-family zoning in Edmonds.
What does upzoning mean and why should I care?
Upzoning is changing single-family neighborhoods to promote taller and/or denser buildings - this will start with 2 houses allowed where there was one house per lot. Then can expand up to 4 houses per SF lot with each house allowed a Detached ADU (DADU). We should have the freedom to live in suburban neighborhoods and not let our City Council eliminate them
Why do you say that the quality of life in Edmonds will be changed with these upzoning policies?
We have stopped being intentional about preserving our neighborhoods and maintaining local control of zoning. If Seattle-based upzoning is passed by Council, developers pushing for zero lot lines, removal of setbacks, open space, trees and vegetation to build multiple houses, especially townhouses, to maximize profits. These houses, as being done in Seattle, start at $700,000 - $1.2 million EACH! There is no data to show that housing is made cheaper, it only made land and housing prices more and more expensive!!
Doesn't Edmonds have to do more help with population growth in our area?
No. Edmonds is currently meeting/exceeding the guidelines set out by the State and County for population and housing growth with our existing zoning. There is NO need to involve upzoning our single-family neighborhoods. Our current multifamily and mixed use areas have all of the capacity and codes in place to allow diverse housing types and transit-oriented development is the preferred development location.
So what can I do to preserve single-family zoning in Edmonds?
There can be a temptation to wait for others to do what we think should be done. Unless each one of us takes action to tell Council that we are part of the 78% of residents who want to preserve our neighborhoods, there may be no push for Council to act in our best interest.
What can I do?
Sign up here to receive emails and updates on events you can participate in
Be active in telling your neighbors about what could be a reality of Seattle housing density coming to Edmonds - you can send or print up this flyer to hand out or email to your neighbors and friends in town. Remember this will change ALL of Edmonds forever.
