The City of Edmonds is inviting the public to comment on its accessory dwelling unit code update. The Edmonds Planning Board’s public hearing on the topic is scheduled for Feb. 28. Public comments submitted through the ADU Code Update web page will be recorded as part of the public hearing.
Under the city’s existing code, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have been limited to attached structures within or attached to a primary residence. In response to the growing need for affordable housing, the Edmonds Citizens’ Housing Commission in 2021 recommended an update to the ADU code to allow for detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs). This aligns with the housing element of the Edmonds Comprehensive Plan, which recommends clear standards and a streamlined approval process for ADUs as a standard option for any single-family lot.
In spring 2023, the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 1337, directing cities to amend their development codes and to include provisions for detached accessory dwelling units.
On the channel 5 news a few days ago was some great look back and resident interviews about the Lahaina / Maui fire. It seems much of the neighborhood fires spread uncontrollably because of the urban density – the neighborhood streets were so crowded with parked cars and boats that fire engines and the like were
not able to get to the fires, resulting in the horrible devastation.
Edmonds was not designed and planned for ADU / DADUs and high density – parking, sewer, water, power, public transportation and other infrastructure. I am also very concerned with predictable increase in crime that always comes with density. While changes in the density code are apparently required, specific strict requirements and fees are not.
Please keep the Lahaina deaths and devastation in mind.
From the planning board meetings I have attended, my take from them is that their only concern is how many people they can pack into our town. They don’t seem a bit concerned about water, sewer, traffic, green spaces, tree growth, or climate heating-due to more artificial surfaces, less permeable surfaces, less foliage, and buildings that absorb heat. Yet, they say they want to increase our tree canopy. Seems very contradictory to me.
The intent of the “Update” is essential and admirable, however if the need for additional parking is not met, driving in Edmonds will be like driving in much of Capitol hill. Cars are parked solidly on both side of the street, there is no room for two cars coming from opposite directions to maneuver, ambulances would be slowed down, and how could fire engines drive through this?