Snohomish City Zoning Code

A. Allow for the development of multiple detached dwelling units and cottage housing on a single lot without the subdivision of land;

B. Provide for innovative development of detached dwellings as an alternative to conventional attached multifamily dwellings or conventional single-family dwellings on individual lots;

C. Provide additional options for achieving urban densities within the City;

D. Implement the Washington State Growth Management Act and the City of Snohomish Comprehensive Plan; and

E. Protect and advance the public’s health, safety, and welfare. (Ord. 2456, 2022; Ord. 2536, 2026)

A. The development of four or more detached dwellings per lot within the following zones is permitted only as provided for in this chapter:

B. In addition to the zones listed in subsection A of this section, up to four cottage houses may be permitted on a lot located in the Single-Family Residential (SF) zone without counting toward maximum density calculations if the subject lot meets the minimum lot size requirements of Chapter 14.210 SMC.

C. Detached dwellings and cottage housing on a single lot shall conform to the provisions of this chapter.

D. All applicable development regulations required by the Snohomish Municipal Code shall apply, including but not limited to off-street parking, provisions for utilities, and emergency access. Where a conflict occurs, the provisions of this chapter shall control. (Ord. 2456, 2022; Ord. 2536, 2026)

A. Unless otherwise specified, maximum residential density shall not exceed the density allowed in the zoning district.

B. On a lot to be used for a detached dwelling or cottage housing development, existing detached single-family residential structures shall be permitted to remain and may be considered nonconforming pursuant to Chapter 14.80 SMC.

C. Detached dwelling and cottage housing developments on a single lot shall be subject to design review using applicable adopted design standards. More than one architectural style may be used within detached dwelling or cottage housing developments.

D. Detached dwelling and cottage housing developments shall require a site development plan (SDP) per Chapter 14.65 SMC unless proposed and processed as a unit lot development under the provisions of SMC 14.215.125. Units may also be sold independently as detached condominiums under the provisions of Chapter 64.90 RCW. (Ord. 2456, 2022; Ord. 2536, 2026)

A. Setbacks. Minimum setbacks from perimeter property lines and from internal boundaries of exclusive use shall be as follows:

B. Open Space. A minimum of 400 square feet of private open space shall be provided for each dwelling. Open space is not required to be vegetated or landscaped but shall be separate from vehicle access areas. Decks and patios may be considered open space. (Ord. 2456, 2022; Ord. 2536, 2026)

A. Internal streets may be either public or private. Public streets shall conform to the City of Snohomish Engineering Design and Construction Standards.

B. Private streets shall include the following improvements, unless the City Engineer authorizes variations when no adverse impact to public health, safety, and welfare would result:

C. A pedestrian circulation system consisting of walkways shall provide access to the adjacent public streets, all homes, and common recreation areas. (Ord. 2456, 2022; Ord. 2536, 2026)

A. Cottage housing developments shall contain a minimum of four cottages. Such cottages shall be arranged on at least two sides of a common open space.

B. Building Floor Area.

C. Building Height. Maximum building height shall be 24 feet for cottage structures and 16 feet for accessory structures.

D. Setbacks. Minimum setbacks from perimeter property lines shall be as follows:

E. Open Space Requirements.

A. Access to parking shall be from the alley where the property abuts an alley.

B. Parking areas may be provided outside a structure; provided, that:

C. Each cottage shall be provided with a minimum of one parking stall. (Ord. 2456, 2022; Ord. 2536, 2026)