Sultan City Zoning Code
Division II
Zoning Districts
§ 16.10.010 Establishment of zoning districts.
The City of Sultan is hereby divided into eight zoning districts and one overlay district as follows:
A.
Low Density Residential (LDR) Zone;
B.
Moderate Density Residential (MDR) Zone;
C.
High Density Residential (HDR) Zone;
D.
Neighborhood Commercial (NC) Zone;
E.
Urban Center (UC) Zone;
F.
Highway-Oriented Commercial (HOC) Zone;
G.
Manufacturing (M) Zone;
H.
Public Buildings, Parks And Open Spaces (PB/P/OS) Zone; and
I.
Religious Organization Density Bonus Overlay (RO).
(Ord. 1244-16 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1263-17 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
§ 16.10.020 Establishment of zoning map.
A.
The boundaries and identification of the zoning districts and overlay zone(s) established by this chapter are shown on the official zoning map of the City of Sultan, which is filed in the office of the city clerk/treasurer (with copies in the office of the community development director). The zoning map is hereby adopted and incorporated by this reference as if fully set forth herein.
B.
No building or land shall be used and no building shall be erected or altered except in conformity with the regulations herein prescribed for the district designated and identified on the zoning map in which such building or land is located.
C.
Interpretation of the Zoning Map.
1.
Zoning district boundaries are shown as heavy solid lines on the zoning map and may be superimposed on lighter lines designating platted lot lines, streets, and other physically identifiable ground features, unless specific distances in feet or angles, bearings, radii, or other references to a boundary line located are specified.
2.
Zoning district boundary lines, when located in streets or other public rights-of-way, shall be interpreted as being located in the centerline of such rights-of-way. When distances expressed as linear footage are shown between a zoning district and a street, the distance shall be interpreted as being between said boundary line and the centerline of said street, unless otherwise specified.
3.
Boundary lines between zoning districts which are interrupted on the zoning map to show street names or other identification numbers shall be interpreted as extending through such identification, unless otherwise specified.
4.
When the exact location of a zoning district boundary line is not clear, it shall be determined by the community development director, with due consideration given to the location as indicated by the scale of the zoning map. When, for any reason, the streets or alleys as they actually exist on the ground differ from the depiction of said streets and alleys as they are shown on the zoning map, the community development director may apply the district designations on the map to the streets on the ground in such manner as to conform to the intent and purpose of this title.
D.
Zoning Map Amendments. The zoning map is separate and distinct from the future land use map (see Sultan comprehensive plan land use element). Accordingly, amendments to the zoning map may be applied for independent from the annual docketing process required for amendments to the comprehensive plan future land use map. Zoning map amendments for large area rezones and revisions to existing zoning district boundaries shall be processed as development regulation amendments. Site-specific rezones that can be categorized as "spot zones" will not be considered for a zoning map amendment.
(Ord. 1244-16 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1263-17 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
§ 16.10.030 Default zoning designation.
A.
Annexed Territories. Unless otherwise provided for in the annexation ordinance or in subsection C or D of this section, all territory annexed to the city after June 8, 2017, shall be designated as the city zoning district that most closely equates to the permitted county land uses in the annexation area at the time of annexation, regardless of the future land use designations that may be desired or indicated by the property owners or petitioners for annexation; provided that nothing in this section shall prevent annexation petitioners from requesting that the city initiate a zoning designation for the annexation area concurrent with the annexation process pursuant to RCW 35A.14.330 through 35A.14.340. No action is required by the city to implement this zoning designation as it will be the default standards.
B.
Zoning Map. Except as otherwise provided in subsection D of this section, any property for which a zoning district designation is not indicated on the official zoning map, or for which a default zone is not implied through the provisions of subsection A of this section, shall be designated as the same zoning district as the adjacent property. If an unclassified property is adjacent to multiple parcels with different zoning designations, the unclassified property shall be designated as the same zoning district as the adjacent property or properties with the greatest contiguous border(s). For the purposes of this subsection, "adjacent property" means adjacent property within the corporate limits of the city.
C.
Previously Annexed Territory. Territory that has been annexed to the city prior to June 8, 2017, but for which no zoning district has previously been designated, shall be designated as the city zoning district that most closely fits the existing use of the property(ies) as of the effective date of the ordinance adopting this section.
(Ord. 1244-16 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1263-17 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
§ 16.10.040 Use prohibited in all zoning districts.
Medically supervised injection centers ("MSIC") designed to provide a hygienic environment where individuals are able to consume illicit drugs intravenously are prohibited in all zoning districts in the city. An MSIC includes all uses established or activities undertaken for the above-defined purpose, irrespective of how the use or activity is described. An MSIC may also be referred to as a community health engagement location, supervised injection site or facility, safe injection site, fix room, or drug consumption facility.
(Ord. 1287-18 § 1; Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
§ 16.12.005 General standards for all zones.
A.
Footnotes apply only to the section and corresponding zone in which they appear.
B.
Existing lots are exempt from minimum area requirements. All other dimension and density requirements shall apply.
C.
Flood pedestals are encouraged in flood-prone areas. Flood pedestals will not be counted towards building height and should be sized according to need based on FEMA flood maps.
D.
Setbacks.
1.
All site and development plans including lots within short and formal subdivisions must show building envelopes relative to and in compliance with minimum yard setbacks, except that there are no required side yard setbacks between attached units such as townhomes.
2.
All yards adjacent to public rights-of-way shall be considered front yards.
a.
In the case of a "corner lot" with two front yards, one front yard will be designated for only half the front yard setback requirements, depending on principal building or lot access or narrowest width of the lot as determined by the zoning administrator, unless the resulting reduction would be less than the side yard setback for this use. In no case will a front yard setback reduction be less than a permitted side yard setback for the same use.
b.
In the case of a "through lot" with two front yards, both front yards shall have front yard setback requirements.
E.
Encroachments.
1.
Eaves of a dwelling or accessory structure may project 18 inches from the line of the setback toward a property line when the setback is at least five feet, and 16 inches toward a property line when the setback is at least six feet. All other uses shall conform to the requirements of International Building Code Sections 503.2 and 705.
F.
Use-Specific Standards Applicable in All Zones Where the Use is Permitted.
1.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Standards.
b.
Two ADUs are permitted on the lot of a principal single-family dwelling unit or townhouse. One ADU is permitted on the lot of a duplex.
c.
Each ADU is limited to a maximum floor area of 1,000 square feet.
d.
Front yard setbacks for accessory dwelling units are 10 feet behind the primary structure unless a conversion of existing structure or a vertical addition to an existing garage that does not add to the existing footprint of the primary unit or its garage.
3.
For elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, an additional acre of lot area is required per 100 students.
(Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
§ 16.12.010 Low Density Residential (LDR) Zone.
A.
Purpose. The purpose of the Low Density Residential Zone is to provide for residential development of single-family detached housing, cottage housing, and accessory dwelling units. The LDR zone also supports other uses associated and accessory to large lot, low density residential development, with development patterns that provide for private yards and larger detached houses.
B.
Maximum Density: five units per acre. ADUs and cottages are exempt from maximum density limitations provided the development meets the dimensional requirements in SMC § 16.12.010E.
E.
Table of Dimension and Density Requirements. See SMC § 16.36 for illustrated form-based standards for detached, attached, stacked, and accessory residential building forms.
Low Density Residential (LDR) Zone Table of Dimension and Density Requirements | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uses Permitted | Minimum Lot Size Dimensions | Minimum Yard Setback (ft) | Max. Bldg. Height (ft) | Max. Lot Coverage (%) | ||||
Area | Width (ft) | Depth (ft) | Front | Each Side | Rear | |||
Detached building forms | 8,600 sq. ft. | 70 | 100 | 20 | 5 | 15 | 30 | 50 |
Accessory building forms | n/a | n/a | n/a | Behind primary facade | 5 | 9.5 | 24 | 50 |
Cottage housing | 4,000 sq. ft. per unit | n/a | n/a | 20 | 5 | 15 | 24 | 50 |
Elementary schools | 5 acres | 300 | 300 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
F.
Additional Standards Specific to the LDR Zone and Permitted Uses Within the LDR Zone.
(Ord. 1244-16 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1263-17 (Exh. A); Ord. 1414-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
§ 16.12.020 Moderate Density Residential (MDR) Zone.
A.
Purpose. The purpose of the Moderate Density Residential Zone is to provide for residential development of duplexes, townhouses, single-family detached housing, cottage housing, and accessory dwelling units. The MDR Zone also supports other uses associated and accessory to small yard, moderate density residential development, with development patterns that provide for more affordable detached and attached housing.
B.
Maximum Density: 10 units per acre. ADUs and cottages are exempt from maximum density limitations provided the development meets the dimensional requirements in SMC § 16.12.020E.
E.
Table of Dimension and Density Requirements. See SMC § 16.36 for illustrated form-based standards for detached, attached, stacked, and accessory residential building forms.
Moderate Density Residential (MDR) Zone Table of Dimension and Density Requirements | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uses Permitted | Minimum Lot Size | Minimum Yard Setbacks (ft) | Max. Bldg. Height (ft) | Max. Lot Coverage (%) | ||||
Area | Width (ft) | Depth (ft) | Front | Each Side | Rear | |||
Attached building forms | 3,500 sq. ft. per unit | 20 | 80 | 20 | 5 | 10 | 30 | 60 |
Detached building forms | 4,500 sq. ft. | 50 | 80 | 20 | 5 | 10 | 30 | 60 |
Accessory building forms | n/a | n/a | n/a | Behind primary façade | 5 | 9.5 | 24 | 60 |
Cottage housing | 2,500 sq. ft. per unit | n/a | n/a | 20 | 5 | 10 | 24 | 60 |
Daycare centers | 6,000 sq. ft. | 50 | 80 | 20 | 10 | 10 | 30 | 60 |
Preschools | 6,000 sq. ft. | 50 | 80 | 20 | 10 | 10 | 30 | 60 |
Elementary schools | 5 acres | 300 | 300 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
Middle schools | 5 acres | 300 | 300 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
High schools | 5 acres | 500 | 500 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
Community centers | 0.5 acre | 100 | 100 | 25 | 15 | 25 | 30 | 60 |
Houses of worship | 0.5 acre | 100 | 200 | 25 | 15 | 25 | 30 | 60 |
F.
Additional Standards Specific to the MDR Zone and Permitted Uses Within the MDR Zone.
(Ord. 1244-16 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1263-17 (Exh. A); Ord. 1414-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
§ 16.12.030 High Density Residential (HDR) Zone.
A.
Purpose. The purpose of the High Density Residential Zone is to provide for residential development of multifamily, duplexes, townhouses, single-family detached housing, cottage housing, and accessory dwelling units. The HDR Zone also supports other uses associated with and accessory to common yard, high density residential development, with development patterns that provide for the greatest range of affordable housing options.
B.
Maximum Density: 24 units per acre. ADUs, co-living housing, and cottage housing are exempt from maximum density limitations provided the development meets the dimensional requirements in SMC § 16.12.030E.
C.
E.
Table of Dimension and Density Requirements. See SMC § 16.36 for illustrated form-based standards for detached, attached, stacked, and accessory residential building forms.
High Density Residential (HDR) Zone Table of Dimension and Density Requirements | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uses Permitted | Minimum Lot Size | Minimum Yard Setbacks (ft) | Max. Bldg. Height (ft) | Max. Lot Coverage (%) | ||||
Area | Width (ft) | Depth (ft) | Front | Each Side | Rear | |||
Stacked building forms | 8,000 sq. ft. for first 4 units + 1,000 sq. ft. additional lot area for each additional unit | 60 | 80 | 15 | 5 | 15 | 30 | 60 |
Attached building forms | 2,000 sq. ft. per unit | 20 | 80 | 15 | 5 | 10 | 30 | 60 |
Detached building forms | 3,000 sq. ft. per unit | 40 | 80 | 15 | 5 | 10 | 30 | 60 |
Co-living housing | 8,000 sq. ft. for first 24 sleeping units + 250 sq. ft. for each additional sleeping unit | 60 | 80 | 15 | 5 | 15 | 30 | 60 |
Accessory building forms | n/a | n/a | n/a | Behind primary façade | 5 | 9.5 | 24 | 60 |
Cottage housing | 1,500 sq. ft. per unit | n/a | n/a | 15 | 5 | 10 | 24 | 60 |
Boarding houses | 10,000 sq. ft. | 50 | 100 | 25 | 10 | 10 | 30 | 60 |
Residential care facilities | 10,000 sq. ft. | 60 | 100 | 25 | 10 | 10 | 30 | 60 |
Daycare centers | 5,000 sq. ft. | 60 | 80 | 20 | 10 | 10 | 30 | 60 |
Preschool facilities | 5,000 sq. ft. | 60 | 80 | 20 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 60 |
Elementary schools | 105 acres | 300 | 300 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
Middle schools | 5 acres | 300 | 300 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
High schools | 5 acres | 500 | 500 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
Community centers | 0.5 acre | 100 | 100 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 60 |
Houses of worship | 0.5 acre | 100 | 100 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 60 |
F.
Additional Standards Specific to the HDR Zone and Permitted Uses Within the HDR Zone.
1.
Guest houses shall not exceed a total of eight guest rooms.
2.
Minimum Yard Setbacks. No portion of a building wall 10 feet to 20 feet in height shall be closer than 10 feet to a property line. No portion of a building wall 20 feet to 30 feet in height shall be closer than 15 feet to a property line.
3.
Transitional housing and permanent supportive housing are permitted by right as a detached, attached, or stacked building form. See SMC § 16.68.010 for additional requirements.
4.
Boarding houses and residential care facilities shall not exceed a total of 10 bedrooms.
5.
Building modulation and articulation required for street-facing building facades greater than 25 feet in width. Permitted strategies:
(Ord. 1244-16 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1263-17 (Exh. A); Ord. 1414-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
§ 16.12.040 Neighborhood Commercial (NC) Zone.
A.
Purpose. The purpose of the Neighborhood Commercial Zone is to provide for convenient location of small-scale commercial uses similar to home occupations and primarily serving local residents, thereby reducing longer vehicular trips and traffic congestion on city streets and encouraging pedestrian and nonmotorized modes of transportation. Neighborhood commercial zones are intrinsically small nodes (less than five acres in size), interspersed within larger residential zones (not closer than one mile from each other).
B.
Maximum Density: 24 units per acre. ADUs, co-living housing, and cottage housing are exempt from maximum density limitations provided the development meets the dimensional requirements in SMC § 16.12.040E.
C.
E.
Table of Dimension and Density Requirements. See SMC § 16.36 for illustrated form-based standards for detached, attached, stacked, and accessory residential building forms.
Neighborhood Commercial (NC) Zone Table of Dimension and Density Requirements | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uses Permitted | Minimum Lot Size | Minimum Yard Setbacks (ft) | Max. Bldg. Height (ft) | Max. Lot Coverage (%) | ||
Area | Front | Each Side | Rear | |||
Detached building forms | 3,000 sq. ft. per unit | 15 | 10 | 10 | 30 | 60 |
Attached building forms | 2,000 sq. ft. per unit | 15 | 5 | 10 | 30 | 60 |
Stacked building forms | 8,000 sq. ft. for first 4 units + 1,000 sq. ft. for each additional unit | 15 | 10 | 15 | 30 | 60 |
Co-living housing | 8,000 sq. ft. for first 24 sleeping units + 250 sq. ft. for each additional sleeping unit | 20 | 5 | 15 | 30 | 60 |
Cottage housing | 1,500 sq. ft. per unit | 15 | 5 | 10 | 24 | 50 |
Boarding houses | 10,000 sq. ft. | 25 | 10 | 15 | 30 | 60 |
Residential care facilities | 10,000 sq. ft. | 25 | 10 | 15 | 30 | 60 |
Accessory building forms | n/a | Behind primary façade | 10 | 9.5 | 24 | 60 |
Daycare centers | 5,000 sq. ft. | 20 | 10 | 10 | 30 | 60 |
Retail sales stores | 2,500 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 15 | 30 | 80 |
Personal service establishments | 2,500 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 15 | 30 | 80 |
Business/professional services establishments | 2,500 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 15 | 30 | 80 |
Office buildings | 6,000 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 35 | 30 | 60 |
Automobile service stations | 10,000 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 10 | 30 | 90 |
F.
Additional Standards Specific to the NC Zone and Permitted Uses Within the NC Zone.
1.
Guest houses shall not exceed a total of eight guest rooms.
2.
Neighborhood commercial zones shall not exceed five acres in size and shall not be located closer than one mile from an existing NC zone.
3.
Minimum Yard Setbacks. No portion of a building wall 10 feet to 20 feet in height shall be closer than 10 feet to a property line. No portion of a building wall 20 feet to 30 feet in height shall be closer than 15 feet to a property line.
4.
Transitional housing and permanent supportive housing are permitted by right as a detached, attached, or stacked building form. See SMC § 16.68.010 for additional requirements.
5.
Apartments may be built as part of a mixed-use development within the same building or on the same lot as other permitted uses. The form-based standards for mixed-use development in SMC § 16.36 may be used in lieu of the standards in this section provided the development meets the criteria in SMC § 16.36.020.
6.
Boarding houses and residential care facilities shall not exceed a total of 10 bedrooms.
(Ord. 1244-16 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1263-17 (Exh. A); Ord. 1414-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
§ 16.12.050 Urban Center (UC) Zone.
A.
Purpose. The purpose of the Urban Center Zone is to provide a mixed-use downtown for high density residential, commercial, office, and other central business district functions supported by a full range of pedestrian-oriented activities and urban services to establish a close-knit urban center.
"Mixed-use" zoning means zoning that permits a combination of typically separated uses within a single development or in close proximity. Mixed use in an urban context refers to usually a single building or complex of buildings with more than one type of activity such as residential and commercial uses taking place within its confines. An example of such a type of development could have retail stores on the ground floor, offices above the ground floor, and residential units above the offices. Other combinations of uses may also occur in a mixed-use setting.
B.
Maximum Density: 30 units per acre. ADUs, co-living housing, emergency shelters, and emergency housing are exempt from maximum density limitations provided the development meets the dimensional requirements in SMC § 16.12.050F.
C.
Permitted Uses.
1.
3.
Retail trade establishments.
a.
Apparel and accessories shops;
b.
Book and stationery stores;
c.
Candy stores;
d.
Craft and artisan shops and studios;
e.
Dairy products stores;
f.
Electrical and electronic products stores;
g.
Florist shops;
h.
Furniture stores;
i.
Grocery stores (under 10,000 square feet);
j.
Boutique and gift shops;
k.
Household items stores;
l.
Office furnishings and equipment stores;
m.
Computer, telephone, and photographic equipment stores;
n.
Sporting goods stores;
o.
Retail food establishments (all types except drive-in restaurants);
p.
Coffee shops;
q.
Jewelry shops;
r.
Pharmacy/drug stores;
s.
Pawnshops;
t.
Antique stores;
u.
Theaters, art galleries, and museums;
v.
Bars, taverns, and cocktail lounges;
w.
Bakery shops;
x.
Convenience stores;
y.
Parking structures.
4.
Personal service establishments.
a.
Barber shops;
b.
Beauty salons;
c.
Private clubs;
d.
Health spas (including massage therapy with practitioners certified and licensed by the State of Washington);
e.
Fitness centers and gymnasiums;
f.
Bicycle repair shops;
g.
Shoe repair shops;
h.
Tailor shops;
i.
Laundromats/laundry and dry cleaning establishments;
j.
Daycare centers;
k.
Funeral homes/mortuaries;
l.
Banks;
m.
Tattoo parlors (with practitioners certified and licensed by the State of Washington).
5.
Business or professional service establishments.
a.
Advertising agency offices;
b.
Legal offices;
c.
Accounting offices;
d.
Finance, insurance, and real estate offices;
e.
Employment offices;
f.
Health care facilities/doctors' and dentists' offices;
g.
Veterinary clinics (not to include animal kennels);
h.
Travel agency offices;
i.
Professional consultant offices;
j.
Offset printing and publishing/photocopying/photo processing shops.
D.
Performance Standards. All of the permitted and conditional uses in the UC Zone shall comply with all of the standards for each use, as specified in the following table of dimension and density requirements, and any additional performance standards that may apply to the proposed development, which may include:
1.
Residential performance standards (including subdivision regulations);
2.
Nonresidential performance standards;
3.
Off-street parking and loading standards;
4.
Sign standards;
5.
Recreational and open space standards;
6.
Streams and wetlands standards;
7.
Landscape standards;
8.
Stormwater management standards;
9.
Shoreline management standards;
10.
Vegetation protection standards;
11.
Floodplain protection standards;
12.
Fish and wildlife areas protection standards.
E.
Conditional Uses.
F.
Table of Dimension and Density Requirements. See SMC § 16.36 for illustrated form-based standards for detached, attached, stacked, and accessory residential building forms.
Urban Center (UC) Zone Table of Dimension and Density Requirements | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uses Permitted | Minimum Lot Size | Minimum Yard Setbacks (ft) | Max. Bldg. Height (stories/feet) | Max. Lot Coverage (%) | ||
Area | Front | Each Side | Rear | |||
Detached building forms | 2,500 sq. ft. per unit | 15 | At least 3 ft., and IBC | 10 | 3/35 | 80 |
Stacked building forms | 8,000 sq. ft. for first 45 units + 1,000 sq. ft. for each additional unit | 10 | 10 | 10 | 3/35 | 80 |
Attached building forms | 1,800 sq. ft. per unit | 10 | 5 | 10 | 3/35 | 80 |
Accessory building forms | n/a | 20 | 10 | 9.5 | 24 feet | 80 |
Emergency shelters | 8,000 sq. ft. | 20 | 10 | 10 | 3/35 | 80 |
Emergency housing | 8,000 sq. ft. | 20 | 10 | 10 | 3/35 | 80 |
Boarding houses | 10,000 sq. ft. | 20 | 10 | 10 | 3/35 | 80 |
Residential care facilities | 10,000 sq. ft. | 20 | 10 | 20 | 3/35 | 80 |
Co-living housing | 8,000 sq. ft. for first 24 units + 250 sq. ft. for each additional sleeping unit | 20 | 10 | 10 | 3/35 | 80 |
Retail trade establishments | 3,500 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3/35 | 90 |
Personal services establishments | 2,500 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3/35 | 90 |
Business/professional services establishments | 2,500 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3/35 | 90 |
Post offices | 0.5 acre | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3/35 | 90 |
Courthouses/government offices | 0.5 acre | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3/35 | 90 |
Office buildings | 5,000 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3/35 | 90 |
Public safety (police/fire) stations | 10,000 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3/35 | 90 |
Libraries | 10,000 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3/35 | 90 |
Houses of worship | 10,000 sq. ft. | 10 | 25 | 10 | 3/35 | 90 |
Community centers | 10,000 sq. ft. | 10 | 25 | 10 | 3/35 | 90 |
Urban parks | See subsection G | 3/35 | 40 | |||
Theaters | 8,000 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3/35 | 90 |
Museums/art galleries | 5,000 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3/35 | 90 |
Night clubs | 5,000 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3/35 | 90 |
Health clubs | 5,000 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3/35 | 90 |
Public transit stations/off-street bus stops | 0.05 acre | 25 | 25 | 10 | 3/35 | 75 |
Automobile repair shops (in bldg) | 10,000 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3/35 | 90 |
Automobile service stations | 10,000 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3/35 | 90 |
Car wash facilities | 10,000 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3/35 | 90 |
Farmers markets (regularly or seasonally scheduled on a weekly basis) | - | - | - | - | 3/35 | - |
Parking structures | 5,000 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3/35 | 90 |
Seasonal parking facilities | 1,000 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3/35 | 90 |
G.
Additional Standards Specific to the UC Zone and Permitted Uses Within the UC Zone.
1.
New buildings in special flood hazard areas identified on FIRM maps shall be built to base flood elevations as determined by FEMA.
2.
Pedestrian-oriented improvements and shared parking provisions are encouraged in lieu of on-site surface parking lots.
3.
Minimum dimension requirements for recreational facilities including urban parks will be established by the community development director, based on Chapter 16.62 SMC.
4.
Side setbacks for detached residential building forms must be at least three feet, and must also comply with separation requirements of the International Building Code (IBC) in regard to buildings/structures on adjacent properties.
5.
Transitional housing and permanent supportive housing are permitted by right as a detached, attached, or stacked building form. See SMC § 16.68.010 for additional requirements.
6.
Emergency shelters and emergency housing shall not exceed 30 beds or sleeping units. See SMC § 16.68.020 for additional requirements.
7.
Apartments may be built as part of a mixed-use development within the same building or on the same lot as other permitted uses. The form-based standards for mixed-use development in SMC § 16.36 may be used in lieu of the standards in this section provided the development meets the criteria in SMC § 16.36.020.
9.
Live/work units are permitted by right as a detached or attached building form.
10.
Boarding houses and residential care facilities shall not exceed a total of 12 bedrooms.
(Ord. 1244-16 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1263-17 (Exh. A); Ord. 1414-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
§ 16.12.060 Highway-Oriented Commercial (HOC) Zone.
A.
Purpose. The Highway-Oriented Commercial Zone is a mixed-use corridor. This zone is intended to absorb much of the city's anticipated employment and housing growth. The Highway-Oriented Commercial Zone provides space for more intensive commercial uses, denser residential development, civic, and entertainment uses, and taller buildings up to four stories. Potential subarea planning can create future opportunities for coordinated and connected development. Development should capitalize on proximity to US-2 while still prioritizing the safety and comfort of pedestrians and nonmotorized transportation.
B.
Maximum Density: 36 units per acre. ADUs, co-living housing, emergency shelters, and emergency housing are exempt from maximum density limitations provided the development meets the dimensional requirements in SMC § 16.12.060F.
C.
Permitted Uses.
1.
Residential uses:
2.
Hotels and motels.
3.
Retail trade establishments/wholesale trade establishments.
a.
Pawnshops;
b.
Bakery shops;
c.
Apparel and accessories shops;
d.
Florist shops and plant nurseries;
e.
Book, stationery, and office supply stores;
f.
Electrical and electronic products shops;
g.
Furniture stores;
h.
Handicraft and art supply stores;
i.
Hardware and home building supply stores;
j.
Grocery stores and supermarkets;
k.
Household items stores;
l.
Office furnishings and equipment stores;
m.
Computer, telephone, and photographic equipment stores;
n.
Sporting goods stores;
o.
Automobile service stations;
p.
Car washes;
q.
Truck stops;
r.
Automobile and truck sales and services;
s.
Automobile rental agencies;
t.
Automotive parts store;
u.
Shopping centers;
v.
Retail food establishments;
w.
Coffee shops and espresso stands;
x.
Convenience stores;
y.
Pharmacy/drug stores;
z.
Bars/taverns/cocktail lounges;
aa.
Theaters/museums/art galleries;
bb.
Public transit terminals;
cc.
Recreational vehicle and boat sales;
dd.
Other retail sales establishments (not including marijuana sales and distribution).
4.
Personal service establishments.
a.
Barber shops;
b.
Beauty salons;
c.
Health spas (including massage therapy with practitioners certified and licensed by the State of Washington);
d.
Fitness centers/gymnasiums;
e.
Private clubs;
f.
Funeral homes/mortuaries;
g.
Shoe repair shops;
h.
Laundromats/laundry and dry-cleaning establishments;
i.
Daycare centers;
j.
Banks;
k.
Tattoo parlors (with practitioners certified and licensed by the State of Washington).
5.
Business and professional offices.
a.
Advertising agency offices;
b.
Accounting offices;
c.
Legal offices;
d.
Finance, insurance, and real estate offices;
e.
Health care facilities/doctors' and dentists' offices;
f.
Employment offices;
g.
Travel agency offices;
h.
Professional consultant offices;
i.
Offset printing and publishing/photocopying/photo processing shops;
j.
Hospitals and medical clinics;
k.
Veterinary clinics/animal kennels and shelters.
D.
Conditional Uses.
2.
Seasonal parking facility; as part of a retail trade shopping center or mixed-use development;
3.
Parking structures as part of retail trade shopping center or mixed-use development;
4.
Private schools;
5.
Farmers market; as part of a retail trade shopping center, farmers market, or community center;
6.
Agricultural produce stands; as part of a retail trade shopping center, farmers market, or community center.
E.
Performance Standards. All of the permitted and conditional uses in the HOC Zone shall comply with all of the standards for each use, as specified in the following table of dimension and density requirements, and any additional performance standards that may apply to the proposed development, which may include:
1.
Nonresidential performance standards;
2.
Off-street parking and loading standards;
3.
Sign standards;
4.
Hillside and geologically hazardous development standards;
5.
Recreational and open space standards;
6.
Streams and wetlands standards;
7.
Landscape standards;
8.
Stormwater management standards;
9.
Shoreline management standards;
10.
Vegetation protection standards;
11.
Floodplain protection standards;
12.
Wellfield/groundwater protection standards;
13.
Fish and wildlife areas protection standards;
14.
Industrial park master plan; and
15.
Residential development standards for the HOC Zone.
F.
Table of Dimension and Density Requirements. See SMC § 16.36 for illustrated form-based standards for detached, attached, stacked, and accessory residential building forms.
Highway-Oriented Commercial (HOC) Zone Table of Dimension and Density Requirements | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uses Permitted | Minimum Lot Size | Minimum Yard Setbacks (ft) | Max. Bldg. Height (stories/feet) | Max. Lot Coverage (%) | ||
Area | Front | Each Side | Rear | |||
Attached building forms | 1,500 sq. ft. per unit | 100 | 10 | 15 | 3/35 | 85 |
Stacked building forms | 8,000 sq. ft. for first 6 units + 1,000 sq. ft. for each additional unit | 25 | 10 | 15 | 4/48 | 85 |
Co-living housing | 7,500 sq. ft. | 25 | 10 | 15 | 4/48 | 85 |
Emergency shelters | 7,500 sq. ft. | 25 | 10 | 15 | 4/48 | 85 |
Emergency housing | 7,500 sq. ft. | 25 | 10 | 15 | 4/48 | 85 |
Hotels and motels | 0.5 acre | 25 | 10 | 25 | 4/48 | 85 |
Retail/wholesale trade establishments | 6,000 sq. ft. | 25 | 10 | 15 | 4/48 | 85 |
Personal service establishments | 6,000 sq. ft. | 25 | 10 | 15 | 4/48 | 85 |
Business/professional services establishments | 6,000 sq. ft. | 25 | 10 | 15 | 4/48 | 85 |
Hardware/home building supply stores | 0.5 acre | 50 | 25 | 25 | 4/48 | 85 |
Hospitals/medical clinics/health care facilities | 0.5 acre | 25 | 25 | 25 | 4/48 | 85 |
Shopping centers | 0.5 acre | 25 | 25 | 25 | 4/48 | 85 |
Automobile and truck sales and service establishments | 0.5 acre | 25 | 25 | 25 | 4/48 | 85 |
Automobile rental establishments | 10,000 sq. ft. | 25 | 10 | 25 | 4/48 | 85 |
Automobile and truck repair shops | 10,000 sq. ft. | 25 | 10 | 25 | 4/48 | 85 |
Automobile service stations/car washes | 10,000 sq. ft. | 25 | 10 | 25 | 4/48 | 85 |
Automotive parks parts store | 10,000 sq. ft. | 25 | 10 | 25 | 4/48 | 85 |
Recreational vehicle/travel trailer parks | 1 acre | 25 | 25 | 25 | 4/48 | 85 |
Mobile home parks | 2 acres | 25 | 25 | 25 | 4/48 | 85 |
Veterinarian hospitals/animal kennels | 10,000 sq. ft. | 25 | 25 | 50 | 4/48 | 85 |
Government offices | 10,000 sq. ft. | 10 | 10 | 25 | 4/48 | 85 |
Courthouses | 10,000 sq. ft. | 10 | 10 | 25 | 4/48 | 85 |
Libraries | 10,000 sq. ft. | 25 | 20 | 25 | 4/48 | 85 |
Post offices | 10,000 sq. ft. | 25 | 25 | 60 | 4/48 | 85 |
Public safety (police/fire) stations | 0.5 acre | 25 | 25 | 40 | 4/48 | 85 |
Public transit stations/terminals | 1 acre | 50 | 25 | 50 | 4/48 | 85 |
Community centers | 0.5 acre | 25 | 25 | 35 | 4/48 | 85 |
Houses of worship | 0.5 acre | 25 | 25 | 25 | 4/48 | 85 |
Game/video arcades | 10,000 sq. ft. | 25 | 25 | 25 | 4/48 | 85 |
Night clubs | 0.5 acre | 25 | 30 | 50 | 4/48 | 85 |
Casinos/gambling establishments | 0.5 acre | 25 | 30 | 50 | 4/48 | 85 |
Theaters/museums/art galleries | 0.5 acre | 25 | 30 | 50 | 4/48 | 85 |
Ballfields | 2 acres | 25 | 25 | 50 | 4/48 | 85 |
Urban parks | See subsection G | 4/48 | 85 | |||
Agricultural produce stands | - | - | - | - | 4/48 | 85 |
Farmers markets | - | - | - | - | 4/48 | 85 |
Limited food/beverage processing plants with retail sales of food/beverage products | 0.5 acre | 25 | 25 | 50 | 4/48 | 85 |
Limited manufacturing plants of finished products and wholesale delivery | 0.5 acre | 25 | 25 | 50 | 4/48 | 85 |
Private schools | 0.5 acre | 25 | 20 | 25 | 4/48 | 85 |
Parking structures | 0.5 acre | 10 | 10 | 10 | 4/48 | 85 |
Seasonal parking facilities | 0.5 acre | - | - | - | N/A | N/A |
G.
Additional Standards Specific to the HOC Zone and Permitted Uses Within the HOC Zone.
1.
Minimum dimension requirements for recreational facilities including ballfields and urban parks will be established by the community development director, based on the standards of Chapter 16.62 SMC.
2.
Transitional housing and permanent supportive housing are permitted by right as a detached, attached, or stacked building form. See SMC § 16.68.010 for additional requirements.
3.
Emergency shelters and emergency housing shall not exceed 40 beds or sleeping units. See SMC § 16.68.020 for additional requirements.
4.
Apartments may be built as part of a mixed-use development within the same building or on the same lot as other permitted uses.
(Ord. 1244-16 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1263-17 (Exh. A); Ord. 1304-19B § 2; Ord. 1414-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
§ 16.12.070 Manufacturing (M) Zone.
A.
Purpose. The purpose of the Manufacturing Zone is to provide for manufacturing and other industrial activities that may have associated adverse environmental impacts such as noise, lighting, odor, vibration, and hazardous waste.
B.
Permitted Uses.
4.
Manufacturing.
a.
Food processing;
b.
Freezer plants/cold storage/food mills/fertilizer production and storage;
c.
Apparel and other finished products manufacturing and assembly;
d.
Building construction yards and offices;
e.
Electrical and electronic goods manufacturing and assembly;
f.
Metal products manufacture, fabrication and assembly;
g.
Furniture and fixtures manufacturing and assembly;
h.
Computer equipment manufacture and assembly;
i.
Leather products manufacturing;
j.
Lumber and wood products processing;
k.
Medical and optic goods/watches and clocks manufacture and assembly;
l.
Printing, publishing, and allied industries;
m.
Rubber/plastic products manufacturing;
n.
Stone, clay, glass, and concrete products manufacturing;
o.
Transportation equipment manufacturing and assembly;
p.
Handicraft, craft, and artisan shops;
q.
Home building supply;
5.
Wholesale/storage/distribution.
a.
Wholesale commercial operations;
b.
Equipment and machinery sales and storage;
c.
Warehousing operations;
d.
Freight distribution centers;
e.
Mini warehouse/storage facilities;
f.
Public transit storage and maintenance facilities;
g.
Moving van and storage facilities;
h.
Package delivery facilities;
i.
Petroleum product storage facilities and distribution centers.
8.
Miscellaneous associated uses.
a.
Adult entertainment establishments;
b.
Adult bookstores;
c.
Automobile body and paint shops;
d.
Auto rental establishments;
e.
Auto rental storage and maintenance facilities;
f.
Auto service stations and truck stop facilities;
g.
Automobile and truck repair shops;
h.
Bars/taverns/cocktail lounges;
i.
Night clubs;
j.
Private clubs;
k.
Recreational vehicle and boat storage yards;
l.
Recycling facilities;
m.
Towing yards;
n.
Junkyards;
o.
Automobile wrecking yards.
E.
Performance Standards. All of the permitted and conditional uses in the M Zone shall comply with all of the standards for each use, as specified in the following table of dimension and density requirements, and any additional performance standards that may apply to the proposed development, which may include:
1.
Nonresidential performance standards;
2.
Off-street parking and loading standards;
3.
Sign standards;
4.
Hillside and geologically hazardous development standards;
5.
Streams and wetlands standards;
6.
Landscape standards;
7.
Stormwater management standards;
8.
Shoreline management standards;
9.
Vegetation protection standards;
10.
Floodplain protection standards;
11.
Wellfield/groundwater protection standards;
12.
Fish and wildlife areas protection standards.
F.
Table of Dimension and Density Requirements.
Manufacturing (M) Zone Table of Dimension and Density Requirements | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uses Permitted | Minimum Lot Dimensions | Minimum Yard Setbacks (ft) | Max. Bldg. Height (ft) | Max. Lot Coverage (%) | ||
Area | Front | Each Side | Rear | |||
Manufacturing plants/facilities | 0.25 acre | 25 | 25 | 25 | 75 | 85 |
Wholesale storage/distribution facilities | 0.5 acre | 25 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 85 |
Warehousing facilities | 0.5 acre | 25 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 85 |
Freight distribution centers | 0.5 acre | 25 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 85 |
Mini warehouse/storage facilities | 0.5 acre | 25 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Public transit storage and maintenance facilities | 1 acre | 25 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 85 |
Moving van and storage facilities | 1 acre | 25 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 85 |
Automobile body and paint shops | 10,000 sq. ft. | 25 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Auto rental establishments | 10,000 sq. ft. | 25 | 10 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Automobile rental storage and maintenance facilities | 0.5 acre | 26 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Auto service station | 0.5 acre | 25 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Automobile and truck repair shops | 10,000 sq. ft. | 25 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Lumberyards and mills | 2 acres | 25 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 85 |
Package delivery facilities | 0.5 acre | 25 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Towing and wrecking services | 0.25 acre | 25 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Janitorial services | 10,000 sq. ft. | 25 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Laundry plants | 10,000 sq. ft. | 25 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 85 |
Electrical generating plants | 25 acres | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 85 |
Sewage treatment plants | 2 acres | 50 | 50 | 50 | 30 | 85 |
Solid waste disposal/transfer stations | 2 acres | 25 | 50 | 50 | 30 | 85 |
Recycling facilities | 0.5 acre | 25 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Petroleum product storage facilities and distribution | 2 acres | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Business or professional service establishments | 10,000 sq. ft. | 10 | 10 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Medical waste handling facilities | 10,000 sq. ft. | 10 | 10 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Employment offices | 10,000 sq. ft. | 10 | 10 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Personal services establishments | 10,000 sq. ft. | 10 | 10 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Funeral homes/mortuaries | 10,000 sq. ft. | 10 | 10 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Animal kennels/shelters | 10,000 sq. ft. | 10 | 10 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Recreational vehicle/boat storage yard | 0.5 acre | 25 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Private clubs | 10,000 sq. ft. | 10 | 10 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Night clubs | 10,000 sq. ft. | 25 | 30 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Bars/taverns/cocktail lounges | 10,000 sq. ft. | 10 | 10 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Adult entertainment establishments | 10,000 sq. ft. | 10 | 10 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Adult bookstores | 10,000 sq. ft. | 10 | 10 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Government offices | 10,000 sq. ft. | 10 | 10 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Regional postal facilities | 0.5 acre | 25 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Public safety (police/fire) stations | 0.5 acre | 25 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Caretaker residences | 4,500 sq. ft. | 25 | 10 | 25 | 30 | 85 |
Parking structure | 0.5 acre | 10 | 10 | 10 | 30 | 85 |
Airports, landing fields and heliports | 25 acres | 100 | 100 | 100 | 50 | 85 |
G.
Additional Standards Specific to the M Zone and Permitted Uses Within the M Zone.
1.
Adult entertainment establishments and adult bookstores shall not be located any closer than 400 feet to the nearest right-of-way line of State Route 2, nor shall any such establishment or bookstore be located within 1,000 feet of any school or house of worship.
(Ord. 1244-16 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1263-17 (Exh. A); Ord. 1414-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
§ 16.12.080 Public Buildings, Parks and Open Spaces (PB/P/OS) Zone.
A.
Purpose. The purpose of the Public Buildings, Parks and Open Spaces Zone is to recognize public places and provide zoning safeguards for properties devoted to public uses and uses that take place in a wide distribution and variety of zones throughout the Sultan community. The zone is applicable to property owned or managed by governmental agencies, special purpose districts, and privately owned open space preservation. This purpose is accomplished by:
1.
Providing a zone in which uses serving public needs and critical area preservation may be located with attention to the specific needs of such uses throughout the community.
2.
Identifying publicly owned and privately owned land uses with special zoning limitations.
3.
Protecting adjacent properties from potential impacts of public uses, natural hazards, and critical area/open space preservation.
4.
Placement of this zone on properties owned, managed, used, or intended to be used by public agencies such as schools, government facilities, social services, hospitals, libraries, special purpose districts, etc.
B.
Permitted Uses.
3.
Public parks, playgrounds, ball fields (without large-scale area lighting).
4.
Nature preserves and greenbelt open space areas.
5.
Public access trails and interpretive facilities.
6.
Public parks and recreation facilities.
7.
Public stormwater management facilities.
8.
Public agency animal control facilities.
9.
Water and wastewater treatment facilities.
10.
Public agency training facilities.
11.
Public transit stations/off-street bus stops.
12.
Public school bus base or transfer facilities.
13.
Public hospitals and medical clinics.
14.
Public libraries.
C.
Conditional Uses.
1.
Large-scale communication towers and antennas for public or private use.
2.
Public parks, playgrounds, ball fields (with large-scale area lighting).
3.
Public agency utility yards and similar large-scale outside storage facilities.
4.
High power electrical transmission facilities and substations.
5.
Airports and heliports.
6.
Jails and prisons.
7.
Stadiums and arenas.
8.
Public fairgrounds.
9.
Public zoos.
10.
Cemeteries.
D.
Development and Design Standards. Many of the uses in the PB/P/OS Zone are unique in the way that they use land and in the way that they affect neighboring properties. Many PB/P/OS uses are also subject to federal, state, and regional development and design standards that are beyond the influence of local zoning codes.
E.
Definitions. The following terms and definitions apply for the purposes of this zoning district:
1. "Agency (governmental agency)"
means federal, state, county, or city government, or unit or department thereof, constituted as such under the Constitution of the United States or the Washington State Constitution.
2. "District"
means port, school, fire, electric utility, gas utility, or similar special purpose public taxing district or service provider constituted as such under the Washington State Constitution.
F.
Table of Dimension and Density Requirements.
Public Buildings, Parks and Open Spaces (PB/P/OS) Zone Table of Dimension and Density Requirements | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uses Permitted | Minimum Lot Dimensions | Minimum Yard Setbacks (ft) | Max. Bldg. Height (ft) | Max. Lot Coverage (%) | ||
Area | Front | Each Side | Rear | |||
Elementary schools | 5 acres | 25 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 60 |
Middle schools | 5 acres | 25 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 60 |
High schools | 5 acres | 50 | 50 | 25 | 50 | 60 |
Post offices | 0.5 acre | 0 | 0 | 25 | 30 | 60 |
Courthouses | 0.5 acre | 0 | 0 | 25 | 50 | 60 |
Municipal buildings/facilities | 0.5 acre | 0 | 0 | 25 | 50 | 60 |
Public agency/government buildings | 0.5 acre | 0 | 0 | 25 | 50 | 60 |
Public safety (police/fire) stations | 0.5 acre | 0 | 0 | 25 | 50 | 60 |
Libraries | 10,000 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 25 | 50 | 75 |
Community centers | 0.5 acre | 10 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 50 |
Public parks | 0.5 acre | - | - | - | - | - |
Public recreation facilities | n/a | - | - | - | - | - |
Public transit stations/off-street bus stops | 1 acre | 25 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 50 |
Public school bus base/facilities | 1 acre | 25 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 50 |
Public parking structures | 10,000 sq. ft. | 0 | 0 | 15 | 30 | 90 |
Public parking surface lots | 1 acre | - | - | - | - | - |
Public hospitals/medical clinics | 1 acre | 0 | 0 | 25 | 50 | 50 |
Public utility facilities | 1 acre | 0 | 0 | 25 | 50 | 50 |
Public agency training facilities | 1 acre | 0 | 0 | 25 | 50 | 50 |
Public utility yards/outdoor storage facilities | 5 acres | - | - | - | - | - |
Public recreation facilities (large scale w/lighting) | 0.5 acre | - | - | - | - | - |
Stadiums/arenas | 5 acres | 25 | 25 | 50 | 75 | 50 |
Public fairgrounds | 10 acres | - | - | - | 50 | - |
Cemeteries | 0.5 acre | - | - | - | - | - |
Jails/prisons | 0.5 acre | 0 | 0 | 25 | 50 | 50 |
Airports/heliports | 10 acres | - | - | - | 100 | - |
G.
Additional Standards Specific to the PB/P/OS Zone and Permitted Uses Within the PB/P/OS Zone.
1.
Maximum Lot Coverage Calculation - Transfer of Floor Area. An owner of a site or property containing critical areas (streams or wetlands) may be permitted to transfer the available floor area attributed to the size of the critical area to the unconstrained portion of the same site or property, and reduce the parking requirements for the development by an area equal to the floor area transferred, subject to the following requirements:
(Ord. 1244-16 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1263-17 (Exh. A); Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)
§ 16.12.090 Religious Organization (RO) Density Bonus Overlay.
A.
Purpose. This overlay is intended to provide an increased density bonus for any affordable housing development of any single-family, middle housing, or multifamily residence located on real property owned or controlled by a religious organization, provided:
1.
The affordable housing development must be occupied exclusively by low-income households earning up to 80% of the area median income for Snohomish County, adjusted for household size;
2.
The affordable housing development must be part of a lease or other binding obligation that requires the development to be used exclusively for affordable housing purposes for at least 50 years, even if the religious organization no longer owns the property;
3.
The affordable housing development cannot discriminate against any person who qualifies as a member of a low-income household based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, or mental or physical disability; or otherwise act in violation of the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.);
4.
The city has permitted the religious organization to utilize the density bonus by including the land intended for affordable housing development in this overlay zone; and
5.
The religious organization developing the affordable housing development must pay all fees, mitigation costs, and other charges required through the development of the affordable housing development.
C.
Table of Dimension and Density Requirements. See SMC § 16.36 for illustrated form-based standards for detached, attached, stacked, and accessory residential building forms.
Religious Organization (RO) Table of Dimension and Density Requirements | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Uses Permitted | Minimum Yard Setbacks (ft) | Min. Separation from Existing Structures (ft) | Max. Bldg. Height (stories/ft) | Max. Lot Coverage Including Existing Structures (%) | ||
Front | Each Side | Rear | ||||
Detached building forms | 20 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 3/30 | 60 |
Attached building forms | 0 | 5 | 15 | 15 | 3/30 | 60 |
Accessory building forms | 20 | 5 | 9.5 | 15 | 3/30 | 60 |
Stacked building forms | 25 | 5 | 15 | 15 | 3/30 | 80 |
Co-living housing | 25 | 5 | 15 | 15 | 3/30 | 80 |
(Ord. 1414-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 1418-25, 7/24/2025)