Planning and Community Development Committee - 2026-02-17
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Snohomish County Planning and Community Development Committee advanced three items to future hearings: a $385,250 interlocal agreement for synthetic turf feasibility at Maltby Community Park, an appointment to Improvement District No. 5, and code amendments reducing setbacks for covered parking in the Rural Village Housing Demonstration Program. The 2025 Tree Canopy Monitoring Report showed new residential developments exceeded the required canopy threshold by nearly 80%, with 3,164,107 square feet of total twenty-year tree canopy area.
Key Decisions (3)
Maltby Community Park Synthetic Turf Feasibility Study ILA
Ordinance 26-006 authorizing interlocal agreement between Snohomish County and East County Park and Recreation District for $385,250 feasibility study to convert grass sports fields to synthetic turf at Maltby Community Park. Agreement effective through 12/31/2026. Moved to GLS on February 25 to set public hearing date of March 18.
Appointment of Charlie Baumann to Improvement District No. 5 Commissioner Position 2
Motion 26-072 appointing Charlie Baumann to fill vacancy left by Victor Laura's resignation on 11/24/2025. Dagmar's Investors LLC named Baumann as replacement designee. If appointed, Baumann would need to file for election in 2028. Placed on consent agenda for GLS on February 25.
Rural Village Housing Demonstration Program Setback Reduction
Ordinance 26-007 introduced by Council Member Nearing would reduce setbacks for covered parking structures from 20 feet in the Rural Village Housing Demonstration Program (RVHDP) established by Ordinance 23-051. Planning Commission held public hearing 10/28/2025 and recommended adoption. Includes retroactive provision for current applicants. Moved to GLS on February 25 to set public hearing date of March 18, 2026.
Zoning Changes (1)
R5 zoned areas in rural villages, unincorporated Snohomish County
Council Member Nearing (code amendment)
Development Activity (1)
Maltby Community Park Synthetic Turf Conversion
Feasibility study for converting grass sports fields to synthetic turf, funded up to $385,250
Market Signals (4)
Housing Demand
Rural Village Housing Demonstration Program setback reduction indicates county effort to encourage more affordable housing types in R5 zones while minimizing development footprint.
Housing Demand
2025 saw significantly more residential development applications than 2024, with 60 total applications submitted requiring tree canopy compliance.
Sentiment
New residential developments exceeded required tree canopy coverage by nearly 80% in 2025, suggesting developers are retaining more trees than minimally required.
Housing Demand
57% of new residential permits relied on newly planted canopy rather than retention, indicating development on previously cleared or less wooded parcels.