Why does the city need a Housing Action Plan?
- Between 2010 and 2022, the city's population grew from approximately 28,000 to over 40,000, a 45% increase that has made Lake Stevens the fourth largest city in Snohomish County.
- During that same period, the median home values and average rents have continued to rise.
- Most residential growth over the past two decades has been detached single-family residences.
- The city has taken early actions to expand housing options in the city, including duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, accessory dwelling units, and multifamily housing.
- State law requires that the city assess its housing needs across various housing and household types and income levels and consider policies to reduce barriers to housing.
- The Housing Action Plan provided the technical foundation for the city's 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update.
Chapter 5 of the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update addressed changes in zoning and map amendments specifically related to new legislation requiring cities to provide capacity for more affordable housing.
What actions is the city taking concerning the Housing Action Plan?
The city has taken action to comply with state laws requiring an assessment of housing needs and the implementation of a plan to encourage the expansion of housing options. Actions include:
- Rezoning to allow for the development of multi-family home options and increasing density of current single-family home neighborhoods
- RCW36.70A.635 contains regulations around minimal residential density.
- Creating code language around STEP housing
- This topic was introduced at the Planning Commission Meeting on 3/5/2025 (see the video here), discussed on 5/21/2025 (video available here), and again on 6/2/2025 (video here) and 8/18/2025 (video).