Everett Zoning & Land Use Guide
Notable local initiatives in Everett
Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to Everett — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.
EMC Title 19 — Unified Development Code
Everett consolidated its land-use, zoning, subdivision and design regulations into Title 19 of the Everett Municipal Code (the Unified Development Code). Chapter 19.03 establishes purpose and application of zoning districts including R-1, R-2, R-3 (Single-Family), R-4/R-5 (Multifamily), B-1/B-2 (Business), and M-1/M-2 (Manufacturing).
Source · everett.municipal.codesEMC 19.17 — Airport/Port/Navy Compatibility Overlay
Chapter 19.17 of the Everett Municipal Code creates an Airport/Port/Navy Compatibility Overlay covering properties near Snohomish County Airport/Paine Field (KPAE), the Port of Everett marine terminal, and Naval Station Everett. The overlay layers notice-and-disclosure requirements, height limits, and noise/safety standards on top of underlying zoning so that adjacent uses remain compatible with industrial, aviation, and military operations.
Source · everett.municipal.codesEverett 2044 Comprehensive Plan & HB 1110 Implementation(2024)
Everett's 2044 Comprehensive Plan, adopted under the Growth Management Act, integrates Washington HB 1110 (middle housing) and HB 1337 (ADUs) compliance. The City has published 'Everett 2044 Development Regulations' updates to EMC Title 19 to comply with state housing mandates by the Snohomish County GMA deadline.
Source · everettwa.govWashington HB 1110 (2023) — Middle Housing(2023)
Everett (~110,000 population, Snohomish County) is in HB 1110's Tier 1 — cities ≥75,000 in MPO counties must allow at least four units per lot citywide and six near major transit (Everett Station is a Sounder commuter-rail and Amtrak hub). Snohomish County jurisdictions have a December 31, 2024 comprehensive plan deadline.
Source · app.leg.wa.govWashington HB 1337 (2023) — Statewide ADU Mandate(2023)
HB 1337 (Chapter 334, 2023 Laws, effective July 23, 2023) requires Everett to allow two ADUs per residential lot, with state-mandated minimum size (1,000 sq ft) and prohibitions on owner-occupancy or excessive parking requirements. Everett's UDC updates implement these provisions.
Source · app.leg.wa.gov
Key Zoning Facts
Everett Zoning Overview
Everett is a major city in Washington with approximately 110,629 residents, located in Snohomish County. The city manages land use and development through its zoning code, administered by the Planning Division. Everett's zoning divides the municipality into districts regulating permitted uses, building heights, lot sizes, setbacks, and density.
Everett follows the Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-50/51), which is based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC).
Primary Zoning Districts
Everett's zoning code includes several residential districts. The R-1 district requires a minimum lot size of 9,600 square feet with a 35-foot height limit. The R-2 district allows 7,200 square foot minimum lots, and the R-3 district allows 5,000 square foot lots for higher-density residential development.
Commercial activity is served by the B-1 (Neighborhood Business) and B-2 (General Business) districts. Industrial uses are provided for in the M-1 (Light Manufacturing) and M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing) districts.
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules
Everett allows ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). Under Washington state law HB 1337 (2023), cities are required to allow ADUs, with up to 2 ADUs permitted per lot in most areas. This applies to cities planning under the Growth Management Act (which includes most urban Washington cities). Contact the Everett Planning Division for current requirements including size limits, setbacks, and permitting procedures.
Development Process
Development in Everett generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits. The process typically involves:
- Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
- Site Plan Review — For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
- Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
- Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure
For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance, special exception, or rezoning.
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in Everett, property owners should:
- Verify the zoning classification of their property
- Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for their specific district
- Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
- Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
- Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
- Contact the Planning Division at (425) 257-8731 for pre-application guidance
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Everett and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of Everett or the municipal code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Everett
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Washington
- Building Code: WA State Building Code (WAC 51-50/51)
- State ADU Override: Yes (WA HB 1337 (2023) requires cities to allow ADUs; 2 ADUs per lot in most areas)
County — Snohomish County
- Role: County-level property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 9,600 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 7.5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 7,200 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
ADU Rules in Everett
State law (statewide context, not city-specific):
Washington HB 1337 (2023, effective July 23, 2023) requires cities and counties planning under the Growth Management Act to allow at least two accessory dwelling units per lot in zones that permit single-family homes within urban growth areas. The law limits impact fees on ADUs, prohibits owner-occupancy requirements, and requires that ADUs of at least 1,000 sq ft be allowed. HB 1110 (2023) separately legalized middle housing (duplexes through sixplexes depending on city size).
For local size, setback, and parking specifics, contact the City of Everett Planning Division.
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Everett are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Everett permit fees →Official Sources
City-specific