The purpose of this chapter is to help achieve the goals and objectives of the Land Use and Housing elements of the Lake Stevens Comprehensive Plan. These housing options encourage more efficient use of land and energy, build communities, and offer more affordability.
(Ord. 798, Sec. 7 (Exh. 2), 2009; Ord. 872, Sec. 2, 2012; Ord. 1081, Sec. 3, 2020)
The goals for innovative housing and infill as defined in this chapter are to:
(a) 
Increase housing supply and the choice of housing styles available in the community in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan.
(b) 
Provide for development of housing that responds to changing demographics and smaller-sized households.
(c) 
Support the efficient use of land and higher density infill in developed areas.
(d) 
Promote housing affordability and greater choice by encouraging smaller and more diverse home sizes and mixes of income levels.
(e) 
Promote quality design and materials that are compatible with adjacent neighborhoods.
(f) 
Allow flexibility in site and design standards while promoting infill projects compatible with existing single-family developments.
(Ord. 798, Sec. 7 (Exh. 2), 2009; Ord. 872, Sec. 3, 2012; Ord. 1081, Sec. 3, 2020)
This chapter applies to all innovative housing projects allowed and submitted under this chapter.
(Ord. 798, Sec. 7 (Exh. 2), 2009; Ord. 872, Sec. 4, 2012; Ord. 1081, Sec. 3, 2020)
(a) 
A pre-application conference per Section 14.16A.220(d) is highly recommended to exchange general and preliminary information and to identify potential issues.
(b) 
Projects that use the provisions included in this chapter shall follow the permit path associated with the underlying permit pursuant to Chapters 14.16A and 14.16B.
(c) 
Innovative housing projects are subject to design review per Section 14.16C.050.
(Ord. 798, Sec. 7 (Exh. 2), 2009; Ord. 811, Sec. 54, 2010; Ord. 872, Sec. 5, 2012; Ord. 1068, Sec. 2 (Exh. B), 2019; Ord. 1081, Sec. 3, 2020)
Applications for an innovative housing project shall be made on forms provided by the City, pursuant to the permit path associated with the underlying permit. In addition, the following items shall be provided at the time of submittal:
(a) 
Preliminary Development Plan. A preliminary development plan indicating property lines, proposed setbacks, proposed structures, parking, roads, infrastructure and open space/landscape areas, and other items identified in Section 14.16C.105, Site Plan Review.
(b) 
A detailed description of how the proposed development is consistent and not in conflict with the surrounding neighborhood character and neighborhood design.
(c) 
A detailed description of how the proposed development meets the purpose and goals of this chapter and complies with all the criteria and project parameters for an innovative housing project.
(d) 
A detailed description of how the proposed development is applying development bonuses including but not limited to parking reductions, lot width reductions, and lot size reductions.
(e) 
Additional information as required by the application forms provided by the City or deemed necessary by City staff to consider the application.
(Ord. 798, Sec. 7 (Exh. 2), 2009; Ord. 903, Sec. 37, 2013; Ord. 1081, Sec. 3, 2020)
Innovative housing developments are required to be developed where public utilities including public water and sanitary sewer are available or can be extended to. No septic systems shall be allowed.
(Ord. 798, Sec. 7 (Exh. 2), 2009; Ord. 1081, Sec. 3, 2020)
(a) 
An applicant may request modifications to the provisions of this chapter or other provisions of this title related specifically to this chapter, to the extent that such modifications are consistent with the purpose, intent and requirements of this chapter.
(b) 
The applicant must describe each requested modification and document in writing how the modifications are consistent with the purpose, intent and requirements of this chapter.
(c) 
The Director or Hearing Examiner may approve modifications documented in writing that the modifications are consistent with the purpose and requirements of this chapter and do not threaten the public health, safety, or welfare depending on the underlying permit type.
(d) 
Minor changes to a site plan or design elements approved under this chapter may be approved by the Director. Changes that increase the intensity of development, e.g., trips generated or number of residential units; alter the character of the development or balance of mixed uses; increase the floor area in one building by more than 10 percent; change access points; move buildings around on the site; reduce the acreage of common open area or buffering areas; or diminish the effectiveness of perimeter buffers, are major and shall be subject to the requirements of this chapter. Major modifications may be approved by the original decision body and shall be subject to design review approval.
(Ord. 798, Sec. 7 (Exh. 2), 2009; Ord. 872, Sec. 6, 2012; Ord. 1068, Sec. 2 (Exh. B), 2019; Ord. 1081, Sec. 3, 2020)