The purpose of this chapter is to provide density incentives to developers of residential lands in exchange for public benefits to help achieve comprehensive plan goals of creation of quality places and livable neighborhoods, affordable housing, open space protection, historic preservation, energy conservation, and environmentally responsible design by:
(1) 
Defining in quantified terms the public benefits that can be used to earn density incentives;
(2) 
Providing rules and formulae for computing density incentives earned by each benefit;
(3) 
Providing a method to realize the development potential of sites containing unique features of size, topography, environmental features or shape; and
(4) 
Providing a review process to allow evaluation of proposed density increases and the public benefits offered to earn them, and to give the public opportunities to review and comment.
(Ord. 2852 § 10 (Exh. A), 2011)
Residential density incentives (RDI) shall be used only on sites served by public sewers and only in the following zones:
(1) 
In the NR-4.5 and NR-6.5 zones when a planned residential development is proposed;
(2) 
In the R-12 through R-28 and WR-R-6-18 zones; and
(3) 
In the CB, CB-WR, GC, and MU zones.
(Ord. 2852 § 10 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 3193 § 21, 2021; Ord. 3219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 3352 § 74 (Exh. SSS), 2025; Ord. 3366 § 71 (Exh. SSS), 2025)
(1) 
The public benefits eligible to earn increased densities, and the maximum incentive to be earned by each benefit, are set forth in subsection (6) of this section. The density incentive is expressed as additional bonus dwelling units or lots (or fractions of dwelling units or lots) earned per amount of public benefit provided. Where a range is specified, the earned credit will be determined by the community development director during project review.
(2) 
Bonus dwelling units or lots may be earned through any combination of the listed public benefits. Substantially similar benefits cannot be applied to the same area or improvement type within a development, unless approved by the director.
(3) 
Residential developments with property-specific development standards requiring any public benefit enumerated in this chapter shall be eligible to earn bonus dwelling units or lots as set forth in subsection (6) of this section when the public benefits provided exceed the basic development standards of this title. When a development is located in a special overlay district, bonus units or lots may be earned if the development provides public benefits exceeding corresponding standards of the special district.
(4) 
In the neighborhood residential (i.e., NR-4.5 and NR-6.5) zones, bonus lots can be earned. Bonus lots may only be earned for the benefits where either lots or a percentage increase in the base density are specifically referenced in subsection (6) of this section.
(5) 
In multifamily zones, bonus lots can be earned when single-family or middle housing is proposed, and bonus units can be earned when multifamily or townhouse developments are proposed.
(6) 
The following are the public benefits eligible to earn density incentives through RDI review:
Benefit
Density Incentive
1. Affordable Housing
a. Benefit units consisting of rental housing permanently priced to serve nonelderly low-income households (i.e., no greater than 30 percent of gross income for household at or below 50 percent of Snohomish County median income, adjusted for household size).
A covenant on the site that specifies the income level being served, rent levels and requirements for reporting to the city shall be recorded at final approval.
1.5 bonus units per benefit, up to a maximum of 30 low-income units per five acres of site area; projects on sites of less than five acres shall be limited to 30 low-income units.
b. Benefit units consisting of rental housing designed and permanently priced to serve low-income senior citizens (i.e., no greater than 30 percent of gross income for one- or two-person households, one member of which is 62 years of age or older, with incomes at or below 50 percent of Snohomish County median income, adjusted for household size).
A covenant on the site that specifies the income level being served, rent levels and requirements for reporting to the city of Marysville shall be recorded at final approval.
1.5 bonus units per benefit, up to a maximum of 60 low-income units per five acres of site area; projects on sites of less than five acres shall be limited to 60 low-income units.
c. Benefit units consisting of mobile home park space or pad reserved for the relocation of an insignia or noninsignia mobile home that has been or will be displaced due to closure of a mobile home park located in the city of Marysville.
1.0 bonus unit per benefit unit.
2. Public Facilities (Schools, Public Buildings or Offices, Trails and Active Parks)
a. Dedication of public facilities site or trail right-of-way meeting city of Marysville or agency location and size standards for the proposed facility type.
10 bonus units or lots per usable acre of public facility land or one-quarter mile of trail exceeding the minimum requirements outlined in other sections of this title.
b. Improvement of dedicated public facility site to city of Marysville standards for the proposed facility type.
2 – 10 (range dependent on facility improvements) bonus units or lots per acre of improvement. If the applicant is dedicating the site of the improvements, the bonus units earned by improvements shall be added to the bonus units earned by the dedication.
c. Improvement of dedicated trail segment to city of Marysville standards.
1.8 bonus units or lots per one-quarter mile of trail constructed to city standard for pedestrian trails; or
2.5 bonus units or lots per one-quarter mile of trail constructed to city standard for multipurpose trails (pedestrian/bicycle/equestrian).
Shorter segments shall be awarded bonus units on a pro rata basis. If the applicant is dedicating the site of the improvements, the bonus units earned by improvements shall be added to the bonus units earned by the dedication.
d. Dedication of open space, meeting city of Marysville acquisition standards, to the city, county or a qualified public or private organization such as a nature conservancy.
2 bonus units or lots per acre of open space.
3. Community Image and Identity
a. Contribution towards an identified capital improvement project, including, but not limited to, parks, roadways, bicycle facilities, pedestrian facilities, multi-use trails, gateway sign, etc.
$25,000 per bonus unit or lot. Bonus units or lots may only be claimed in whole numbers or 0.5 bonus unit or lot increments.
4. Historic Preservation
a. Dedication of a site containing an historic landmark to the city of Marysville or a qualifying nonprofit organization capable of restoring and/or maintaining the premises to standards set by Washington State Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.
0.5 bonus unit or lot per acre of historic site.
b. Restoration of a site or structure designated as an historic landmark.
0.5 bonus unit or lot per acre of site or 1,000 square feet of floor area of building restored.
5. Locational/Mixed Use
a. Developments located within one-quarter mile of transit routes, and within one mile of fire and police stations, medical, shopping, and other community services.
5 percent increase above the base density of the zone.
b. Mixed use developments over one acre in size having a combination of commercial and residential uses.
10 percent increase above the base density of the zone.
6. Storm Drainage Facilities
Dual use retention/detention facilities.
a. Developments that incorporate active recreation facilities that utilize the storm water facility tract.
5 bonus units or lots per acre of the storm water facility tract used for active recreation.
b. Developments that incorporate passive recreation facilities that utilize the storm water facility tract.
2 bonus units or lots per acre of the storm water facility tract used for passive recreation.
7. Project Design
a. Preservation of substantial overstory vegetation (not included within a required NGPA). No increase in permitted density shall be permitted for sites that have been cleared of evergreen trees within two years prior to the date of application for land use approval. Density increases granted which were based upon preservation of existing trees shall be forfeited if such trees are removed between the time of preliminary and final approval and issuance of building permits.
5 percent increase above the base density of the zone.
b. Retention or creation of a perimeter buffer, composed of existing trees and vegetation, or additional plantings, in order to improve design or compatibility between neighboring land uses.
1 bonus unit or lot per 500 lineal feet of perimeter buffer retained, enhanced or created (when not otherwise required by city code).
c. Project area assembly involving 20 acres or more, incorporating a mixture of housing types (detached/attached) and densities.
10 percent increase above the base density of the zone.
d. Private park and open space facilities integrated into project design.
5 bonus units or lots per improved acre of park and open space area. Ongoing facility maintenance provisions are required as part of RDI approval.
e. Enhanced entry landscaping.
1 bonus unit or lot per 2,500 square feet of additional enhanced entry landscaped area (when not otherwise required by code). A minimum of 1,000 square feet of entry landscaping of exceptional, outstanding or unique design, as determined by the director, must be provided in order to qualify for this benefit.
8. Green Building
a. Construction of a certified Leader in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold or better rating, Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard (ESDS), Built Green 4-Star or better rating, or other equivalent certified energy efficient unit as approved by the director.
 
Certification due 120 days after final building inspections granted, or a certificate of occupancy is issued.
0.20 bonus unit or lot for each certified unit constructed.
(7) 
All benefits shall be completed prior to final subdivision, short subdivision, or binding site plan being recorded, or prior to granting a certificate of occupancy, unless otherwise specified in subsection (6) of this section.
(Ord. 2852 § 10 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 3074 § 1, 2017; Ord. 3219 § 2 (Exh. B), 2022; Ord. 3352 § 75 (Exh. TTT), 2025; Ord. 3366 § 72 (Exh. TTT), 2025)
To qualify as bonus units or lots, the recreational area (i.e., acreage or square feet) or amenities listed in this section must be provided in excess of the recreational area or amenities otherwise required for the development.
(1) 
The applicant must clearly delineate and identify on the site and/or landscape plans which areas or amenities are proposed to satisfy the standard code requirements for the development, and which areas or amenities are proposed in excess of the standard code requirements to earn bonus units or lots.
(a) 
Area. If additional land area (i.e., acreage or square feet) is provided for open space in excess of the standard code requirements, the applicant shall earn bonus units or lots for the area (i.e., acreage or square feet) provided in excess of the standard code requirements for the project type. Passive and active open space shall be credited at the rates outlined in MMC § 22C.090.030(6).
(b) 
Amenities. If an open space area provides additional amenities in excess of the standard code requirements, the applicant shall earn bonus units or lots for the area or areas where additional amenities are provided. The applicant shall first calculate the amenities that are required for the project type. Additional amenities must be provided as described in subsections (2) and (3) of this section.
(2) 
Active recreation features qualifying for a density bonus shall include:
(a) 
One or more of the following per half acre of open space:
(i) 
Multipurpose, basketball, tennis, pickleball, or similar courts or half-courts;
(ii) 
Skateboard facilities;
(iii) 
Baseball, football, soccer, or similar fields;
(iv) 
Large tot lot with play equipment (soft surface); or
(v) 
Any other active recreation use approved by the director.
(b) 
Two or more of the following per half acre of open space:
(i) 
Golf or mini-golf course;
(ii) 
Bocce or similar lawn games;
(iii) 
Volleyball or similar net sports;
(iv) 
Small tot lot with play equipment (soft surface); or
(v) 
Any other active recreation use approved by the director.
(3) 
Passive recreation qualifying for a density bonus shall include one or more of the following per half acre of open space:
(a) 
Open play areas when active amenities are not provided;
(b) 
Pedestrian or bicycle paths;
(c) 
Picnic areas with tables and benches;
(d) 
Gazebos, benches and other resident gathering areas;
(e) 
Community gardens or areas with enhanced landscaping;
(f) 
Nature interpretive areas;
(g) 
Waterfalls, fountains, or other water features; or
(h) 
Any other passive recreation use approved by the director.
(4) 
Dual use storm water retention/detention and recreation facilities shall meet the following design criteria:
(a) 
The facility shall be designed with emphasis as a recreation area, not a storm water control structure, and shall be designed as usable open recreation area.
(b) 
Control structures shall not be prominently placed. Care should be taken to blend them into the perimeter of the recreation area.
(c) 
The number of accesses shall be minimized, and the accesses shall be designed to serve as both an access and an amenity to qualify as open space. The following are examples of access treatments that would qualify as open space:
(i) 
Grasscrete or equivalent;
(ii) 
Decorative pavers; or
(iii) 
Concrete or asphalt with a dual use including, but not limited to, sport court, hopscotch, meandering paved trails, etc.
(Ord. 2852 § 10 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 3219 § 3 (Exh. C), 2022; Ord. 3257 § 4 (Exh. D), 2023; Ord. 3352 § 76 (Exh. UUU), 2025; Ord. 3366 § 73 (Exh. UUU), 2025)
The total dwelling units or lots permitted through RDI review shall be calculated using the following steps:
(1) 
Calculate the number of dwellings or lots permitted by the base density of the site in accordance with Chapters 22C.010 and 22C.020 MMC;
(2) 
Calculate the total number of bonus dwelling units or lots earned by providing the public benefits listed in MMC § 22C.090.030;
(3) 
Add the number of bonus dwelling units or lots earned to the number of dwelling units or lots permitted by the base density;
(4) 
Round fractional dwelling units or lots down to the nearest whole number; and
(5) 
On sites with more than one zone or zone density, the maximum density shall be calculated for the site area of each zone. Bonus units or lots may be reallocated within the zone in the same manner set forth for base units or lots in MMC § 22C.010.230 and § 22C.020.200.
(Ord. 2852 § 10 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 3074 § 2, 2017; Ord. 3352 § 77 (Exh. VVV), 2025; Ord. 3366 § 74 (Exh. VVV), 2025)
(1) 
All RDI proposals shall be reviewed concurrently with the underlying land use project as follows:
(a) 
For the purpose of this section, the underlying land use project is defined as a proposed subdivision or short subdivision, binding site plan, site plan, or conditional use permit review;
(b) 
When the underlying land use project requires a public hearing, the hearing examiner shall consider and make a consolidated decision on the proposed project and use of RDI;
(c) 
When the underlying land use project does not require a public hearing, the community development director shall consider and make a consolidated decision on the proposed project and use of RDI;
(d) 
The community development director may approve revisions to the RDI proposal approved under subsections (1)(b) and (c) of this section, as necessary, consistent with MMC § 22G.010.260;
(e) 
The notice for the underlying land use project shall include a description of the proposed RDI public benefit(s), the project's density, and the number of bonus units or lots to be earned.
(2) 
RDI applications that propose to earn bonus units or lots by dedicating real property or public facilities shall include a letter from the applicable receiving agency certifying that the proposed dedication qualifies for the density incentive and will be accepted by the agency or other qualifying organization. The city of Marysville shall also approve all proposals prior to granting density incentives to the project. The proposal must meet the intent of the RDI chapter and be consistent with the city of Marysville comprehensive plan.
(3) 
The following are required for RDI applications that propose to earn bonus units or lots using green building techniques:
(a) 
At the time of preliminary land use (subdivision, short subdivision, binding site plan or site plan) application, the applicant shall:
(i) 
Identify the green building program being used, and the name of the third-party reviewer, if applicable;
(ii) 
Identify the lots that will use the green building techniques; and
(iii) 
Provide a completed draft green building program (e.g., Built Green) checklist identifying the green building techniques to be used.
(b) 
At the time of building permit application, the applicant shall:
(i) 
Check the "green building" box on the combined building permit application;
(ii) 
Provide the name of the green building program being used, and the name of the third-party reviewer, if applicable; and
(iii) 
Provide a completed green building program checklist identifying the green building techniques to be used with each house model.
(c) 
Within 120 days of final building inspections being granted, or a certificate of occupancy being issued, the applicant shall provide the city with a copy of the green building certification.
(Ord. 2852 § 10 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 3074 § 3, 2017; Ord. 3219 § 4 (Exh. D), 2022; Ord. 3257 § 5 (Exh. E), 2023; Ord. 3352 § 78 (Exh. WWW), 2025; Ord. 3366 § 75 (Exh. WWW), 2025)
When issuing building permits in an approved RDI development, the department may allow minor adjustments in the approved site plan involving the location or dimensions of buildings or landscaping, provided such adjustments shall not:
(1) 
Increase the number of dwelling units or lots;
(2) 
Decrease the amount of perimeter landscaping (if any);
(3) 
Decrease residential parking facilities (unless the number of dwelling units or lots is decreased);
(4) 
Locate structures closer to any site boundary line; or
(5) 
Change the locations of any points of ingress and egress to the site.
(Ord. 2852 § 10 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 3352 § 79 (Exh. XXX), 2025; Ord. 3366 § 76 (Exh. XXX), 2025)
Timing of RDI public benefit payment, covenant recording, dedication, and/or improvements is specified in the eligible public benefits table, MMC § 22C.090.030(6) or (7). Public benefits cannot be deferred or bonded. When extenuating circumstances exist, and on a case-by-case basis, the community development director may provide flexibility for the completion of a public benefit.
(Ord. 2852 § 10 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 3219 § 5 (Exh. E), 2022)
In the event the approved residential density option is no longer feasible or cannot be achieved prior to final subdivision, short subdivision, binding site plan, or unit lot subdivision being recorded, or prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the project proponent shall be required to choose a new benefit from the benefit options outlined in MMC § 22C.090.030(6) in order to achieve the density bonus lot or unit, or the bonus lot or unit shall be forfeited.
(Ord. 3219 § 6 (Exh. F), 2022; Ord. 3352 § 80 (Exh. YYY), 2025; Ord. 3366 § 77 (Exh. YYY), 2025)