Updates to MUR -70' Zone

The Shoreline City Council adopted area-wide rezones in conjunction with the two light rail station subarea plans in 2015-16. Together with the subarea plans, the rezoning is implementing the vision for the areas around the future light rail stations to transition to transit-supportive land uses with apartments, townhomes, and neighborhood-serving commercial businesses and public space.

To refine regulations and facilitate the type of development envisioned in the subarea plans, the Planning Commission is considering potential amendments to the Mixed Use Residential-70’ (MUR-70’) zone. Amendments being considered would:

• Allow greater reductions to off street parking requirements

• Allow taller buildings without the need for a Development Agreement

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on draft amendments at their May 19, 2022 meeting. The draft amendments can be viewed here:

• Parking Reductions
• Building height and Development Agreement
• 145th EIS Addendum MUR 70' Amendments - Final
• 185th EIS Addendum MUR 70' Amendments - Final

To learn more, contact Andrew Bauer, Planning Manager, abauer@shorelinwa.gov or 206-801-2513

Subarea Plans

The 185th Street Station Subarea Plan was adopted on March 16, 2015.
Final 185th Street Station Subarea Plan documents

185th Street Subarea Plan Progress Report 2015-2020

The 145th Street Station Subarea Plan was adopted on September 26, 2016.
Final 145th Street Station Subarea Plan documents

View the adopted zoning for both station subareas by clicking on the map below. Obtain information about individual properties by entering an address or clicking on a parcel, including Assessor information like lot size and current or future zoning. Note that zoning in the subareas is phased and will become activated at different times.

Project History

In 2008, voters approved the Sound Transit 2 (ST2) package to extend light rail service north to Lynnwood, known as the Lynnwood Link Extension (LLE). This plan called for two light rail stations in Shoreline, on the east side of Interstate 5 at NE 145th and 185th Streets, anticipated to be operational in 2023. An animation of the proposed alignment for the LLE is available.

In May 2013, Shoreline kicked off subarea planning for neighborhoods surrounding both future stations. Over the next few years, the City and community developed plans to address land use, transportation, park, and other needs to accommodate projected growth in these areas. Below are some highlights of this process; documents referenced are available online.

Visioning Events - The City hosted five visioning events between July and September 2013, some in partnership with Senior Services and Shoreline’s Neighborhood Associations. Attendees provided feedback on their vision for neighborhoods surrounding future light rail stations with regard to housing, jobs and businesses, recreation and community services, transportation and mobility, and station design.

“Walk-shops” - In addition to attending neighborhood meetings and hosting community meetings, City staff led neighbors on walking tours of both light rail station subareas in the summers of 2013 and 2014.

Market Analysis - Market analyses were performed for both the 185th and 145th Street Station Subareas to better understand potential future demand.

Design Workshops - In November 2013, the City hosted the first series of Design Workshops for the 185th Street Station Subarea where participants brainstormed ideas and articulated a vision for their neighborhoods. A second series of Design Workshops was held in February 2014 and computer models and potential zoning scenarios illustrated how ideas expressed in November could translate into possibilities for the future.

In June of 2014, the City hosted a series of Design Workshops with the 145th Street Station Citizen Committee and the community. In October of 2014, the City hosted a second series of Design Workshops to introduce zoning scenario maps and computer modeling of how concepts discussed during the first workshop series could look.

Draft Environmental Impact Statements (DEIS) – The DEIS for each station subarea analyzed potential zoning scenarios with regard to impacts and mitigations for land use patterns, plans, and policies; population, housing, and employment; multimodal transportation; streams, wetlands, and surface water management; parks, recreation, open space, natural areas, and priority habitat areas; schools, police, fire, and other public services; and utilities and energy use.

The DEIS for the 185th Street Station Subarea Plan was published in June 2014. The DEIS for the 145th Street Station Subarea Plan was published in January 2015, and an addendum to this DEIS was published in March 2015.

Final Environmental Impact Statements (FEIS) - The FEIS for each station subarea updated the DEIS with responses to public comments received and additional information.

The FEIS for the 185th Street Station Subarea Plan was published in December 2014. The FEIS for the 145th Street Station Subarea Plan was published in July 2016.

Adopting Ordinances- Council adopted Ordinance Numbers 702, 706, and 707 in March 2015, thereby adopting the 185th Street Station Subarea Plan, revised Comprehensive Plan and zoning maps and Development Code regulations, and a Planned Action. In September 2016, Council adopted Ordinance Numbers 750, 751, 752, and 756, thereby adopting the 145th Street Station Subarea Plan and implementing maps, regulations, and Planned Action.

Next Steps

The City has completed its Subarea Planning process, which entailed rezoning and revising Development Code regulations to define the rules for redevelopment. Homeowner decision-making about whether or when to sell or redevelop and market forces will determine the pace and intensity of change within the neighborhoods. No property owners will be required to sell or redevelop and new zoning allows homeowners to preserve and add on to their existing single-family homes.

Next steps for the City include transportation, parks, and utility planning to make capital improvements that will accommodate population growth.

Translations

If you would like to communicate with the City of Shoreline or review a document in another language, please send your request along with your contact information to the email address below or call (206) 801-2700.

Email: clk@shorelinewa.gov