The Lynnwood City Council held a work session on June 2, 2025, focusing on regulatory reforms aimed at enhancing housing affordability and safety within the community. The meeting began with a discussion led by David, who emphasized the importance of addressing fire safety in affordable housing developments. He noted that while regulatory reforms are underway, the limited availability of land poses challenges to affordability. David highlighted that multifamily housing projects, such as those by Novo and Dimensions, are equipped with sprinkler systems for safety, and he advocated for similar safety considerations in densifying single-family neighborhoods.

Following this, Jeff presented new building design requirements for residential neighborhoods. He outlined a list of approved building materials, promoting higher quality options like cement and wood siding while limiting the use of materials such as vinyl and stucco. The community's feedback on entry features led to the establishment of minimum requirements for covered porches, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of new homes.

The council also discussed regulatory cost decreases, which allow for increased housing density on residential lots. This includes provisions for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and the potential for up to four units on certain sites, particularly those near major transit stops. These changes aim to alleviate affordability challenges in Lynnwood.

Further discussions included updates on parking requirements, which have been adjusted to reflect recent legislative changes. Multifamily developments will now require a maximum of 0.5 parking spaces per unit, while single-family homes will maintain a requirement of one space per unit.

The meeting also addressed the integration of the Complete Streets Ordinance with the Connect Glenwood plan, ensuring that new developments align with active transportation goals. The council emphasized the need for minimum street design standards to facilitate better connectivity within neighborhoods.

In conclusion, the work session highlighted significant steps toward improving housing affordability and safety in Lynnwood. The council plans to hold a public hearing in one week to gather community input on the proposed updates to the Unified Development Code (UDC), ensuring that resident feedback is incorporated into future planning efforts.