[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6216875,"mediaKeyId","3650512-bac2cadafd019193b73713a50dc0579a","parentId",3650512,"title","Council and Planning Commission debate middle‑housing code changes, inclusionary options and parking rules required by state law","audioSeconds",1299,"startMs",7262000,"endMs",8561000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3650512-bac2cadafd019193b73713a50dc0579a&start=7262&end=8561","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3650512-bac2cadafd019193b73713a50dc0579a/thumbnail_7262000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6216875/Kirkland/King-County/Washington/Council-and-Planning-Commission-debate-middlehousing-code-changes-inclusionary-options-and-parking-rules-required-by-state-law","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216875-1c8a9dd00fdeeba21ed1aed470df408e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448609&Signature=CdYlW0Znde1o658ehj3vOGbFlkU~lv-hF-sk1UQb~X9PtlcTlOFNpvsr-vnwNEQNLc3xbExZuoul2jTxs~-yK1BaJ6R4cAtRscL-ae~uB78pw5zbmyvmQu2EJ~CKC~9XaoCYwoDTMaBT8CuIhwKxjJ0H1JuVySmAInkvJnA-RebQUxqS15NVrucNAlJe0gKOKdtd1l8hmILe-n5YUYy-8gceUGR37y~YkIy~kDSiVrne5yU4~ABOzVPZZERVup29z~mfzjKxgEWVNlUToy9uFyC~4wpPO3yQjI2raNJOi-jyt9uG3g~b6YV9DSsAc~ynQPugru1t-gem-aFklN-PIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kirkland City, WA","date","2025-06-04T08:19:57.98Z","article","Kirkland’s Planning Commission and staff presented a consolidated set of zoning amendments on June 3 intended to implement new state middle‑housing laws and related accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and parking requirements. The package includes amendments to conform to HB 1110 (middle housing density), HB 1337 (ADU flexibility), SB 6015 (residential parking rules), HB 1293 (design review constraints for middle housing) and connected local changes needed for administration.

Staff emphasized the package’s intent: to meet minimum state compliance while preserving the city’s Comprehensive Plan and to create administrative clarity across multiple code sections. The amendments address terminology, fire‑access standards, floor‑area/conflict clarifications, and unit‑lot subdivision text anticipated in a related follow‑up package. The Planning Commission recommended several specific refinements and added a recommendation on an inclusionary housing approach (a graduated per‑square‑foot charge above a threshold and an exemption for smaller units) that differs from the staff’s initial recommendation.

Key policy debates raised in council discussion
- Parking: Senate Bill 5184 establishes new reduced parking standards for many residential types. Staff and the Planning Commission debated whether to apply SB 5184’s lower parking minima to middle‑housing (chapter 113) now or wait and apply changes more broadly in phase 2 (the city’s later code optimization). Staff showed field observations that developers often build more parking than minimums require for cottage/missing‑middle products; Council members asked whether early application will create unintended on‑street parking or enforcement needs and whether case‑by‑case parking studies should be allowed as an exception (staff noted an amendment seeking state‐level exceptions did not pass). The Planning Commission recommended applying SB 5184 standards to middle housing now, which several councilmembers found acceptable but asked staff to track impacts and return with adjustments if needed.
- Inclusionary zoning / affordable housing: State law allows cities to require affordable units or payment in lieu when the city creates new development capacity. The council was briefed on multiple options: staff’s “option 2” (a 10% set‑aside at an affordability target), Planning Commission’s graduated approach (exemption for units up to a size threshold and a per‑square‑foot in‑lieu charge above that threshold), and the option to defer any inclusionary requirement to phase 2. Planning Commission recommended a graduated, proportional fee that softens the step change between slightly larger family homes and large “luxury” homes; staff presented sample comparators (Redmond, Sammamish), showing other Eastside cities had adopted higher per‑square‑foot fees. Council asked for more analysis of proportionality and the risk of discouraging housing production. Several councilmembers supported a hybrid “bookmark” approach proposed by the city manager — adopt a requirement now but allow recalibration before it becomes effective and reserve the right to refine requirements in phase 2 — which would preserve the city’s authority to require inclusionary housing for the capacity being added now while allowing further study.

Public comments and commission input: The Planning Commission discussed the package at length and recommended adoption of an affordable housing requirement with the graduated exemption; it also urged caution on changes that would raise parking requirements in some places. A range of public comments were recorded — from developers’ concerns about proportionality and legality of fees to housing advocates urging the city to adopt a mandatory inclusionary mechanism — and staff incorporated a public comment summary into the record.

Schedule and next steps: Staff will return to council on June 17 with ordinance language for adoption. The city manager’s recommended compromise (“option 3”) would adopt an inclusionary requirement now but set a January 1, 2027 effective date and explicitly reserve the council’s right to revise the methodology (including thresholds and the payment‑in‑lieu calculation) before that effective date. Phase 2 (middle housing optimization and additional affordability incentives) is scheduled for 2026 workplan and will provide the opportunity for additional calibration.

Why this matters: The amendments implement state law changes that materially affect allowable housing types, parking policy and ADU rules across every residential zone in Kirkland. Adoption determines whether new capacity added under state law will also carry an affordable‑housing requirement and how parking minima will be applied for middle‑housing products. Councilmembers repeatedly asked for a time‑bound review so the city can adjust inclusionary calculations and parking policy with programmatic analysis and outreach.

Ending: Council directed staff to return on June 17 with ordinance language, and several councilmembers asked that staff include a clear review timeline and the analysis needed to revisit thresholds, enforcement impacts and the fee methodology before any in‑lieu fees go live.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Kirkland City Council Meeting June 3, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff and the Planning Commission presented a code amendment package to implement recent Washington middle‑housing and ADU statutes; council debate focused on reduced parking minimums (SB 5184), whether to adopt inclusionary housing requirements now or defer calibration, and the Planning Commission’s graduated in‑lieu proposal.","taxTitle","Kirkland, King County, Washington","taxId",2569,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6216880,"City studies Central Way bike path tied to Peter Kirk Park upgrades; council favors preserving parking, seeks grants",3745,3029000,6774000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3650512-bac2cadafd019193b73713a50dc0579a&start=3029&end=6774","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3650512-bac2cadafd019193b73713a50dc0579a/thumbnail_3029000.jpg","/articles/6216880/Kirkland/King-County/Washington/City-studies-Central-Way-bike-path-tied-to-Peter-Kirk-Park-upgrades-council-favors-preserving-parking-seeks-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216880-54dbe76a6046aba33735c0dbb97c264f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448609&Signature=VXi~if6A5mUfnJKzyymSg75AlzKZZy2X75ff~RBSEzOgv2dMA8gn32pttr~6xcJSF5R2YMPLEXHArQ67ryV8m6CivYCJeUs60rSKPsbif6vDn3ROe4KB84b4-VNmIxIV3hgCcRusRiBcwjPfX~IvNwC1PvDVdiEuPB4QKWYOgdt2me3VxkQJrxydF9y~l6tiGfgd-CS9M8ghrf83D1f2oiD3M4-mb~QMh6I15kPONS3IFT1315Xf1U5NAA-KnqaRTnx7PZLpryg0~FW2yxbzxazsbWr81~UH6Ravfc9-EmXwTbIVmrDJ2C1SkqpxzPSK1aDe-lXE3LE2Fk86-~lHLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kirkland staff asked council for feedback on a proposed joint project to add a protected bike facility along Central Way between Peter Kirk Lane and Third Street while Parks removes aging poplar trees and upgrades Lee Johnson Field. Senior project engineer Euan Yang and interim capital projects manager George Masian presented three design alternatives and a no‑joint‑project option; staff emphasized the cost savings and reduced disruption of doing the transportation and park work together.

The City identified problems the project would address: aging poplars that are reaching the end of their life and whose roots have clogged field drainage, and a gap in the eastbound bike network. The proposal would remove the poplars, create a new bike facility that fills the bike network gap, replant more appropriate urban trees, and — depending on the alternative — preserve on‑street parking or shift the park boundary.

Alternatives presented to council
- No joint project: Parks would remove trees and upgrade the field but no bike facility would be added (parks-only cost). Trees removed in that scenario would be mitigated by fee in lieu rather than on‑site replanting.
- Alternative 1 (on‑street bikeway): Remove the parking lane to add an on‑street protected bike lane (6 ft lane + 2 ft buffer). This approach would eliminate about 23 parking spaces, be the least costly transportation option, and involve minimal plantings.
- Alternative 2 (raise path to preserve parking): Create a raised shared path adjacent to the park, preserve the parking lane and add a 6‑ft bike lane and a buffer, and replant trees on the raised path. This option preserves parking but shifts the park fence and would require replacement of fencing and netting and additional permitting because Lee Johnson Field is in a 100‑year floodplain. Staff estimated this alternative as the highest‑performing option commercially and attractive for grants but more expensive to construct; it would require mitigation for landmark tree removal (3:1 trees) and about 10 of the mitigation trees would be planted on site with the remainder by fee in‑lieu.
- Alternative 3: Narrower raised path to avoid fence moves and preserve parking, with a narrower cross section and lower performance than Alternative 2 but avoiding park boundary impacts.

Costs and tradeoffs: staff provided high‑level life‑cycle cost estimates (concept‑level costing). The on‑street option had a lower capital and lifecycle cost but eliminated parking. The raised‑path options cost more to construct but preserved parking and offered better protection and on‑site tree mitigation; they require retaining walls and extra permitting and would be candidates for external grant funding. Staff also calculated an “opportunity cost” that shows savings to parks when projects are delivered jointly rather than separately.

Council reaction: most councilmembers supported alternatives that preserved parking and provided a separated facility. Councilmember Amy Falcone emphasized using grants and aligning the project with adjacent planned improvements on both east and west ends so the project does not become an isolated segment. Deputy Mayor Arnold and others flagged the project as a competitive candidate for regional connectivity grants tied to BRT station access. Councilmember Sweet and others urged conservatism on the city’s capital contribution and recommended pursuing grants first; Councilmember Tim Chisholm stressed keeping the park’s character, retaining shade and parking where possible. Several councilmembers asked for clarity on permitting timelines given the park work (staff said FEMA permitting timeline runs in parallel and that tree removal could occur once construction starts). Several members expressed openness to returning with a refined preferred alternative and with grant application strategies.

Next steps and staff direction: staff will pursue the public outreach and permitting path aligned with the council’s feedback, begin grant evaluation and applications where appropriate, and return to council with refined cost estimates and recommended preferred alternative (staff suggested Alternatives 2 or 3 are strong candidates). Parks staff will proceed with their field upgrades but staff recommended coordinating timing to realize the joint savings and reduce overall community disruption.

Why this matters: The project fills a gap in the bike network, mitigates failing trees and improves field drainage, and — if done as a joint project with transportation — could lower overall costs and increase grantability, while requiring careful public outreach around the park fence and field footprint.

Ending: Staff will report back with a refined alternative and a grant/permit strategy; council asked staff to preserve parking where feasible, pursue grant funding and keep community outreach central to next steps.","City project engineers proposed three joint design alternatives to build a protected bike facility along Central Way while removing aging poplars and upgrading Lee Johnson Field; alternatives trade preserved parking, fence impacts, cost and grantability.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6216885,"Kirkland council reviews transit needs study scope, seeks approach to boost access and regional advocacy",565,1592000,2157000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3650512-bac2cadafd019193b73713a50dc0579a&start=1592&end=2157","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3650512-bac2cadafd019193b73713a50dc0579a/thumbnail_1592000.jpg","/articles/6216885/Kirkland/King-County/Washington/Kirkland-council-reviews-transit-needs-study-scope-seeks-approach-to-boost-access-and-regional-advocacy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216885-d26c606cded2da16ab27d2fa9d19ca16/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448609&Signature=BtOSb9zuYnmZj7y2mPZGMQ2C7WdukxxSA1KNVZDwE0leGv31zqy5~Dl8ozojExkSEjvh7xApfEhWoM8CU-vNGK2PKF-pBq0ha4ayd2zA~UOrM32ZXmo6N2HkoUrTWfzUtc8Zr7hVpgOec6~WYxIYoImVbfEUA0BuVQu0SB5XD8grKB2hN0xwBV36qh4Dn5R2naxi3KmOJ-QwDmE6A3~-GbKrOwpqCMWT77vZY3k3qF3oAnjE5SDyALJhFaBeTpsbNBr-p~iANZDbzh1r9G8Oq2e5T3fylAijujwDsKbqFnYdy5OnT-mjURbxkJIepAtoIDWybmG5pmoSrwIW-2bwrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kirkland City Council members and staff reviewed the scope and timeline for a city-led transit needs study during the council’s June 3 study session, focusing on gaps in access, how to connect people to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), equity-based advocacy with King County Metro, and targeted outreach to seniors, people with disabilities and youth.

The study — identified in the Transportation Strategic Plan — will map origin–destination needs, assess service gaps and pilot a typologies “toolbox” of solutions (from shuttles to fixed routes) to match service types with land use. Transportation staff plan to procure a consultant this summer, conduct engagement in fall 2025 and complete the study in the fall of 2026. Kimberly Scrivner and Victoria Kovacs, transportation planners, told council the study is not intended to propose or fund capital projects or change land-use policy; rather it will coordinate with the Comprehensive Plan and Metro’s network plans and produce candidate service strategies for the city and partners to consider.

Council feedback emphasized three themes. First, access to frequent transit and to the planned BRT stops: councilmembers asked the study to focus on how people would reach high-frequency lines and the k-line/BRT station, with particular attention to “last‑mile” and feeder services. Councilmember Sweet asked explicitly that the study include access to BRT stations. Second, service for defined groups: councilmembers repeatedly requested targeted outreach to seniors, people with disabilities and youth to capture “hyperlocal” needs (for example, school-linked trips and senior shuttles), and noted existing community initiatives — such as school programs and senior‑council input — to leverage during engagement. Third, regional advocacy and equity: several councilmembers and staff said Kirkland must shape a clear, long‑range argument to Metro about the city’s needs, pressing for a long‑term equity view rather than only short‑term equity scoring, and asked for materials the council can use to advocate to King County and partner cities.

Councilmember Brandon Black said he wants a tool the city can use with Metro and at regional bodies to argue for sustained service hours in Kirkland and to counter short‑sighted equity metrics; Councilmember Daniel Paschal urged both a bottom‑up assessment of local travel patterns and a top‑down overlay of the city’s adopted growth vision so the study supports advocacy for transit that matches planned density. Deputy Mayor Arnold said the city should prepare a “wish list” of projects and be ready to present that list when regional funding or service recovery opportunities arise.

Staff outlined likely engagement methods: focus groups and stakeholder interviews for detailed narratives; a web map or online survey for broader input; and a data request to Metro and regional sources (PSRC, Sound Transit, rideshare data) to augment the analysis. Kovacs said the Transportation Commission asked staff to also consider an “unconstrained” vision — a high‑level set of desired connections not limited by today’s budgets — alongside realistic near‑term solutions.

The study will include a needs assessment, a typologies toolbox (peer city review of shuttle, microtransit and circulator models), and a solutions phase. Councilmembers asked staff to be careful to avoid duplicative public surveys where reliable data already exist and to try to identify grant opportunities. The council did not take formal action; staff will return with the consultant procurement plan and a refined scope after council feedback.

Why this matters: the study is designed to produce both near‑term items Kirkland can pursue and a long‑range advocacy and investment strategy. With Metro projecting phased service recovery in coming years, councilmembers said the city needs both a data‑driven case and a political strategy to secure and expand frequent service for transit‑dependent residents and to support growing housing near urban centers.

Ending: Staff will move ahead with procurement for a consultant and return to council as the study is scoped and engagement tools are drafted. Councilmembers agreed on the study’s major outcomes but asked staff to return with clearer language tying results to advocacy materials and potential pilot programs for seniors and youth.","Councilmembers and staff reviewed a draft scope for a city-led transit needs study, emphasizing access to frequent transit and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), service for seniors and youth, equity in regional advocacy to preserve and grow service hours, and a year-plus engagement and consultant timeline leading into 2026.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6216866,"Evergreen Health CEO outlines system strength and financial pressure; highlights community services and partnerships",413,11571000,11984000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3650512-bac2cadafd019193b73713a50dc0579a&start=11571&end=11984","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3650512-bac2cadafd019193b73713a50dc0579a/thumbnail_11571000.jpg","/articles/6216866/Kirkland/King-County/Washington/Evergreen-Health-CEO-outlines-system-strength-and-financial-pressure-highlights-community-services-and-partnerships","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216866-ef885d6fd48129a29ffadca7ef814d8e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448609&Signature=XFkd2EuF9yVmemiYn~NgEheXHOINVeWcTN97z~XH9EXFP8H0Oo4q2~OBqAdt03FZrv6eLoWhjld97dOdJb~tYLW1jmpSUls0MaJIy0zYw4iLLlFhSYbHThh-hWW0Sv~M37PTDtyS8RzqMvrbKnyk7inUDJRt4Aixlruzzv6Zt2zM9EMm7Nia4ZAZIc31ozw4aIB~V7e12Bl8YIrvYJNw1HgDBvAhYBpu~ldq7GMKZaBMdBNeKLD8mBksi-dYXDKILj0F0-n08nQ0EdlYv6djD98-YHQxcu3zIxlUHyiaUU5LdzXw9inuOXXpoWpE6SGBwBn6P3xVuQn8NJA5mVGaUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Ettore Palazzo, CEO and Superintendent of Evergreen Health (King County Public Hospital District No. 2), presented the health system’s “state of the hospital” to the council on June 3, emphasizing both recent quality recognitions and continuing financial pressure across Washington hospitals.

Dr. Palazzo described Evergreen Health as a community‑based public hospital district with more than 5,000 employees, 4,900 on the Kirkland campus. He highlighted the system’s quality recognitions (Healthgrades, Leapfrog A grade, top hospital awards) and specialized services such as a 15‑bed inpatient hospice (the district’s stand‑alone hospice), strong outpatient home care and hospice programs, and partner services on campus (Fred Hutch cancer care; Seattle Children’s pediatric partnerships). Evergreen Health performs high volumes of community care including thousands of births annually.

Financial outlook and investments: Palazzo said Washington hospitals experienced roughly $5 billion in operating losses statewide over recent years and that Evergreen’s own cumulative losses were substantial; the system returned to positive operating performance in the previous year via contract renegotiations and efficiencies, but ongoing pressures remain. He described the hospital district’s historic levy structure and stated the levy rate has not increased while the hospital has grown; the district currently has one of the lowest levy rates in the state. Despite the pressure, Dr. Palazzo said the board maintained community program investments (roughly $6.2 million in community programs in 2024), including partnerships and outreach, and that Evergreen would continue to protect key services and seek operational pathways to remain independent and community governed.

Behavioral health and children’s services: Council members asked about behavioral health and services for children. Dr. Palazzo said Evergreen has tele‑psychiatry and inpatient behavioral health capacity, is embedding behavioral health into primary care clinics (pilot expanded to additional clinics) and is coordinating with Crisis Connections and other partners on the community continuum. He also said Evergreen is partnering with Seattle Children’s on pediatric hospitalist and wraparound services and that additional pediatric service expansions are planned to reduce the need for families to travel across the lake.

Local workforce and affordability: Councilmembers asked about workforce affordability. Palazzo said about 650 employees live in Kirkland and noted that Kirkland’s housing costs challenge recruitment; yet Evergreen’s 12‑month turnover is below regional benchmarks (12.2% vs. a higher regional average). He said culture and workplace efforts have helped retention despite regional housing pressures.

Why this matters: Evergreen is the largest employer in Kirkland and a central provider of hospital, hospice and outpatient services for the city and region; its financial stability and service portfolio affect access to care across the Eastside. Councilmembers expressed gratitude and asked for ongoing partnership conversations.

Ending: Dr. Palazzo thanked council for local support, noted ongoing coordination with city staff and partners, and offered to return with more granular partnership items when appropriate.","Evergreen Health CEO Dr. Ettore Palazzo updated council on hospital performance, community programs, partnerships (Fred Hutch, Seattle Children’s), awards and financial strain from statewide hospital operating losses; CEO described quality rankings and continued investments in community programs despite budget pressures.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6216870,"Council adopts transportation impact fees ordinance with phased implementation, 7–0",141,12437000,12578000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3650512-bac2cadafd019193b73713a50dc0579a&start=12437&end=12578","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3650512-bac2cadafd019193b73713a50dc0579a/thumbnail_12437000.jpg","/articles/6216870/Kirkland/King-County/Washington/Council-adopts-transportation-impact-fees-ordinance-with-phased-implementation-70","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216870-e376871e19deb1446655c6bd684b8aa9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448609&Signature=G2qsfsFLSjYgSkzPWGM34jAzlVPiAQc6SilZoI4PmG260k8mT2OSiTx7vEUvO6AzV0GP-aUryfyRvQl1tNARPwkdjA~NaaPvOct6bVItrwuJY9DxJn14tQlfw5qsIfNQ651owcwC5i9YZWaTMenBTCFVpDyzopn5FbVqgplq0vnTlPQrGz3wyOZz3Ms52uOmpEHRy5w60JeCQfN15rzXksgbzXg~-f~VObLe8fLT~YbOx-aYnzfTXjQD-prWvqylXqcvhv80pu3KJtXiLwejjFBTr0DDZOcfwVORAEa9gQmfS6fP0LKVEtwvsdaC7qY7fW8gaGzMc2gz2Lp7yxzFEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kirkland City Council voted unanimously (7–0) on June 3 to adopt Ordinance 4904 establishing updated transportation impact fees for residential development. Financial planning manager Kevin Peltring presented the ordinance and described a phased approach to implementation.

Key elements adopted:
- Phased implementation: the new fees will phase in over three years (first phase effective July 1, 2025) using an 80% / 90% / 100% ramp to the calculated maximum non‑stacked fee. The phased approach mirrors a prior council decision on fire and park impact fees and is intended to soften the near‑term impact on development while meeting revenue needs over time.
- ADU phase‑in: fees for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are phased in starting at zero and reaching full fee in 2027, consistent with the council’s earlier direction to moderate the near‑term charge on small units.
- Cottages: small/missing‑middle cottage products will be charged at the multifamily rate initially and then transition to the full non‑stacked fee by the third year.

Council action: Councilmember Amy Falcone moved adoption and Councilmember Sweet seconded. The city clerk called the roll; all seven members voted yes (Councilmembers Tim Chisen/Tim Chisholm, Black, Sweet, Falcone, Paschall, Deputy Mayor Arnold and Mayor Curtis). Peltring noted that the detailed impact fee study by FCS Group and supporting attachments are available in the council packet and that the fee changes align with the previously discussed phased approach for other impact fees.

Why this matters: Transportation impact fees fund transportation improvements needed to serve new development; the phased approach balances revenue needs with development market considerations and extends a gradual ADU fee schedule to avoid abrupt cost increases for small units.

Ending: The ordinance will take effect per the adopted phase‑in schedule, with the first phase beginning July 1, 2025. Staff will implement billing and administrative provisions and report on revenue and usage in future financial updates.","Kirkland City Council adopted Ordinance 4904 to implement residential transportation impact fees with a three‑year phase‑in; council approved the ordinance unanimously (7–0). The fee schedule phases from 80% to 100% of the calculated fee over three years and includes a delayed phase‑in for ADUs and cottages.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council and Planning Commission debate middle‑housing code changes, inclusionary options and parking rules required by state law

City studies Central Way bike path tied to Peter Kirk Park upgrades; council favors preserving parking, seeks grants

Kirkland council reviews transit needs study scope, seeks approach to boost access and regional advocacy

Evergreen Health CEO outlines system strength and financial pressure; highlights community services and partnerships

Council adopts transportation impact fees ordinance with phased implementation, 7–0