City seeks R7 pre‑annexation zoning for Davis parcels; staff outlines development‑agreement path

Amy Bright, the planner presenting the Davis pre‑annexation zoning proposal, told the Monroe Planning Commission on Nov. 10 that the Davis/Johnson family owns four parcels totaling about 23 acres newly included in the city’s urban growth area. "We are currently working on a comprehensive plan amendment to add the Davis properties into that," she said, and staff is seeking pre‑annexation zoning that will predetermine zoning for the parcels in advance of annexation.

Under state law, pre‑annexation zoning defaults to the city's lowest density single‑family residential district when a territory lacks a comprehensive plan designation; staff recommended R7 for the Davis properties because that zoning matches adjacent Eaglemont and is consistent with the Growth Management Act and Snohomish County requirements. Amy provided approximate capacity calculations under R7: about 161 detached single‑family residences or up to 322 attached residences (townhomes) if developers use the attached‑housing allowances and density bonuses that can apply to townhomes.

Amy noted a SEPA notice was issued Nov. 1 with comment period through Nov. 15; she plans to return to the commission with a public hearing on Nov. 24 and anticipates adoption of pre‑annexation zoning in January 2026. Amy said annexation itself and related development agreements and interlocal coordination with Snohomish County will follow, and that the Davis family has already filed an annexation petition.

Commissioners pressed staff on the practical impacts: Commissioner Mary raised concerns about Chain Lake School capacity and traffic safety along Chain Lake Road near Brown Road, asking whether developers can be required to address school crowding and road safety. Amy said developers pay school and traffic impact fees; Kate added that school facilities are the school district’s responsibility and that a new school building would require a bond and 60% approval by voters. Amy clarified that a development agreement executed with the property owner at annexation will bind commitments — such as extending the Chain Lake Road multimodal path and providing trail connections — to the property and future owners.

Staff did not request an immediate decision from the commission; it sought commissioner questions and indicated it will bring a public hearing and additional materials (including pros/cons of alternate zoning options) to the Nov. 24 meeting.