How Development Zoning is Changing in Snohomish County
If you own a home in Snohomish County or you’re thinking about buying one, Washington’s recent housing laws, HB 1110 and HB 1337, are set to change how neighborhoods grow. These bills were passed to create more housing options across the state by requiring cities to allow multi-unit homes and ADUs in areas that previously had zoning for single-family use only.
Although cities were expected to adopt compliant zoning changes by July 1, 2025, not all municipalities have fully rolled out their plans., while others remain in review or are taking a phased approach. Homeowners should expect that further changes may still be on the horizon.
To understand the broader context behind these housing laws, you can also read our earlier post: The Effects of Single-Family Zoning Changes in Washington.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Bothell are responding and what these changes could mean for your property’s value, development potential, and future decisions.
What Are House Bills 1110 and 1337?
House Bill (HB) 1110 requires many cities across Washington to allow “middle housing” such as duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in areas that were once zoned exclusively for single-family homes. The goal is to gently increase density without relying solely on large apartment developments.
HB 1337 expands and simplifies the rules around Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). These are small, secondary housing units on the same lot as a primary home, such as basement apartments, backyard cottages, or garage conversions.
For homeowners, these laws create new possibilities. You may be able to add rental units, redevelop your lot, subdivide you lot, or sell to a buyer who sees new value in your property.
Everett Zoning Changes
Everett has taken bold steps to meet the state’s requirements. In June 2024, the Everett City Council approved a wide-ranging update to its land use and zoning codes. These changes include:
- Allowing duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in most residential neighborhoods. If lot space and lot coverage maximums allow, there are talks of allowing for additional dwelling units on the lots of those duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes.
- Reducing parking requirements near public transit
- Simplifying design standards to speed up the permitting process
- Providing more flexibility in lot sizes and building height
You can learn more from the Everett Herald’s coverage.
What this means for you: If you own property in Everett, particularly near a transit corridor, your land may now be significantly more valuable than before. These updates create opportunities for redevelopment or a higher sales price.
Thinking about selling your property in Everett? Contact the Georgia Buys team today to see how the city’s new zoning rules could affect your home’s value.
Lynnwood Zoning Changes
Lynnwood has gone even further by adopting a full rewrite of its development regulations. The city aimed to not only meet state housing mandates but also modernize and streamline its entire land use framework.
Key features of the update include:
- Permitting middle housing types across the city
- Introducing form-based codes for greater design flexibility
- Streamlining permitting for homeowners and developers
- Reducing setbacks and minimum lot sizes to promote infill housing
What this means for you: Whether you’ve thought about building a second unit, subdividing your lot, or selling to a builder, Lynnwood’s new rules open the door to options that were previously off the table.
Lynnwood’s full code rewrite could mean big change to your neighborhood. Reach out to Georgia Buys to explore your options under the new development rules.
Edmonds Zoning Changes
Edmonds has taken a slower approach to implementing changes, and as of early 2025, it is still in the process of reviewing and finalizing its zoning updates. Public meetings, city council sessions, and community workshops have focused on how to comply with state laws while preserving the unique feel of Edmonds neighborhoods.
You can follow city discussions and meeting agendas at the Edmonds Council portal.
What this means for you: Homeowners in Edmonds should stay tuned, as zoning changes are likely to be implemented gradually throughout the rest of the year. If you own a larger lot or live near transit, your property could be poised for increased development potential.
Zoning changes are coming to Edmonds—are you ready? Let Georgia Buys help you prepare for what’s ahead and understand how your home might be affected.
Bothell Zoning Changes
Bothell is a unique case in Snohomish County zoning conversations because the city spans two counties—about 60% of its residents live in King County, and 40% live in Snohomish County. While Bothell’s local development code is applied citywide, the rules and incentives differ depending on which side of the county line you fall on.
Key Differences for Snohomish County Homeowners
If your property is located in the Snohomish County portion of Bothell, you may benefit from expanded tools for growth and development. These include:
- Increased density bonuses—up to 50% more units than base zoning allows in some multi-residential zones, including R-7200 and PRDs (Planned Residential Developments)
- Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) incentives that allow additional height in designated Mixed Use Corridor (MUC) zones
- Access to newer zoning overlays and streamlined permitting in targeted growth areas like Canyon Park and Fitzgerald/35th SE, which differ from overlays used on the King County side
On the King County side, Bothell still uses overlays and planned unit developments, but countywide bonuses and MUC-specific incentives like those in Snohomish do not apply.
This means that even though you’re in the same city with the same street name, your lot in Snohomish County may offer more flexibility for density, development, or resale potential than one just blocks away in King County.
Why It Matters
If you’re a property owner in the Snohomish County part of Bothell, your zoning overlay and access to incentives could make your lot more appealing to builders or investors. It’s a clear example of how zoning updates are not just about city lines—they can come down to which side of the county you’re on.
As Bothell finalizes its zoning updates, now is the time to plan ahead. Connect with Georgia Buys to learn what these upcoming changes could mean for your neighborhood.
Why This Matters for Homeowners
These changes are not just about urban planning. They directly affect homeowners who want to understand the current and future value of their property. Whether you:
- Are interested in adding a small rental unit
- Want to sell to a developer
- Need clarity on how your zoning impacts resale value
The new laws are creating fresh opportunities, and homeowners who act early may benefit the most.
Thinking About Selling? We Can Help You Understand Your Options
The housing landscape in Snohomish County is changing fast. If you want to know what these updates mean for your home or how to take advantage of the new zoning rules, our team is here to help.
Reach out to Georgia Buys today to get a no-pressure estimate and explore your best next move.
Final Thoughts
HB 1110 and HB 1337 are reshaping what is possible in Washington neighborhoods, and each city is interpreting these new rules in its own way. Everett and Lynnwood have moved quickly, Edmonds is still evaluating, and Bothell is taking a balanced approach.
If you’re wondering what these changes could mean for your home, your neighborhood, or your future, now is the time to ask.
