Following the approval of recommendations for zoning changes in the Houghton/Everest Neighborhood Center (HENC) by the Kirkland Planning Commission and the Houghton Community Council, the Kirkland City Council will hold a study session to take a closer look at their recommendations on June 6.
Three options for HENC zoning have been presented by city staff: The “Preservation” scenario, which would keep in place existing zoning and development standards at 30 feet (one to two stories); the “Modest Change” scenario, which would allow an increase in building height from 30 feet to 35 feet (three stories); and the “Greater Change” scenario, which would allow a base height of 35 feet with the potential to increase up to 55 feet in specific areas based on meeting incentives for public benefits (three to five stories).
Following an outpouring of negative public feedback from citizens in the area, both the commission and the community council have decided to stick to only two or three stories for HENC, opting not to allow taller heights despite some property and business owners indicating a desire for more height.
For a building to go up to three stories, both groups have proposed limiting uses and density requirements for a property when the owner wants to go that high. Details of the proposed zoning changes can be found in the May 11 planning commission agenda packet on the city’s website, kirklandwa.gov, along with video of that meeting.
The June 6 City Council study session starts at 6 p.m. at Kirkland City Hall, 123 Fifth Avenue. An agenda for that meeting, including the most up-to-date documentation of the proposed zoning changes, will likely be posted on June 2 on the city’s website. The meeting will also be streamed on the city’s website and the video will be posted there following the meeting.
It is anticipated that the City Council will make its decision on the proposed zoning changes at a July meeting, but it has not yet been put on the council’s agenda calendar. They meet at 7:30 p.m. July 5 and 18 at Kirkland City Hall.
The Houghton Community Council has the power to veto whatever the Kirkland council decides, but the community council, planning commission and city staff have been collaborating to minimize the likelihood of this occurring. Any reversal only affects the area in Houghton, not Everest.
For more information about HENC, visit
kirklandwa.gov/HE6th. Both the planning commission and the community council have discussed the issue at multiple meetings. Video of planning commission meetings, audio of community council meetings and agendas for both are available on the city’s website as well.
Editor’s Note: A previous article on the proposed HENC zoning changes indicated the Kirkland City Council would make its final decision on June 6, but it is only a study session.
