EDMONDS – Oops.
The October expiration of Edmonds’ building-height law went unnoticed by city staff.
“I’m unaware of any other time an ordinance has expired before the City Council can take action on it,” Mayor Gary Haakenson said.
The mistake likely won’t happen again. Haakenson said a system has been put in place so laws adopted by the council will be put on the extended agenda and reviewed about a month ahead of the expiration date.
“It’s unfortunate it expired without the council becoming aware of it, because they could have just taken care of it, and it would already be over,” Haakenson said.
City Attorney Scott Snyder suggested at Tuesday’s council meeting that a public hearing on the matter be scheduled for Jan. 18. In the meantime, there will be a moratorium on all applicable building applications.
“This really just sets everything off for another two weeks,” council member Deanna Dawson said.
The issue surfaced several weeks ago while council members were in recess for the holidays, Haakenson said. It follows months of discussion and public hearings regarding building heights.
The law, which clarifies roof regulations downtown, was put into effect six months ago, Haakenson said. It allows building heights in that area to be raised from 25 to 30 feet by using modulated building designs.
Before it expired, the law was awaiting discussion by the Edmonds planning board, which has been busy working on the city’s master plan.
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