Changes in Shoreline’s municipal code could mean an increase in residential density along Aurora Avenue and Ballinger Way if approved by the City Council on Oct. 8.
Residents may provide input on the proposed changes at a public hearing during the council meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Shoreline Center.
“The changes affect the community business zone parcels along Aurora (Avenue) and Ballinger (Way) and would not limit residential density on those parcels,” associate planner Steve Szafran said.
Current city code restricts density along the corridor to 48 units an acre on anything zoned “CB” or Community Business according to Szafran. He said the changes would allow as many residential units as possible without impacting required parking and landscaping regulations and codes.
The changes allow for some mixed uses of residential and commercial space but would not impact the height of the buildings, Szafran said.
The proposal only affects sites already zoned CB and that are located within 1,300 feet of Aurora Avenue and Ballinger Way. Residentially zoned areas will not be affected by the amendment and allowing additional units on CB sites will “probably result in less pressure to permit greater densities in areas that are currently zoned for single family development,” according to the staff report for the Oct. 8 meeting.
The public hearing will be a joint hearing between the City Council and Planning Commission at the request of council members who felt more time for clarification and citizen input was needed before approval of the amendment.
“It’s been in front of the council twice before this meeting,” Szafran said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if (City Council members) push it forward.”
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