A map of where Neighborhood Commercial is proposed to be allowed within Everett pending council approval June 18.
City of Everett planning department
New related information:
On April 10 after press time, the planning department released clarifications on the regulations for neighborhood commercial spaces. That planning document is here. (opens in new window)
Story below:
EVERETT —Tim Ellis has operated Chai Cupboard, a tea and spice shop, since 2021 when he opened on Colby Avenue in downtown Everett. After the rent became too high, he closed his physical store in March and switched to selling through its website only.
If regulations currently being considered by the city pan out, Chai Cupboard could welcome in-person shoppers, and it will be from the basement of his home on a residential corner.
“It’s going to be a cozy little space,” Ellis said.
Within the city’s “Everett 2044” update of its comprehensive plan, there is a proposal for regulations to allow public-facing businesses on corners in neighborhoods.
A hearing is scheduled for June 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council chambers, 3002 Wetmore Ave. The final vote will be June 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the City Council.
Alice Ann Wetzel, long range planning manager in Everett’s planning department, said the need for the neighborhood commercial regulations came up during outreach with residents, who wanted “neighborhood-serving business along with corner stores sprinkled across the city.”
“The goal is to provide business that are used by neighbors close to their home to encourage walkable neighborhoods,” Wetzel said in an email.
City Council member Ben Zarlingo is part of an ad hoc subcommittee looking at neighborhood commercial regulations.
“I’m inclined to identify the ones where they have the most benefit to neighborhoods and a modest impact on the community,” Zarlingo said.
“How does it impact neighbors who didn’t expect a business in a residential neighborhood?” Zarlingo said.
A draft of Neighborhood Commercial regulations outline where such businesses can be placed, list allowed uses, and the standards businesses must follow.
The proposed regulations allow for businesses in lots that abut a collector, minor, or principal arterial and at least one other public street. It allows for businesses in buildings that have historically been used for commercial/residential mixed use. This includes ones where a legal nonconforming use has ended.
The proposed rules would also allow for businesses on West Casino Road, and South Second Avenue between Zillah Street and Eugene Street.
Wetzel said that West Casino Road has long stretches without public roads for corners and was added at the request of the community.
As for South Second Avenue in Lowell, the area has small business district that goes beyond corner parcels, she said.
“When staff visited the neighborhood and met with residents, they felt that full mixed-use zoning would be too much, but a little stretch of Neighborhood Commercial would be perfect,” Wetzel explained in an email.
Allowed uses in a neighborhood commercial area include food and beverage establishments, specialty food stores, tailors, butcher/meat markets, bookstores, clinics, lodging, day cares, offices and entertainment and recreation.
Businesses can be up to 3,000 feet of the gross floor area, or 50% of the gross floor area of the ground floor, whichever is larger.
The proposal states no minimum off-street parking is required; off-street parking is prohibited between the building and the street and hours of operation will be limited to 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
“I wish it would be a little more open,” Ellis said of the regulations. He said neighborhood businesses would help make the area more livable and interesting. “You don’t have to get in your car and drive.”
Wetzel said the proposed neighborhood commercial regulations is part of the Everett 2044 periodic update approval process.
The city’s “Everett 2044” plan is online at www.everettwa.gov/2044
