The purpose of this project is to expand and update the City Comprehensive Plan’s Environmental Protection Element to include climate change. For this scope, climate change considerations include reduction of greenhouse gas (carbon) emissions and adaptation/resiliency for anticipated future climate impacts. The work will be done within the context of the City’s Comprehensive Plan update, […]
Read More… from Comprehensive Plan Update – Climate Element for the City of Snohomish
The purpose of this project is to analyze current conditions and make recommendations for a long-term plan for First Street. Goals for the plan are to maximize parking, pedestrian accessibility, gathering places, and urban low-maintenance landscaping. Challenges include aging infrastructure, voids beneath sidewalks, impacts to businesses during construction, limited right of way, and costs. A […]
Read More… from First Street Master Plan: Transportation Survey & History Mapping
The purpose of this project is to study the feasibility of attracting additional lodging within Snohomish city limits. The city is currently only served by one hotel and approximately 20-25 short-term rentals. Tourism is generally considered to be an important part of the Snohomish economy, and lodging taxes allow the City to fund projects or […]
The purpose of this project is to support the economic development element of the 2024 comprehensive plan update, starting with the design and implementation of a business survey. This scientific survey should seek to understand who Snohomish’s business owners are, what challenges and/or opportunities they face, and how the City of Snohomish can be of […]
A “Housing Needs Assessment” (HNA) includes a “Land Capacity Analysis” (LCA) as a necessary component. The Land Capacity Analysis is a methodology conducted by counties and cities to determine the amount of vacant, partially used, and under-utilized lands, as well as the redevelopment potential of built properties, to accommodate growth. This process identifies the potential […]
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Referencing the PC02 catalog of development ordinances, this project will assess consistency and equivalency across jurisdictions (municipalities of Long Beach, Ilwaco, South Bend, and Raymond, plus unincorporated Pacific County). In addition, it will compare these statutes with progressive jurisdictions (relative to affordable/attainable housing). It will analyze ordinance language and planning/permitting processes to suggest where development […]
Building codes and zoning ordinances imposed by municipalities and county can significantly influence development construction costs. The time and fees required for permitting and plan reviews may lead to increased financing costs, delayed construction starts, and unforeseen fees for permits and inspections. Regulatory predictability, consistency, and flexibility in oversight processes will contribute to private sector […]
Read More… from Middle-income-friendly Housing Ordinances from Municipalities and County
Pacific County is particularly challenged to provide a range of affordable housing choices. The demand for housing is increasing both as the county’s resident population grows and wage/income disparity fails to keep up with housing costs. Workforce housing is an increasing concern for area businesses, as are housing and services needs for an aging population […]
Read More… from Pacific County Inventory of Properties in Need
Connectivity is critical not just for accessing information but for requesting transportation in real time and communicating during an emergency. This study provided independent mapping and analysis of cellular coverage on Bainbridge Island. It supported the City of Bainbridge Island in its planning and disaster-preparedness work, as well as support Kitsap Transit, whose buses rely […]
The City of Bainbridge Island is embarking on an update to its Winslow Master Plan. Student work supported the Master Plan update by gathering background information and analyzing existing conditions and trends. Specifically, students reviewed the history of the Winslow Master Plan study area with a comparison to the Winslow Sewer Area. Additionally, students provided […]
Read More… from Winslow Master Plan Background Research and Planning Assistance