Edmonds meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Tree code amendments advance to City Council; council amends ordinance title

The Edmonds Planning Board approved a package of tree code amendments on Aug. 5, sending them to the City Council for final consideration. The changes re-establish conservation subdivisions with tree density credits and require five-year maintenance agreements for certain projects. Separately, the City Council on Aug. 3 reconsidered and amended Ordinance 4443, changing its title from 'repealing' to 'amending'.

City Council actions

The City Council voted 5-1 to reconsider the adoption of Ordinance 4443, which had passed the previous week, and then voted 5-1 to amend its title, replacing 'repealing' with 'amending'. The main motion to adopt the amended ordinance carried 5-1, with Councilmember Chen in opposition. The council also approved the consent agenda unanimously, which included a construction contract for the 7th Ave Pedestrian Improvement Project and a personnel policy resolution. A motion to add a discussion of paid parking to a future agenda failed, with only Councilmembers Olson and Eck in support. Councilmember Paine was excused from the meeting unanimously.

Planning Board advances tree code changes

The Planning Board held a public hearing and continued discussion on tree code amendments, ultimately approving several changes and a final recommendation to send to City Council. Key decisions included re-establishing conservation subdivisions with specific tree density credits (132 per acre for 1 unit, 110 for 2-3 units, 88 for 4 units), requiring five-year maintenance agreements for low-density residential projects, and striking fee-in-lieu waivers. A motion to set a 44 tree density credits per acre minimum for mixed-use and multifamily zones failed on a 2-2 vote. The board also approved including a Forest Stewardship Plan option as a concept with clear criteria (3-1) and approved draft findings and recommendations for the City Council (4-0).

Other recent meetings

The Arts Commission held a special meeting on Aug. 3 to discuss 2027-28 programs and the municipal arts budget; minutes have not yet been published. The City Council's regular meeting on Aug. 11 included the fifth reading of the 2026 Tree Code Amendments and the first reading of an ordinance to establish an Automated Traffic Safety Program; no decisions were made. A study session on Aug. 12 reviewed a final fiscal analysis of a potential Esperance annexation, with no final decisions scheduled. The Planning Board's regular meeting on Aug. 12 covered a second reading of Westgate Neighborhood Center zoning map updates and a first reading of family burial grounds regulations.

Coming up

• **Aug. 18 – City Council Special Meeting**: Public hearing and vote on extending the Deer Creek stormwater permit moratorium for six months, a resolution of intent to annex Esperance Annexation Area 1, and an ordinance amending the automated traffic safety program.
• **Aug. 18 – Committee meetings**: The PSPHSP Committee will review WWTP lab technician job revisions and Westgate zoning map updates; the Finance Committee will review the June 2026 financial report; the Parks and Public Works Committee will discuss reservoir repairs, Edmonds Marsh design, and Highway 99 agreements.
• **Aug. 17 – Salary Commission**: Organizational meeting to set its schedule and process for pay reviews.

Edmonds Council Extends Utility Tax Rate; Tree Board Recommends Code Changes

The Edmonds City Council voted 6-2 on July 28 to extend the 20% utility tax rate on water, sewer, and stormwater services through December 31, 2028. The council also directed staff to continue evaluating annexation options for the Esperance area. In a separate meeting, the Tree Board adopted recommendations for tree code changes that will go to the council for consideration.

City Council actions

On July 28, the council approved several items. The utility tax extension passed 6-2. The council also voted 6-0-1 to direct staff to continue evaluating full and phased annexation alternatives for Esperance. Unanimous approvals included a professional services agreement for the Phase 7 Stormwater Replacement Project Design Services, the purchase of an International HV507 Dump Truck, a revision to the WWTP Supervisor job description, the creation of a Fiscal Sustainability Task Force and its selection process, a joint resolution with Mountlake Terrace requesting Snohomish County 2027/2028 Biennium REET funds, and claim checks and wire payments.

Tree Board recommendations

The Tree Board met on July 29 and adopted several recommendations for the city's tree code. Unanimous decisions included a new landmark tree definition (any species 24 inches or larger in diameter at breast height, with specific native species thresholds between 12 and 20 inches), allowing homeowners to remove up to three significant trees every 36 months via notification instead of paid permits, and a reduced replacement schedule for owners who replant with conifers. By majority votes, the board approved a $1,600 fee-in-lieu per required tree-density credit, a $3,200 penalty per credit for unauthorized tree removal, deletion of a draft section classifying tree code violations as misdemeanors, and a five-year tree maintenance agreement for low-density residential projects. The board also reaffirmed its July 2 recommendation for tree-density credits and a condensed credit scale over the Planning Board's proposal by a 3-2 vote. These recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council.

Other recent meetings

The Arts Commission met on August 3 to discuss 2027-28 programs and the municipal arts budget; no decisions were published. The City Council met on August 3 with agenda items including a construction contract for the 7th Ave Pedestrian Improvement Project and a draft Parks & Recreation Capital Improvement Plan; minutes are not yet available. The Planning Board held a public hearing on August 5 on the 2026 Tree Code Amendments; no decision has been published.

Coming up

• **City Council regular meeting, August 11:** The council will take a fifth reading of the 2026 Tree Code Amendments and a first reading of an ordinance to establish an Automated Traffic Safety Program. The agenda also includes resolutions recognizing the 136th anniversary of Edmonds and commending student representative Vivian Liao.
• **Planning Board regular meeting, August 12:** The board will review a second reading of Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map updates for the Westgate Neighborhood Center, and a first reading of permanent regulations for family burial grounds (HB 2239).
• **City Council study session, August 12:** The council will review a final fiscal analysis of a potential Esperance annexation. No decisions are scheduled.

Edmonds committees advance first readings on utility tax, pedestrian project, and tree code; council vote on 7th Ave contract set for Aug. 3

Edmonds advisory bodies and council committees spent the last two weeks of July holding first readings and discussions on major items — including a utility tax rate amendment, a pedestrian improvement contract, and the 2026 Tree Code update — but no final council actions are confirmed because minutes from those meetings have not yet been published. The next opportunity for a recorded decision comes Aug. 3, when the City Council is scheduled to take up the 7th Avenue Pedestrian Improvement Project construction contract on second reading.

Finance Committee — July 21

The Finance Committee held first readings on three items: the May 2026 Monthly Financial Report, an updated Strategic Outlook, and a Utility Tax Extension. Members also discussed the structure and selection of participants for a Fiscal Sustainability Task Force. No final actions are indicated on the agenda; all items were presented for initial review and discussion.

Parks and Public Works Committee — July 21

The PPW Committee conducted first-reading hearings on five items: the Capital Improvement Plan for Parks, Recreation and Human Services; a bid award for the 7th Ave Pedestrian Improvement Project; a professional services agreement for Phase 7 Stormwater Replacement Project design services; authorization to purchase an International HV507 dump truck; and a joint resolution with Mountlake Terrace requesting Snohomish County 2027/2028 REET funding. No dollar amounts or vote tallies appear in the available agenda materials.

Public Safety, Planning, Human Services, and Personnel Committee — July 21

This committee held first readings on a revised job description for a WWTP Maintenance Supervisor, a personnel policy clarification for job descriptions, and an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 4424 to correct legislative recitals.

Planning Board — July 22

The Planning Board discussed the 2026 Tree Code Update (Project #AMD2026-0001) and held a second reading on Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use and Zoning Map updates for the Westgate Neighborhood Center.

Hearing Examiner — July 23

A public hearing was scheduled on a preliminary five-lot unit subdivision (PLN2025-0030) at 222 3rd Ave S. The agenda lists the hearing to gather public input; no decision is recorded.

City Council Special Meeting — July 24

The council held a first reading of the 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, scheduled for a 120-minute discussion. No other items were listed.

City Council Regular Meeting — July 28

Agenda items included a presentation on the Edmonds New Start Center, a first reading of an ordinance amending utility tax rates (ECC 3.20.050), and a third reading of an updated preliminary fiscal analysis for a potential Esperance annexation. Consent agenda items included approval of the Phase 7 Stormwater Replacement Project design services PSA and a joint resolution with Mountlake Terrace regarding REET funds.

Tree Board Special Meeting — July 29

The Citizens' Tree Board continued discussion on the 2026 Tree Code Update (Project #AMD2026-0001). No other substantive items were listed.

Coming up

• **Aug. 3 — Arts Commission Special Meeting:** Discussion of 2027-28 cultural services programs, the municipal arts budget, the Lumiere Group, public artwork deaccession/repairs, and Write on the Sound registration.
• **Aug. 3 — City Council Regular Meeting:** Second reading and potential approval of the 7th Ave Pedestrian Improvement Project construction contract; receipt of the 2027-2028 Draft Parks & Recreation Capital Improvement Plan; second readings on a personnel policy interpretation (Policy 3.10) and the Ordinance No. 4424 amendment; and a first reading on "2027-2028 Services to Our Community" scheduled for 120 minutes.
• **Aug. 5 — Planning Board Special Meeting:** Public hearing and action on the 2026 Tree Code Amendments (File #AMD2026-0001).

Note: All recent meetings listed above are marked "agenda only" because minutes have not yet been published. No vote tallies, dollar amounts, or final outcomes are available in the source materials.

Edmonds Council Adopts Budget Amendment; Annexation, Tree Code, and Capital Projects on Deck

Budget amendment ordinance adopted

The Edmonds City Council adopted an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 4422, which addresses unanticipated transfers and expenditures across various city funds. The ordinance passed with Councilmember Chen in opposition. The July 7 regular meeting also included unanimous approval of the meeting agenda and consent agenda, and a proclamation declaring July 2026 as Disability Pride Month.

Budget workshop held on revenue and service reductions

On July 8, the City Council held a special budget workshop focused on forecast modifications and revenue opportunities. Discussion covered potential sales tax revenue, traffic safety camera revenue, and possible service reductions. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded during this meeting.

Items listed but not yet decided

Several meetings from the past two weeks have agendas published but minutes not yet available, meaning outcomes cannot be confirmed:

• **Civil Service Commission (July 8):** Scheduled to review and adopt the Entry Level Police Officer eligibility list and approve minutes from August 7, 2025 and November 5, 2025.
• **Planning Board (July 8):** Scheduled third reading of code amendments under HB 1757, which would allow conversion of existing commercial buildings into residential use, plus discussion of the 2026 Tree Code Update (AMD2026-0001).
• **City Council Regular Meeting (July 14):** Listed items include a preliminary fiscal analysis of a potential annexation of Esperance, a resolution on contract authority for the Pre-Approved DADU Plan Program, an update to the Cascade Swim Club Yost Pool agreement, an unlicensed food vendors ordinance, and a charter and work plan for the Fiscal Sustainability Task Force.
• **City Council Special Meetings (July 16):** Two special meetings were scheduled — one for a first reading and 60-minute discussion on SCF RFA redistricting, and another for a second reading of a recommendation to SCF RFA Commissioners.

Coming up

• **July 21 — Finance Committee:** First readings of the May 2026 Monthly Financial Report, updated Strategic Outlook, and Utility Tax Extension, plus discussion on the structure and participant selection for the Fiscal Sustainability Task Force.
• **July 21 — Parks and Public Works Committee:** First readings on five items, including the Capital Improvement Plan for Parks, Recreation and Human Services; a bid award for the 7th Avenue Pedestrian Improvement Project; professional services for Phase 7 Stormwater Replacement design; authorization to purchase an International HV507 dump truck; and a joint resolution with Mountlake Terrace requesting Snohomish County 2027/2028 REET funding.
• **July 21 — Public Safety, Planning, Human Services, and Personnel Committee:** First readings on a WWTP Maintenance Supervisor job description revision, a personnel policy clarification for job descriptions, and an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 4424.
• **July 22 — Planning Board:** Discussion of the 2026 Tree Code Update (AMD2026-0001) and a second reading of Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use and Zoning Map updates for the Westgate Neighborhood Center.
• **July 24 — City Council Special Meeting:** First reading of the 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, scheduled for a 120-minute discussion.

Edmonds City Council, Planning Board tackle budget, tree code, and housing conversions in busy two-week stretch

Edmonds saw a packed schedule of public meetings over the past two weeks, with the City Council, Planning Board, Tree Board, and Civil Service Commission all convening. However, minutes have not yet been published for any of these sessions, so it is not yet possible to confirm what was decided versus what was only discussed. What follows is based on the published agendas.

City Council: Budget amendment and park impact fee extension

The City Council's regular meeting on July 7 included a first reading of a budget amendment and a third reading of the Park Impact Fee (PIF) interim ordinance extension. The agenda also listed a financial update from the Mayor's office and a proclamation recognizing Disability Pride Month. Because minutes are not yet available, the outcome of the readings and whether the items advanced is not confirmed.

The following day, July 8, the Council held a special meeting for a budget workshop. No specific budget items or decisions were listed on the agenda, making it a procedural planning session.

Planning Board: Commercial-to-residential conversions and tree code

The Planning Board met July 8 to consider the third reading of code amendments tied to HB 1757, which would allow conversion of existing commercial buildings into residential use. The board was also scheduled to discuss the 2026 Tree Code Update (Project #AMD2026-0001). Public comments were accepted before these items. Again, minutes have not been published, so no outcomes can be confirmed.

Tree Board: 2026 Tree Code Update

The Citizens' Tree Board met July 2 to discuss the 2026 Tree Code Update (Project #AMD2026-0001) as new business. The agenda included audience comments and staff updates. No minutes are available yet.

Civil Service Commission: Police officer eligibility list

The Civil Service Commission held a special meeting July 8 to review and adopt the eligibility list for entry-level police officers. The agenda also included approval of meeting minutes from August 7, 2025 and November 5, 2025, plus routine correspondence. Minutes from this session have not been published.

Coming up

The next City Council regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14. The agenda includes several items of potential interest to residents:

• **Preliminary Fiscal Analysis of Potential Esperance Annexation** — a financial look at what annexing the Esperance area could mean for the city.
• **Resolution on contract authority for the Pre-Approved DADU Plan Program** — related to detached accessory dwelling units.
• **Cascade Swim Club Yost Pool Agreement Update**
• **Unlicensed Food Vendors ordinance**
• **Fiscal Sustainability Task Force Charter and Work Plan**

Residents who want to track outcomes from the July meetings should watch for published minutes on the city's website, which will confirm what was decided versus what remains under discussion.

Edmonds meeting roundup: Council took up public defender contract, park fees, and housing code; minutes not yet published

Edmonds held four public meetings in the last two weeks, but official minutes have not yet been published for any of them. Because of that, this roundup reports what was scheduled for action or discussion, not what was ultimately decided. The most consequential items on the agendas involved a public defender contract renewal, park impact fees, and housing-related code amendments tied to state House Bill 1757.

City Council — June 23

The Council's regular meeting agenda included two public hearings: one on extending the Park Impact Fee interim ordinance and one on interim regulations for family burial grounds.

Council business listed a first reading of a Public Defender contract renewal, adoption of code amendments for energy efficiency under House Bill 1757 (described as an energy code reduction for existing buildings), and updates to the Edmonds Community Development Code for middle housing on second reading.

The consent agenda included approval of claim checks, payroll, and a sewer plan update.

Because minutes are not yet published, vote tallies and final outcomes for these items are not available.

Planning Board — June 24

The Planning Board agenda included a second reading of code amendments to allow conversion of existing commercial buildings into residential use, also tied to HB 1757. The board was also scheduled to discuss the 2026 Tree Code Update, identified as Project #AMD2026-0001.

The meeting included public comment and approval of previous minutes.

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee — June 25

The committee was scheduled to review and approve 2027 funding requests and the budget. The agenda also covered discussion of the 2025 revenue year, approval of the May 21, 2026 meeting summary, a public comment period, and setting the next meeting date.

No dollar amounts or funding recipients are listed in the provided agenda summary.

Tree Board — July 2

The Edmonds Citizens' Tree Board was scheduled to discuss the 2026 Tree Code Update, Project #AMD2026-0001, as new business. The meeting also included audience comments and staff updates.

Coming up

• **July 7 — City Council Regular Meeting:** First reading of a budget amendment and third reading of the Park Impact Fee interim ordinance extension. The agenda also includes a financial update from the Mayor's office and a proclamation for Disability Pride Month.
• **July 8 — City Council Special Meeting:** A budget workshop. No specific budget items or decisions are listed on the agenda; the meeting is described as a procedural planning session.
• **July 8 — Planning Board:** Third reading of code amendments under HB 1757 for converting commercial buildings to residential use, plus continued discussion of the 2026 Tree Code Update (AMD2026-0001). Public comments are accepted before these items.

Note: All recent meeting summaries above are based on agendas only. Once minutes are published, confirmed votes and outcomes will be available in the official record.

Park impact fee extension, housing conversion codes move forward in Edmonds agendas

A series of city meetings in Edmonds focused on extending park impact fees, updating tree regulations, and crafting rules to turn commercial buildings into housing. While no final votes were recorded in the past two weeks — minutes are pending for all recent sessions — agendas show the City Council and advisory boards laying groundwork for decisions expected in July.

Park impact fee and budget actions

On June 23, the City Council held a public hearing on an interim ordinance extension for the Park Impact Fee. That same meeting introduced a first reading of the Public Defender contract renewal, code changes for energy efficiency tied to House Bill 1757, and minor updates to the Edmonds Community Development Code for middle housing. A second hearing addressed interim rules for family burial grounds. The consent agenda included claim checks, payroll, and a sewer plan update.

The park impact fee item will return for a third reading at the July 7 regular council meeting, alongside a first reading of a budget amendment. A Disability Pride Month proclamation and a financial update from the Mayor’s office are also on that agenda.

Housing conversion and tree code discussions

On June 24, the Planning Board considered a second reading of amendments to allow conversion of existing commercial buildings into residential use, as mandated by HB 1757. Board members also discussed the 2026 Tree Code Update (Project AMD2026-0001). The same two items will appear on the July 8 Planning Board agenda for a third reading of the housing conversion rules and continued discussion of the tree code.

The Citizens’ Tree Board also took up the 2026 Tree Code Update at its July 2 meeting as new business. No decisions were reported.

Lodging tax funding review

The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee on June 25 reviewed and considered approval of 2027 funding requests and the corresponding budget. The committee also examined 2025 revenue numbers and approved the summary from its May 21 meeting.

Coming up

The City Council holds a regular meeting on July 7 with a budget amendment first reading and the park impact fee ordinance third reading. A special budget workshop follows on July 8, though no specific line items have been published. The Planning Board meets July 8 for the third reading of commercial-to-residential conversion rules and further 2026 Tree Code discussion. All meetings are open to the public; agendas and participation details are available on the city website.