The zoning, development standards and critical-area protections that will govern every building permit in Everett through 2044 are now officially set.

The Everett City Council voted Wednesday, Aug. 12, to pass a resolution formally declaring the city's Everett 2044 periodic update complete. The rules are final. The vote closes out a multi-year planning process required under Washington's Growth Management Act and locks in the regulatory framework for the next two decades.

For business owners, developers and property owners, the resolution means the ground rules are done. The plan's 14 elements include an Economic Development Element, a Housing Element, a Design and Development Element and a Marine Port Element reflecting the Port of Everett's role in the city's economy. Together, they dictate where new jobs and housing go, what buildings look like and how the city invests in infrastructure like sidewalks and parks.

Three ordinances, one plan

The resolution references three ordinances that make up the completed update, according to the city's planning page:

• Ordinance 4101-25 — the Everett 2044 Comprehensive Plan, adopted by the council in June 2025
• Ordinance 4102-25 — development regulations, also adopted in June 2025
• Ordinance 4175-26 — critical area regulations, adopted April 15, 2026

The comprehensive plan and development regulations took effect July 8, 2025. The critical area regulations, adopted nearly 10 months later, were the final piece.

State planning guidelines require cities to take formal legislative action declaring a periodic update complete and referencing all prior ordinances. Wednesday's resolution satisfies that requirement.

What it means for Everett businesses

The Everett 2044 plan guides city decisions on where to direct new jobs and residential units, how to improve the transportation network and where to make capital investments. The development regulations set specific design standards for new construction across the city.

Planning director Yorik Stevens-Wajda's department, located at 2930 Wetmore Ave., oversees implementation. The permit counter is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.

What's next

The Everett Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing Tuesday, Aug. 18, on proposed code amendments related to land divisions, representing early implementation work under the new framework. Under the Growth Management Act's 10-year review cycle, Everett's next comprehensive plan update is due in 2035.