Committee backs shortening Everett zoning-hearing notice from 30 to 14 days

The Everett City Council committee on legislative and elections voted to send an ordinance for favorable action that would reduce the minimum advertising lead time for city council public hearings on proposed zoning ordinance amendments from 30 days to 14 days.

City staff explained the 30-day window had been introduced locally though state statute does not require 30 days and most communities align with a shorter notice period. The clerk said shortening to 14 days would better match statutory requirements and reduce duplicate postings and administrative burden associated with multiple hearings and notices.

Committee members supported the change as a procedural cleanup to keep local practice consistent with the state statute. The committee sent the ordinance forward for favorable action; the council will consider the ordinance in subsequent proceedings.