In a 5 – 2 vote Wednesday night the Everett City Council decided to extend the expiration period of the law establishing “Service Facility Buffer Zones” in various parts of Everett, Washington from the end of this year to the end of 2027. Council members Rhyne and Vogeli voted against the extension with the others voting in favor. There was also a reporting provision attached with the extension requiring the City Administration to provide a status report on at least an annual basis to the City Council on the status of the various buffer zones. Here is a link to the city’s website that contains Q+A, details and a map of the current Buffer Zones. Here are the changes to the ordinance as passed Wednesday night.
Section 1. Section 7 of Ordinance 3957-23 states: “This ordinance expires on December 31, 2025.” Ordinance 3957-23 is hereby amended to state: “This ordinance expires on December 31, 2027.” Accordingly, Chapter 9.54 EMC will expire on December 31, 2027. Chapter 9.54 EMC will remain in full force and effect until December 31, 2027, or until City Council repeals or otherwise amends it by ordinance.
Section 2. EMC 9.54 is amended to add the following section as EMC 9.54.060: A. Whenever the Mayor designates a new designated qualifying high-impact location or designated qualifying service location under EMC 9.54.030, the Mayor or his or her designee shall report such designation to City Council. B. City Administration shall, from time to time, but at least annually, provide a status report to City Council on all designated qualifying high-impact locations and designated qualifying service ORDINANCE locations. The report shall include information on the creation and revocation of designated qualifying high-impact locations and designated qualifying service locations.
