Everett approves reforms to land division process
Published 1:30 am Friday, October 16, 2026
EVERETT — It will now be easier for property owners to divide plots of land after the Everett City Council approved changes that simplified rules around the process known as lot splitting.
The changes to city code allow for lots to be smaller than previously allowed — plots of land can now be as small as 2,000 square feet, compared to a previous minimum size of 5,000 square feet. It also allows property owners to divide and sell plots of land before landscaping or utilities have been built, rather requiring construction of those amenities before land is divided.
City officials say the changes, which consolidate four chapters of Everett’s municipal code into one, will make it easier for property owners to divide lots they own and increase opportunities for home ownership.
The new law doesn’t change the rules around where buildings can be built or how tall they can be constructed, planning director Yorik Stevens-Wajda said at Wednesday’s meeting.
“That doesn’t mean that there is going to be more development closer to someone than it otherwise would have been, it just supports a more simple form of ownership and land division,” Stevens-Wajda said.
The council approved the changes just hours after the Snohomish County Council passed a new law simplifying the lot splitting process at the county level.
The changes came after a state law passed in 2025 required cities to allow lot splitting in most residential areas. Everett was already in compliance with that law, but brought forward additional changes beyond the state requirements in an effort to allow property owners to sell off smaller plots of land, and for first-time buyers to find more small homes in their price range.
Council member Ben Zarlingo said the changes would be important for ownership opportunities as condo development has remained stagnant in the region.
“Our opportunities for ownership and gradual density is going to be more of this kind of thing,” Zarlingo said.
Will Geschke: 425-339-3443; william.geschke@heraldnet.com; X: @willgeschke.
