Economic and physical development of the Pilchuck District is envisioned to reflect and enhance the Snohomish community, which has been in existence for over 150 years. The current Pilchuck District reflects development over most of this period. This long history has resulted in a wide range of architectural styles, building types, scales, uses, and adaptive reuses representing the eras in which they were developed or modified. The variety of urban forms and architectural expressions help to establish the overall visual character of Snohomish. By virtue of the many design influences and practical accommodations, this character is eclectic while retaining a sense of history and small-town scale. The intent of these standards is to maintain and continue these qualities in new development.

While encouraging continuity and compatibility with the historic architectural traditions of the community, these standards are not intended to replicate Snohomish’s Historic District or to encourage development that conveys a false sense of history. Sites and buildings should reflect the era of their development while also acknowledging the historic context afforded by the Snohomish community. New development should include some design elements, features, and/or materials that recognize Snohomish’s heritage while also adhering to contemporary design and construction methods.

Additionally, these standards implement the Comprehensive Plan policies that define the vision for the Pilchuck District as a neighborhood. These policies emphasize elements in the public and private frontages that foster a dynamic, interesting, and comfortable pedestrian landscape and a distinctive “sense of place” within the larger Snohomish community.

The regulatory context provides four separate zones within the Pilchuck District: Single-Family, Townhouse, Center, and Civic. The character of each zone will vary with the type and intensity of land use identified. Zones designated for single-family and townhouse land uses are intended to retain a strongly residential appearance and scale consistent with the function. Elsewhere in the Pilchuck District, multi-story buildings containing dwellings, commercial, and civic uses will be integrated to create a generally continuous and somewhat more compact row of buildings along the sidewalk. The intent of these standards is to foster compatibility and continuity between adjacent uses and along streets to create a context where residents, businesses, and employees will co-exist and thrive. (Ord. 2451, 2022)