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Shoreline
Overview
In 2025, King County and the City of Shoreline entered into an interlocal agreement implementing a transfer of development rights partnership. This agreement incentivizes more efficient land use around light rail stations and in higher density neighborhoods while protecting farm, forest, and open space in King County. The Shoreline TDR program also funds community improvements in growing neighborhoods. For every development right purchased to use in the city, King County shares revenue with Shoreline to invest in transit, parks, mobility, stormwater, and affordable housing, among other public benefits. Additionally, after developers purchase 20 TDRs, King County will apply for a Conservation Futures grant to support acquisition of land for additional parks in the program area.
Shoreline TDR Receiving Area
Location
Shoreline’s receiving areas are in light rail station neighborhoods, in business zones, and in multifamily zones. Shoreline’s vision is to create walkable, affordable neighborhoods where residents can easily access transit, parks, and local businesses.
Echo Lake, Shoreline, WA. (Source: Joe Mabel, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54711249)
Using rural TDR credits in Shoreline
Developers can use TDRs purchased from the King County TDR Bank in receiving areas defined by city code (SMC 20.50.800). These include:
- Both light rail station areas,
- MUR-70’ zone
- MUR-45’ zone
- Neighborhood Business zone,
- Commercial Business zone, and
- NR1 zone.
TDR allows developers to add significant value to their projects. In the MUR-70’ and MUR-45’ zones, TDR may be used to reduce structured parking requirements. Projects in the MUR-70’ zone may also gain additional building height above base zoning. In other zones, TDR may be used to gain additional building height above base zoning.
Shoreline density incentives
| Receiving Area Zoning | Base Height | Max Height | Bonus Type | Bonus with King County Rural TDR | TDR Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NR1 | 40' | 70' | Height |
1 credit = 7,000 sq. ft. 1 credit = 3,100 sq. ft. |
Farm Non-Farm |
| NB | 50' | 70' | Height |
1 credit = 7,000 sq. ft 1 credit = 3,100 sq. ft. |
Farm Non-Farm |
| CB | 60' | 70' | Height |
1 credit = 7,000 sq. ft. 1 credit = 3,100 sq. ft. |
Farm Non-Farm |
| MUR-45' | 45' | 45' | Parking Reduction |
1 credit = 1.75 spaces 1 credit = 0.92 spaces |
Farm Non-Farm |
| MUR-70' | 70' | 70' | Parking Reduction |
1 credit = 1.25 spaces 1 credit = 0.7 spaces |
Farm Non-Farm |
| MUR-70' | 70' | 140' | Height |
1 credit = 19,700 sq. ft. 1 credit = 8,900 sq. ft. |
Farm Non-Farm |