EVERETT — Over 150 calls for police service triggered the designation of two new “no sit, no lie” buffer zones, including an area in front of the city’s main library branch downtown. Under the city’s code for buffer zones, “No person shall sit or lie down upon, or place a blanket, sleeping bag, backpack, chair, mattress, couch, stool, or any similar equipment, item, or furniture upon City property, whether improved or unimproved.”
The new buffers zones have been established at 1715 Broadway Ave. and 2625 Colby Ave., “In response to documented public health and safety concerns at each location, consistent with the criteria established in the ordinance,” says city spokesperson, Simone Tarver.
Tarver advised, “The Broadway buffer zone was established in response to recurring safety concerns, including 159 qualifying police calls for service involving suspicious activity, nuisance complaints and trespassing, along with 14 direct referrals to our CARE team.” The Community Alternative Response Everett team provides specialized, non-police responses to behavioral health crises, social service needs, crisis intervention and non-emergent 911 calls.
Downtown, Tarver explains, “The Colby Avenue buffer zone, surrounding Midnight Grocery, addresses documented concerns including encampments obstructing public rights-of-way, garbage accumulation and open-air drug use.” Existing buffer zones include a limited corridor with neighboring streets adjacent to a location generating repeated calls for police service.
Everett last declared a buffer zone nearly a year ago, Dec. 15, 2025, in an area of the 41st St. corridor involving 39th St. to 43rd St. SE.
For an area to be designated as a buffer zone, city code says a location must accrue six documented cases of public disturbance that could range from trespass to drug offenses, harassment, street obstruction, an encampment and/or assault, within six months.
“Our approach,” Tarver tells EverettPost.com, “emphasizes outreach and connecting people with services and support – and it only incorporates enforcement in limited situations when it is necessary. We have seen buffer zones make a visible difference in neighborhoods, particularly through increased outreach and connections to services by our CARE team social workers.”
In areas with buffer zones, Tarver advises, “We’ve generally seen reduced calls for service. Businesses and neighbors report decreases in troubling activities. That tells us the tool—when paired with outreach and services—can work. Ultimately, we want everyone to feel safe and supported, including people experiencing homelessness, individuals accessing services, neighbors and nearby businesses.”
The city says outreach occurs in the area beforehand, properties within the buffer zone receive an informational flyer and signage is posted in the buffer zone area. Ongoing outreach occurs within the buffer zones as well.
As of Thursday, there were no signs notifying buffer zone status at 2625 Colby. An employee at Midnight Grocery tells the EverettPost.com no notice was provided to workers about the buffer zone listing.
The ordinance does not apply to private properties or parks – and there are other exceptions included as well. Everett’s current buffer zones, (see map below) include, 8530 Evergreen Way, established in July 2023, 3301 Lombard Ave., established April 2024, 1502 Wall St., established November 2024 and the 41st St. corridor.
As the two new buffer zones were created last week, the city lifted a previous buffer zone at 2624 Rockefeller Ave.
