Mayor Cassie Franklin said the locations have experienced recurring reports of loitering, open drug use, theft and encampments. The area near the Broadway Safeway received 159 calls for service last month, she said.

“When we start to see things like that that are consistent in one location, we want to use every tool available to address those behaviors,” Franklin said.

The rules stem from a 2023 city ordinance. They also prohibit placing items such as blankets, sleeping bags, backpacks, chairs or mattresses on city property within a designated zone. The restriction on distributing food, beverages, supplies or services has an exception for people with a valid right-of-way permit or other city authorization.

Broadway Auto Sales, across the street from the Safeway, has reported theft and damage involving vehicles parked at the business. President Justin Harpham said people sometimes sleep or use drugs in an alley behind the lot, and that cars have been vandalized or had gas stolen. He said the business hopes the zone will help, while acknowledging it remains to be seen whether it will work.

Everett says a location may qualify for a buffer zone after six or more qualifying events, which can include 911 calls, community complaints or criminal behavior. The city says its response in designated areas includes additional social-worker deployment, outreach and enforcement. Officials describe the zones as a way to address safety problems associated with homelessness, behavioral health and addiction; the restrictions themselves limit certain conduct on public property but do not provide housing.

With the two additions, Everett has six buffer zones, according to city officials. A zone near 2624 Rockefeller Ave., created around a temporary shelter in 2023, was removed this month after the shelter closed. Franklin said calls for service in existing zones have declined, though not dramatically.