The City Council Adopted New Midrise and Highrise Zoning
The City Council has reviewed the Mayor’s proposed changes to multifamily zoning and has decided to split the proposal into two pieces of legislation. The first piece adopted changes to the Midrise (MR) and Highrise (HR) zones, with some provisions amended that would affect all zones, such as reductions in parking. The second piece will be taken up in the middle of 2010 by the Council’s Committee on the Built Environment after DPD completes additional analysis requested by the City Councilmembers.
See Ordinance 123209 at: http://www.seattle.gov/leg/clerk/clerk.htm (search for 123209)
The ordinance was signed by the Mayor on December 21, 2009 and will be effective on February 19, 2010.
Download the Multifamily Code Update Midrise and Highrise FAQ
Mayor's Proposal
For many Seattle residents, multifamily development is a valuable option for housing and can provide an entry into home ownership. However, this development must fit better into our neighborhoods, and we should expect these projects to be sensitive to the environment and give back to our community.
This is the first major update to our multifamily zoning in more than 20 years. Highlights include:
Better townhouse design.
New standards are proposed such as more front-facing windows and doors, and lower fences so townhouses fit better with their communities. Administrative Design Review for all townhouses is proposed in related legislation.
Protecting our single-family neighborhoods.
No zoning changes in single-family areas. Setbacks and other height restrictions would provide important transitions between multifamily and single-family zones.
Green construction and landscaping.
Improved landscaping requirements such as green roofs and vegetated walls, and green building standards in cases where additional development capacity is allowed.
Affordable housing.
In some areas zoned Lowrise 3 (for three-story apartment buildings), about 5% of the city’s land, an additional 7 feet would be allowed if the developer agrees to provide affordable housing. Some midrise, and highrise residential towers on First Hill, would also be eligible for additional height if contributions are made through the Work Force Housing Incentive program.
Together, our challenge is to direct development in ways that protect and preserve our communities. This proposal will balance our goals of managing growth wisely and securing more affordable housing, all while maintaining and enhancing our great neighborhoods.
- Summary of key changes by zones. (PDF)
- What does this proposal do to create affordable housing? (PDF)
- How will the proposal improve townhouses? (PDF)
- How will these changes benefit the environment? (PDF)
- How does this proposal protect single-family neighborhoods? (PDF)
