Workforce Housing Incentive — Project Archive

Accomplishments

For the complete history of this project, please contact us at 684-8880.

Project Outcomes

We amended the Land Use Code so that the Workforce Housing Incentive program is available throughout Seattle. The expanded incentives:

• Encourage growth where it is most appropriate
• Protect fragile natural environments and low-density, single-family areas
• Promote housing affordability
• Encourage new open spaces
• Helps preserve local landmarks

Key Milestones

• December 2008 — City Council adopted Ordinance (122882) 
• October 2008 — We submitted workforce housing incentive amendments to City Council
• August 2008 — We published a notice of Determination of Non-Significance under the State Environmental Policy Act

Project Purpose

The expanded and revised Workforce Housing Incentive program:

• Allows a significant increase to the size of the building project by adding more height or floor area than is normally permitted
• Requires a public benefit for nearby residents and businesses in exchange for increased development
• Applies throughout Seattle when development rules are updated to include incentive zoning