Administrative Design Review for Townhouses
The goal of this project is to develop a streamlined Administrative Design Review process to help ensure that townhouse projects are well designed and fit into existing neighborhoods without adding significantly to development costs.
Adult Cabarets
The City Council adopted new rules governing adult cabarets (strip clubs) in Seattle commercial zones.
Aurora Avenue Land Use Visioning and Urban Design Study
Project status: On Hold. In response to requests from the community and the development of a citizens’ Action Agenda by a group of community stakeholders, the Mayor has launched an initiative to assist in the revitalization of the Aurora Avenue N. corridor between N. 72nd Street and N. 90th Street.
Ballard Urban Village Rezone
DPD staff has been working with a group of neighborhood representatives to develop a proposal to rezone specific areas of industrial zoning within the Ballard Hub Urban Village (HUV) and outside the Ballard-Interbay Manufacturing and Industrial Center (BINMIC).
Broadway Revitalization
As part of the City of Seattle’s Broadway Revitalization Strategy, the City Council has passed two ordinances reducing parking requirements and changing land use and zoning regulations in the Broadway district.
Downtown Code Amendment to Allow Additional Height as an Incentive for Open Space
The legislation applies only to the Downtown Mixed Commercial 340/290-400 (DMC 340/290-400) zone in Downtown Seattle. The recommended changes would provide an incentive for open space by allowing additional height for structures in the DMC 340/290-400 zone on full-block lots located on blocks that abut the Downtown Office Core 1 (DOC1) zone. The open space must be accessible to all occupants of the development on the lot, and, to offset the impact of the added height, must be approximately at street level and visible to the general public from abutting sidewalks. (PDF) View the Director's Report.
Dravus Commercial Area Zoning Study and Recommendation
Dravus Commercial Area Zoning Study Underway, July 19, 2006
Downtown Zoning Changes
The new downtown zoning legislation updates rules for the central office core and adjoining areas, including Denny Triangle and a portion of Belltown.
First Hill Revitalization
First Hill’s new residential parking requirements are consistent with City and neighborhood goals for developing more market-rate housing on First Hill.
Fremont Urban Village Rezone
DPD staff has been working with a group of neighborhood representatives to develop a proposal to rezone specific areas of industrial zoning within the Fremont Hub Urban Village (HUV) and outside the Ballard-Interbay Manufacturing and Industrial Center (BINMIC).
Green Factor
As of Jan. 20, 2007, permit applicants must meet a new landscaping requirement in Seattle’s commercial areas. Known as the Seattle Green Factor, this program requires new development in neighborhood business districts to meet a landscaping target using a menu of landscaping strategies. The Green Factor is designed to improve the extent and quality of landscapes, while allowing greater flexibility for developers and designers to meet open space requirements.
Green Shorelines
Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development, in collaboration with Seattle Public Utilities, WRIA 8, and the King Conservation District, has developed Green Shorelines as a guidebook for lakefront homeowners. The publication uses photos, text, and illustrations to inform readers about alternatives to conventional shoreline armoring, stressing the aesthetic and ecological benefits of plants and beaches.
Greenhouse Gas Assessment
On December 3, 2007, the City Council, adopted Ordinance 122574 that requires City departments that perform environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) to evaluate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions when reviewing permit applications for development. King County already started to do this evaluation in October 2007, becoming the first local government in the nation to officially add GHG emissions to the environmental review of construction projects. Seattle will be one of the first cities in the country to require such a review.
Industrial Lands
In 2006, DPD began conducting research to identify the key issues facing industrial businesses in the city, to see how other cities have addressed similar issues, and to work with the community to develop approaches that can help Seattle meet its objectives for industrial land.
Land Use Procedure Changes
The City Council is sponsoring legislation that would amend Seattle’s regulations for processing land use permits. The proposed amendments would streamline administration of the Land Use Code and update methods for public notice.
Livable South Downtown
Planning effort focuses on the neighborhoods of South Downtown as part of the "Center City Seattle" strategy.
Neighborhood Business District Strategy
In an effort to stimulate and enliven Seattle's neighborhood business districts the City is proposing a new strategy to reflect changing conditions and neighborhood plan goals.
Neighborhood Main Street Mapping Project
The Neighborhood Main Street Mapping Project will identify specific locations for Pedestrian Zones to be designated in Seattle’s neighborhood business districts.
Noise Code Amendments
Project Completed: This proposal updated noise measurement methods, created a new “major public project construction” noise variance, and set an earlier time (7 p.m.) to cease noisy construction in certain zones when residences are nearby.
Pet Daycares
Pet daycare centers are businesses that provide care for pets while the owners are away from home during the day.
Peat Settlement-prone Areas
The City of Seattle has adopted new regulations for areas of the city that are prone to ground settlement due to subsurface peat deposits.
Pioneer Square: Structural Additions to Historic Buildings
Land Use Code amendments that address structural additions to existing historic buildings in Pioneer Square that exceed the maximum height limit.
Pioneer Square: Rooftop Features
This Land Use Code amendment allows enclosed recreation areas on new structures in Pioneer Square to exceed the height limit, if the structure also includes on the roof a source of renewable electrical energy (such as wind turbines or photo-voltaic cells) supplying a portion of the building's demand for electricity. (PDF)
Shoreline Alternative Mitigation Plan
The Seattle Shoreline Alternative Mitigation Plan will change the way that the city implements its Shoreline Master Program for the shoreline between the Hiram Chittenden Locks and the Montlake Cut.
Sidewalks Improvement Initiative
The goal of this initiative is to expand and improve the current inventory of sidewalks into a safe, contiguous and geographically-appropriate pedestrian network throughout the city.
Stormwater Code
Stormwater regulations are needed to protect people, property, and the environment from damage that can be caused by stormwater runoffs.
Sustainable Infrastructure Initiative
Seattle spends more than $650 million each year to build, renew, and repair infrastructure. This money is divided up between numerous departments, each with its own mission and priorities. An interdepartmental team at the City is suggesting that some portion of our capital spending might be more effective if it were directed at integrated, sustainable outcomes—outcomes that not only address expected levels of service, but also add value to the community, the environment, and the economy.
Urban Agriculture
Urban agriculture is a type of infill development that fits into growth strategy for Seattle and the region, by adding a missing element of livable communities and stimulating small-scale economic development. There is a tremendous opportunity to develop local sources of healthy food by turning existing lawn and garden space into productive agricultural plots. Small-scale urban agriculture can help create livable, walkable and sustainable communities, and implement City goals of sustainability and economic development.
Vacant/Underused Lot Pilot
Project Completed: A number of vacant and underused lots are currently sprinkled around the city. The economic recession has introduced uncertainty into the development process and limited prospects for new development in the near-term. Many development proposals are now awaiting the return of the capital markets and local demand.
Workforce Housing Incentive
The City is proposing amendments to the Land Use Code to expand the use of incentive zoning programs beyond their current application in Downtown. The Workforce Housing Incentive has the potential to allow increased development capacity, in the form of additional height or floor area beyond that permitted outright on a lot.