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DPD Frequently Asked Questions
Land Use - Design Review
  1. Does anyone review the design of development projects in Seattle?
  2. I am a private developer who wants to develop my property. Do I have to go through DPD's design review process including review by the Design Review Board?
  3. What is Design Review and how can I find out more about it?



1 - Q. Does anyone review the design of development projects in Seattle?
A. part I: Yes, for some projects. The City of Seattle has numerous citizen-led volunteer boards or commissions who are appointed by the Mayor and City Council to review the design of development projects. Which board or commission performs the review depends on the kind of project. See our Design Review website for more details.

A. part II: No, for some others. The design of buildings at major institutions (educational or medical campuses) or other governmental entities (county, state or federal) are not required to be reviewed by one of the City of Seattle's boards or commissions additions to existing buildings are not required to go through the Design Review process.

2 - Q. I am a private developer who wants to develop my property. Do I have to go through DPD's design review process including review by the Design Review Board?
A. That depends on the proposed size of your development and the zone in which you are building. The thresholds required for review by the City's Design Review Board are described, by zone, in a chart on page 2 of CAM 238, Design Review: General Information, Application Instructions, and Submittal Requirements. If your development is not required to be reviewed, you may choose to volunteer for review. If you do, you are able to seek departures from the City's development standards.

3 - Q. What is Design Review and how can I find out more about it?
A. Please go to our Design Review Program website to find more answers.

Last Updated: May 26, 2006
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