To accelerate the adoption of green building practices, DPD has setup a Priority Green Permit program to assist innovative projects that will serve as visible models of high performance and sustainability.

Proposed amendments include new credits for the Green Factor landscaping requirement as well as new height limit exceptions for specific green building features.

New Seismic Survey and Report Requirements
Director’s Rule 32-96 will soon be rescinded and replaced by the new Director’s Rule 3-2009, Seismic Survey and Report Requirements for Buildings Undergoing Substantial Alterations or Repairs. Changes have primarily been made to update the evaluation and design alternates allowed, while deleting the use of the now-outdated FEMA 178. The most significant changes include the following:

• Use of ASCE 31-03 Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings as an approved alternate to designing to IBC force levels.
• Use of ASCE 41-06 Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings as an approved alternate to designing to IBC force levels.
• Deletion of FEMA 178 as an approved alternate to designing to IBC forces levels.
• Addition of a Seismic Performance Criteria Table for use with ASCE 31 and ASCE 41.
• Specific allowance for the use of BSE-1 spectral response parameters for use with ASCE 31 and ASCE 41.
• Requirement that the level of risk reduction provided be included in the general notes of the structural drawings.

There are other changes that are less significant but may impact your design, as well. The new Director’s Rule is anticipated to be available online for review in mid-February. Questions regarding these upcoming changes can be directed to Steve Pfeiffer at (206) 233-7189.

Changes have primarily been made to update the evaluation and design alternates allowed, while deleting the use of the now-outdated FEMA 178.

Multifamily Code Update
In January 2009, the Mayor submitted his recommendations to update the Multifamily zoning requirements to the City Council. These proposed amendments follow recent updates to downtown zoning and zoning in neighborhood commercial areas. Together they update code provisions and are intended to make the code easier to use and understand the intent behind regulations.

The recommendations for new multifamily zoning are also intended to improve the design of multifamily development, promote greener buildings, and encourage workforce affordable housing via zoning incentives. For many Seattle residents, multifamily development is a valuable option for housing and a key part of the City’s strategy for accommodating future growth. Highlights of the Mayor’s proposed amendments include:

Better Townhouse Design
New proposed standards to address the design of townhouse developments, such as more front-facing windows and doors, and lower fences so townhouses are a better fit within the neighborhoods where they are built. An administrative design review process for all townhouses is also under development to complement new multifamily zoning requirements and to provide the necessary flexibility to help ensure quality design.

Protecting Our Single-Family Neighborhoods
No zoning changes are proposed in single-family areas. Setbacks and height restrictions are proposed to provide important transitions between multifamily and single-family areas.

Green Construction and Landscaping
Improved landscaping requirements are proposed, including 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 five percent of the city’s land, an additional seven 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, the challenge is to help ensure that new development benefits the City and preserves existing neighborhood characteristics valued by Seattle’s residents. This proposal balances goals for managing growth wisely and securing more affordable housing, while maintaining and enhancing neighborhoods.

The City Council is anticipated to undertake their deliberations of the Mayor’s recommendations in mid- to late-February. For more information please visit the Multifamily Zoning Update website or contact Mike Podowski at (206) 386-1988 or Dennis Meier at (206) 684-8270.

The recommendations for new multifamily zoning are intended to improve the design of multifamily development, promote greener buildings, and encourage workforce affordable housing via zoning incentives.

Submit Your Question to a Land Use Planner Online
Have a land use question? The DPD Land Use Q&A service is intended to provide helpful information and answers to your land use questions. Because answers to many questions can easily be found with the online resources DPD provides, we encourage customers to research our Web site first. Often, you will find answers to your questions immediately so that you can continue with planning your project without waiting for a response. To submit a question to a land use planner, please visit the DPD Land Use Q&A. 

For specific land use questions on sites proposed for development or for complex questions, we recommend that applicants visit the ASC and speak with a land use planner in person. The more you know about your specific property and situation before you arrive, the quicker your visit will likely be. Wait times to speak with a land use planner in the ASC can be an hour or more during peak hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). DPD provides free wireless Internet access and self-serve computers to make your wait more productive.