Seattle Design Commission -- Project Review Handbook

Project Review Handbook

The Design Commission's Project Review Handbook is written for project managers and designers of Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and other public facilities or for those requesting a modification to the right-of-way in Seattle who present their projects for review by the Seattle Design Commission.

It is also written for citizens, students and those from other municipalities who want to learn more about Seattle's design review process for public facilities and right-of-way projects.

Also see the 2006 Hourly Project Billing Letter, which explains the fees the Design Commission charges for its reviews.

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Project Review Handbook

Download the Project Review Handbook (1.78 mb pdf).

Table of Contents

Overview
Mission
Capital Improvement Projects
- consultant selections
- pre-design
- concept design
- schematic design
- design development
- construction documents
Right-of-Way Projects
- street use permits
- skybridge permits
- street and alley vacations
- objects in the right-of-way
- sign permit special exceptions
Major Projects
- Transportation Infrastructure
- Master Plans
More Information

From the Design Commission archive: download the first edition of the Project Review Handbook (11mb pdf), which was used from 2001-2005.

Last Updated: June 2, 2006

What's New

NEXT MEETING
April 3, 2008
See the agenda.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Viaduct Replacement
The Seattle Design Commission evaluated the two alternatives for the Viaduct replacement. Read the press release (1/19/2007) and letter (2/13/2006) to the Mayor and City Council. In an earlier letter (7/21/2004), the Commission evaluated all alternatives.

SR 520 Bridge Replacement
The Seattle Design Commission believes it is premature to endorse the 6-lane option for the 520 bridge replacement and that the best mobility and urban design solution might rest in a yet-to-be-developed hybrid alternative. Read the letter (10/6/2006) to the Mayor and City Council.

The Commission is concerned about the impacts of the Pacific Interchange and recommends honing a 4-Lane hybrid option for SR 520. Read the letter (10/31/2006) to the Washington State Department of Transportation regarding their Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

Public Safety Building Site Redevelopment
The Seattle Design Commission recommends the Public Safety Building site be redeveloped to create a great public space to complete the City's civic campus. Read the report (9/2006).

Waterfront Plan
The Seattle Design Commission supports the City's Central Waterfront Plan and the Department of Planning and Development as the lead agency in its development. Read the letter (2/13/2006) to the Mayor and City Council, and an earlier letter (8/17/2005).

VISUAL RESUME

The Grass Blades
See the AIA award-winning The Grass Blades at the Seattle Center and how the Design Commission's review made a difference in the development of this project. Open the Visual Resume.

photo by Benjamin Benschneider

ANNUAL REPORT

2006 Report
In 2006, the Design Commission reviewed $8.99 billion worth of public projects. For details, see the commission's annual report.

Seattle Design Commission

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