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Design Review Program
Applicant's Toolbox: Instructions

Application and Process
Detailed instructions about project application and submittal requirements, along with an explanation of the process for projects to be reviewed by a Design Review Board, are contained in Client Assistance Memo (CAM) 238, "Design Review." CAM 238 is written primarily for developers and their architects.

CAM 238 contains:

  • What is Design Review?
  • Design Review Guidelines
  • What are the Different Types of Design Review?
  • What is Development Standard Departure?
  • What is the Design Review Board?
  • What is the Design Review Planner?
  • What is the Design Review Process?
  • Additional Information on Design Review
  • Attachment A: Application for Early Design Guidance
  • Attachment B: Response to Guidelines: MUP Application for Design Review

Options for Submitting an Application
Drop-Off Submittal Option
Applications for Early Design Guidance may be submitted via a drop-off process (see news story). Details on how to use the drop-off submittal program are available in:

  • CAM 105, "Drop-Off Submittal Program"
  • CAM 238, "Design Review:  General Information, Application Instructions and Submittal Requirements"

The following items must be completed and submitted with all drop-off submittals:

  • Preliminary Application
  • EDG Drop-off Submittal Screening & Submittal Checklist
  • EDG Drop-off Submittal Fee Worksheet
  • Acceptance of Financial Responsibility for Project Fees
  • Letter of Authorization
  • Attachment A from CAM 238
  • 2 copies of the 11" x 17" EDG packets

Schedule an EDG Intake Appointment
Applications for Early Design Guidance may also be submitted in person by scheduling an EDG intake appointment. Call (206) 684-8850 to set up an appointment.

Last Updated: March 18, 2008

Join the Design Review Board
In April 2010, the Mayor and City Council will appoint twelve new volunteer Design Review Board members to replace those retiring members whose terms are expiring. Applications are due December 10, 2009 for two-year terms that begin April 4, 2010. A list of the upcoming openings is in the appendix of the Design Review Board application.

Upcoming Project Reviews
Each of the seven Design Review Boards meets twice a month. See the upcoming schedule. 

Archive

Search the archive to find design proposals and reports of project reviews.

Design Guidelines

Thirty design review guidelines for multifamily and commercial buildings--along with neighborhood-specific supplements--form the backbone of the City's Design Review Program in Seattle's neighborhoods. Separate guidelines govern downtown development.

Gallery of Great Examples

5th and Bell
See the 5th and Bell project and other great examples of projects that were developed through the Design Review process.

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