Design Review Program
Applicant's Toolbox: Design Guidelines

Multifamily and Commercial Buildings | Downtown Development | Neighborhood-Specific Design Guidelines

Downtown Design Guidelines
The Downtown Design Guidelines apply only to projects in the Downtown Design Review Board District. (See map of districts.) For projects outside of the Downtown District, the Citywide Design Guidelines apply.

These guidelines offer designers and developers flexibility in meeting the requirements of Seattle's land use code. A large part of design review governs a project's context -- the guidelines direct designers and project reviewers to look closely at local conditions in order to produce new buildings that enhance their surroundings.

Download the Downtown Design Guidelines (3.3MB pdf) 

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Downtown Design Guidelines

A. Site Planning and Massing



  • A-1 Respond to the Physical Environment
  • A-2 Enhance the Skyline

B. Architectural Expression

 


  • B-1 Respond to the Neighborhood Context
  • B-2 Create a Transition in Bulk and Scale
  • B-3 Reinforce the Positive Urban Form and Architectural Attributes of the Immediate Area
  • B-4 Design a Well-Proportioned and Unified Building

C. The Streetscape

 


  • C-1 Promote Pedestrian Interaction
  • C-2 Design Facades of Many Scales
  • C-3 Provide Active -- Not Blank -- Facades
  • C-4 Reinforce Building Entries
  • C-5 Encourage Overhead Weather Protection
  • C-6 Develop the Alley Facade

D. Public Amenities

 


  • D-1 Provide Inviting and Usable Open Space
  • D-2 Enhance the Building With Landscaping
  • D-3 Provide Elements that Define the Place
  • D-4 Provide Appropriate Signage
  • D-5 Provide Adequate Lighting
  • D-6 Design for Personal Safety and Security

E. Vehicluar Access and Parking



  • E-1 Minimize Curb Cut Impacts
  • E-2 Integrate Parking Facilities
  • E-3 Minimize the Presence of Service Areas


 

Last Updated: July 19, 2005