Planning Archive
Below is a list of projects that planning staff were recently working on.  In some cases, the project was completed and legislation adopted to carry out policies or plans (see adopted legislation).  Otherwise the material available is the extent of the effort.

Adult Cabarets - The City Council adopted new rules governing adult cabarets (strip clubs) in Seattle commercial zones.

Alternative Housing Choices - On Aug. 15, 2006, Mayor Greg Nickels signed Ordinance 122190 that allows detached accessory dwelling units  in single family zones in Southeast Seattle.

Broadway Revitalization - As part of the City of Seattle’s Broadway Revitalization Strategy, the City Council has passed two ordinances reducing parking requirements and changing land use and zoning regulations in the Broadway district.

Downtown Code Amendment to Allow Additional Height as an Incentive for Open Space - The legislation applies only to the Downtown Mixed Commercial 340/290-400 (DMC 340/290-400) zone in Downtown Seattle. The recommended changes would provide an incentive for open space by allowing additional height for structures in the DMC 340/290-400 zone on full-block lots located on blocks that abut the Downtown Office Core 1 (DOC1) zone. The open space must be accessible to all occupants of the development on the lot, and, to offset the impact of the added height, must be approximately at street level and visible to the general public from abutting sidewalks. (PDF) View the Director's Report.

Dravus Commercial Area Zoning Study and Recommendation - Dravus Commercial Area Zoning Study Underway, July 19, 2006

Downtown Zoning Changes - The new downtown zoning legislation updates rules for the central office core and adjoining areas, including Denny Triangle and a portion of Belltown.

Environmentally Critical Areas Updates - ECAs include the City’s wetlands, areas important for fish and wildlife, riparian corridors (such as creeks), geologic hazard areas (such as landslide-prone, steep-slope and liquefaction-prone areas), flood-prone areas, and abandoned landfills.

First Hill Revitalization - First Hill’s new residential parking requirements are consistent with City and neighborhood goals for developing more market-rate housing on First Hill.

Green Factor - As of Jan. 20, 2007, permit applicants must meet a new landscaping requirement in Seattle’s commercial areas. Known as the Seattle Green Factor, this program requires new development in neighborhood business districts to meet a landscaping target using a menu of landscaping strategies. The Green Factor is designed to improve the extent and quality of landscapes, while allowing greater flexibility for developers and designers to meet open space requirements.

Green Shorelines - Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development, in collaboration with Seattle Public Utilities, WRIA 8, and the King Conservation District, has developed Green Shorelines as a guidebook for lakefront homeowners.  The publication uses photos, text, and illustrations to inform readers about alternatives to conventional shoreline armoring, stressing the aesthetic and ecological benefits of plants and beaches.

Neighborhood Business District Strategy - In an effort to stimulate and enliven Seattle's neighborhood business districts the City is proposing a new strategy to reflect changing conditions and neighborhood plan goals.

Pet Daycares - Pet daycare centers are businesses that provide care for pets while the owners are away from home during the day.

Peat Settlement-prone Areas - The City of Seattle has adopted new regulations for areas of the city that are prone to ground settlement due to subsurface peat deposits.

Pioneer Square: Structural Additions to Historic Buildings - Land Use Code amendments that address structural additions to existing historic buildings in Pioneer Square that exceed the maximum height limit.

Pioneer Square: Rooftop Features - This Land Use Code amendment allows enclosed recreation areas on new structures in Pioneer Square to exceed the height limit, if the structure also includes on the roof a source of renewable electrical energy (such as wind turbines or photo-voltaic cells) supplying a portion of the building's demand for electricity. (PDF)

University District Revitalization - Strengthening the University District by improving the retail mix and creating redevelopment opportunities is the focus of this project.