Zoning
DPD is responsible for the body of regulations that govern the use and development of land in Seattle.  Zoning districts specify a category of uses (e.g., single-family residential, multifamily residential, commercial, industrial, etc.) and are applied by ordinance, geographically on the City's official land use map.

Administrative Design Review for Townhouses
DPD is developing a new Administrative Design Review process to apply to townhouse development. The goals of the project are to apply a streamlined Administrative Design Review process for a better fit with the scale of townhouse projects without adding significantly to development cost. 

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.

Backyard Cottages
Mayor Greg Nickels has proposed legislation that would allow more homeowners the option to build backyard cottages. Under the proposal, Seattle homeowners would be allowed to build backyard cottages under certain conditions.

Ballard Urban Village Rezone
DPD staff has been working with a group of neighborhood representatives to develop a proposal to rezone specific areas of industrial zoning within the Ballard Hub Urban Village (HUV) and outside the Ballard-Interbay Manufacturing and Industrial Center (BINMIC). 

Multifamily Zoning Update 
The Multifamily Zoning Update is part of the Mayor's commitment to a comprehensive re-evaluation of Seattle’s Land Use Code.

Workforce Housing Incentive
Mayor Nickels is proposing amendments to the Land Use Code to expand the use of incentive zoning programs beyond their current application in Downtown. The Workforce Housing Incentive has the potential to allow increased development capacity, in the form of additional height or floor area beyond that permitted outright on a lot.