DPD has several on-going projects that represent a commitment to developing a vibrant and livable Seattle. The Department's diverse projects, ranging from alternative housing to environmental issues, ensure that Seattle's development provides residents with a strong economy, inviting neighborhoods and engaging culture. View the "mini-sites" below for detailed information about those projects.  

Current Projects

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.

Center City Seattle - Mayor Nickels' "Center City Seattle" strategy focuses on encouraging economic growth, transportation, new housing and great urban neighborhoods in Seattle's downtown core and the nine centrally located neighborhoods immediately around it. 

Central Waterfront - A once-in-a-century opportunity to create a new front porch for the city.

Comprehensive Plan Annual Amendments - The Comprehensive Plan Amendment Process is an opportunity for individuals, groups, and City departments to propose changes to Seattle's Comprehensive Plan to address changing conditions and to reflect on-going work or new information.

Comprehensive Planning - Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan articulates a vision for how Seattle will accommodate residential and employment growth over the next 20 years, while promoting the values of its citizens, a vibrant economy and livable neighborhoods.

Design Review Program - The City of Seattle's Design Review Program provides a forum for citizens, developers and the City to review and guide the design of qualifying commercial and multifamily development projects.

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

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.

Greenhouse Gas Assesment - On December 3, 2007, the City Council, adopted Ordinance 122574 that requires City departments that perform environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) to evaluate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions when reviewing permit applications for development. King County already started to do this evaluation in October 2007, becoming the first local government in the nation to officially add GHG emissions to the environmental review of construction projects. Seattle will be one of the first cities in the country to require such a review.

Historic Preservation - Sustainability, green buildings, climate change and energy efficiency are all terms we hear and read about. But, how does the drive to adapt our built environment to "green building" standards affect the future of our historic properties? The New Pathways Conference, to be held April 14 & 15 in Seattle, will try to answer questions about how historic rehabilitation projects can successfully comply with local building codes and green building rating systems (such as LEED), and still meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. The target audience includes building code officials, green building design proponents, designers/architects, and preservation consultants. Click here to read a news story.

Housing for Seattle's Future - Seattle’s booming economy and healthy real estate market drive an increasing need for housing. To help address that need, DPD administers building standards that protect neighborhood character while allowing new development.

Industrial Lands - In 2006, DPD began conducting research to identify the key issues facing industrial businesses in the city, to see how other cities have addressed similar issues, and to work with the community to develop approaches that can help Seattle meet its objectives for industrial land.

Livable South Downtown - DPD is initiating a planning effort to focus on the neighborhoods of South Downtown as part of the Mayor’s "Center City Seattle" strategy.

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.

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.

Neighborhood Main Street Mapping Project - The Neighborhood Main Street Mapping Project will identify specific locations for Pedestrian Zones to be designated in Seattle’s neighborhood business districts.

Neighborhood Plans Update -  Neighborhood plans were completed between 1995 and 2000 to manage growth in the neighborhoods, especially in light of Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan and growth management strategy, adopted in 1994. Since neighborhood plans were completed, growth throughout Seattle has been generally consistent with expectations but has varied by neighborhood. In some neighborhoods growth has been far more or far less than anticipated. Executive staff and the City Council are currently discussing the process to follow for updating neighborhood plans.

Northgate Revitalization - Work is now underway to revitalize Seattle's Northgate area. Enhancements will include a public park, a community center and library and street improvements on Fifth Avenue NE.

Peat Settlement-prone Areas - The City of Seattle is proposing 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 - DPD is proposing Land Use Code amendments to 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)

Planning Exhibit - The Planning Exhibit conveys the physical transformation of the city as it happens and profile some of the most compelling developments now in the planning stages.

SEPA Environmental Review - DPD is proposing to change the City’s environmental review thresholds, which determine when new development is subject to environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

Seattle's Comprehensive Plan - Toward a Sustainable Seattle, is a 20-year policy plan designed to articulate a vision of how Seattle will grow in ways that sustain its citizens' values.

Shoreline Alternative Mitigation Plan - The Seattle Shoreline Alternative Mitigation Plan will change the way that the city implements its Shoreline Master Program for the shoreline between the Hiram Chittenden Locks and the Montlake Cut.

Shoreline Master Program Update - The City of Seattle’s Shoreline Master Program (SMP) is being comprehensively updated for the first time since 1987. The SMP constitutes the policies and regulations governing development and uses on and adjacent to marine and freshwater shorelines.

Side Sewer Revisions - The Side Sewer Code (Seattle Municipal Code 21.16) and its accompanying Director’s Rule (DR) address the design, construction and permitting requirements and regulations for side sewer work in the City of Seattle.

Sidewalks Improvement Initiative - The goal of this initiative is to expand and improve the current inventory of sidewalks into a safe, contiguous and geographically-appropriate pedestrian network throughout the city.

South Lake Union Neighborhood Plan Update - DPD planners are working with the South Lake Union neighborhood to update the South Lake Union neighborhood plan.

Stormwater, Grading and Drainage Code Revisions - The Stormwater, Grading and Drainage Control Code and associated Directors’ Rules are being revised to account for advances in urban stormwater runoff management practices.

Sustainable Infrastructure Initiative - Seattle spends more than $650 million each year to build, renew, and repair infrastructure. This money is divided up between numerous departments, each with its own mission and priorities. An interdepartmental team at the City is suggesting that some portion of our capital spending might be more effective if it were directed at integrated, sustainable outcomes—outcomes that not only address expected levels of service, but also add value to the community, the environment, and the economy.

Tree Regulations Update - Review and revise the City’s tree protection and replacement regulations for private property. Developing policy proposals to share with tree and environmental advocacy groups, homeowners, developers, and all residents of Seattle. Over the next several months we will engage in conversations with these groups to revise and improve our proposals as we develop legislation to submit to City Council later this year.

Unreinforced Masonry Buildings (URM’s) - The City of Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD) briefed City Council, in May 2008, on possible new requirements for the city’s unreinforced masonry buildings (URM’s).