When the Seattle Land Use Code is amended, a project is entitled to be reviewed under the former code provisions only if that project “vests” prior to the time the amendment takes effect.

Certain types of projects, including subdivisions and short subdivisions, vest to the code in effect as of the date a complete application is submitted. However, most other projects vest according to the following rules:

• If a complete building permit application meeting the standards of Section 106 of the Seattle Building Code is submitted, the project will vest as of the date of application submittal.
• If a Master Use Permit (MUP) application is submitted without a building permit application, the project generally will vest as of the date a land use decision is published by the department.
• Design Review applications vest upon application for Early Design Guidance, and retain that vested status, if certain process deadlines subsequently are met. Please refer to SMC 23.76.026 for details of vesting of land use approvals.

Although DPD planners make every effort to review projects expeditiously, we cannot offer assurances that MUP decisions for projects currently under review or not yet submitted will be reviewed prior to the effective date of the new Commercial Code, Jan. 20, 2007. If a project fails to vest to the current standards for commercial zones, it may need to be revised to meet the new standards.