In late 2005 the Mayor proposed legislation (C.B. 115464) to amend the Land Use Code to allow a streetcar maintenance base as a permitted use in the Pioneer Square Preservation District, and to allow a height increase to 130 feet if a development includes a streetcar maintenance base and has at least 75 percent of its gross floor area in residential use. A public hearing was held on this proposed legislation in December 2005.

Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck is recommending a revised proposal for this legislation. It would similarly allow a streetcar maintenance base as a permitted use in the Pioneer Square Preservation District. As revised, the proposal would allow a height increase to 130 feet if a development includes a streetcar maintenance base and has, in residential or hotel use, gross floor area equivalent to the gross floor area allowed in the structure above 100 feet.

The legislation will be formally introduced in early January 2007, and referred to the City Council’s Urban Development and Planning Committee for discussion and possible vote at the committee’s regular meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 2 p.m. The Full City Council will discuss and vote on the Urban Development and Planning Committee’s recommendation no earlier than Monday, Jan. 15, 2007.

OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT
Written comments on the revised proposal may be submitted at any time until the final Council vote on the legislation. However, the Council prefers to receive written comments by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007, to allow for review by the Urban Development and Planning Committee during its consideration of the revised proposal. Please send comments to peter.steinbrueck@seattle.gov or to:

Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck
Seattle City Council
600 Fourth Ave. Fl 2
P.O. Box 34025
Seattle, WA 98124-4025

Comments may also be made at the regular meeting of the Urban Development and Planning Committee on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007, at 2 p.m., in the City Council Chamber, on the second floor of City Hall. Entrances to City Hall are on Fourth and Fifth Avenues between James and Cherry Streets. For those who wish to comment, a sign-up sheet will be available outside the Council Chamber at 1:30 p.m. The City Council Chamber is accessible. Print and communications access is provided on prior request. Please contact Neil Powers at (206) 684-8804 as soon as possible to request accommodations for a disability.