December was a big month for planning in South Lake Union. On December 17, the City Council approved the South Lake Union Neighborhood Plan Update. The new neighborhood plan is the result of a partnership between DPD and the South Lake Union community. The new plan builds on goals for neighborhood character, transportation, parks and open space, and adds sustainable development and housing goals. It identifies specific priorities for meeting the community’s vision of South Lake Union as a model of sustainable development.

In addition, the City Council approved amendments to the Land Use Code that take a first step toward implementing the neighborhood plan. The amendments would allow additional height and density on two blocks in South Lake Union, when a project provides specific public benefits. Projects on these lots, building up to 160 feet and seven FAR (building floor area equal to seven times the size of a lot), would be required to help fund affordable housing and childcare, would have increased landscaping and transportation management requirements, would have incentives to preserve other buildings in the neighborhood, and must meet LEED Sliver sustainability standards. These changes will provide a starting point for the urban form study that will look at zoning changes throughout the neighborhood.

On Wednesday, January 9, DPD and the South Lake Union Friends and Neighbors Community Council (www.slufan.org) will kick off an “urban form” study. This study will develop recommendations for changes to height and density regulations in the neighborhood to better meet the goals of the South Lake Union neighborhood plan for a diverse and livable community. The meeting on January 9 will provide information and background that will provide a foundation for that process. See sidebar for meeting details.

For more information about South Lake Union planning, or to add your name to the South Lake Union mailing list, please see www.seattle.gov/dpd/planning/slu.