In January, the Mayor submitted his recommendations to update the Multifamily zoning requirements to the City Council. These proposed amendments follow recent updates to downtown zoning and zoning in neighborhood commercial areas. Together they update code provisions and are intended to make the code easier to use and understand the intent behind regulations. The recommendations for new multifamily zoning are also intended to improve the design of multifamily development, promote greener buildings, and encourage workforce affordable housing via zoning incentives.

For many Seattle residents, multifamily development is a valuable option for housing and a key part of the City’s strategy for accommodating future growth.

Highlights of the Mayor’s proposed amendments include:

Better Townhouse Design
New proposed standards to address the design of townhouse developments, such as more front-facing windows and doors, and lower fences so townhouses are a better fit within the neighborhoods where they are built. An administrative design review process for all townhouses is also under development to complement new multifamily zoning requirements and to provide the necessary flexibility to help ensure quality design.

Protecting Our Single-Family Neighborhoods
No zoning changes are proposed in single-family areas. Setbacks and height restrictions are proposed to provide important transitions between multifamily and single-family areas.

Green Construction and Landscaping
Improved landscaping requirements are proposed, including green roofs and vegetated walls, and green building standards in cases where additional development capacity is allowed.

Affordable Housing
In some areas zoned Lowrise 3 (for three-story apartment buildings), about five percent of the city’s land, an additional seven feet would be allowed if the developer agrees to provide affordable housing. Some midrise, and highrise residential towers on First Hill, would also be eligible for additional height if contributions are made through the Work Force Housing Incentive program.

Together, the challenge is to help ensure that new development benefits the City and preserves existing neighborhood characteristics valued by Seattle’s residents. This proposal balances goals for managing growth wisely and securing more affordable housing, while maintaining and enhancing neighborhoods. The City Council is anticipated to undertake their deliberations of the Mayor’s recommendations in mid- to late-February.

For more information please visit our website at: www.seattle.gov/dpd/planning/multifamily.