Lake City Urban Design

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What & Why

Get Involved

Project Documents

Background

Timeline

What’s Happening Now?

Legislation that changes zoning within the Lake City hub urban village and commercial areas along Lake City Way from NE 95th Street to NE 145th Street was signed on August 16, 2016. The new zoning will help create a more pedestrian oriented neighborhood as property redevelops. These changes went into effect in September 2016. You can find more information about the proposed zoning changes below.

More about developing a Shared Vision for Lake City

Lake City is a neighborhood that is diverse and energetic, facing its own real challenges. Residents talk about walkability, public safety, access to recreation, and neighborhood character as important priorities. Bisected by a state highway, the neighborhood has struggled to support local, walkable businesses and services, and to create a community sense of place. Residents hope to see growth and investment, but they also worry about displacing current residents and businesses.

Get Involved

We continue to work with other departments and community members to implement projects that will advance the shared vision from the urban design framework. Look for us at upcoming community meetings and events!

Check out the Enjoy Lake City Future First for the most up-to-date information about what's happening in the neighborhood. As part of developing the UDF, we worked closely with the Office of Economic Development (OED) and Department of Neighborhoods (DON) to support your community members who created Lake City Future First, which is funded in part through OED's Only in Seattle grant and other City grants.

Community Resources and Links

 

Draft Urban Design Framework

The Draft Urban Design Framework is being finalized, but there will be opportunities to help shape zoning recommendations. Please check back soon for a schedule of upcoming workshops or contact Katie for more information.

Proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendments

As part of the Lake City urban design process, we have proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments that will be reviewed by City Council later this year. The amendments would change a small area within the hub urban village from multifamily to commercial zoning on the Future Land Use Map, which is the first step in the zoning process to allow for an expansion of the business district west of Lake City Way along NE 125th Street.

Community presentation materials

The following documents were presented at various community meetings over the past year.

Background

Lake City’s population has nearly doubled in the past twenty years. While neighborhood groups like the Lake City Neighborhood Alliance, North Seattle Chamber of Commerce, and Lake City Greenways are strong advocates for positive change in Lake City, more work can be done to help strengthen the business district and create a safe neighborhood where it’s easy to walk or ride your bike. Our project will be coordinated with other efforts, including Lake City Future First, and it will create an actionable plan for the future of Lake City.

Background Documents

Planning Background

Transportation Plans and Projects

Recent Projects

Draft Urban Design Framework

The Draft Urban Design Framework is being finalized, but there will be opportunities to help shape zoning recommendations. Please check back soon for a schedule of upcoming workshops or contact Katie for more information.

Proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendments
As part of the Lake City urban design process, we have proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments that will be reviewed by City Council later this year. The amendments would change a small area within the hub urban village from multifamily to commercial zoning on the Future Land Use Map, which is the first step in the zoning process to allow for an expansion of the business district west of Lake City Way along NE 125th Street.

Community presentation materials
The following documents were presented at various community meetings over the past year.

Lake City Advisory Group

An advisory group of Lake City’s residents and business owners will help guide the development of the UDF. They will work together to provide ideas and recommendations regarding future development, particularly on commercial land in and around the urban village. Group members will also reach out and collect ideas from people throughout Lake City and the North Neighborhoods. Input from other community members will be incorporated through smaller focus group discussions and larger public workshops. Opportunities to provide comment online will be available throughout the process.

We will work with Lake City Future First, the Lake City Neighborhood Association (LCNA), and other community groups to develop a consistent inclusive outreach and engagement plan. Our plan will identify how to bring traditionally under-represented communities into the work underway in Lake City.

The Lake City advisory group meets once a month through October. The advisory group's meeting topics are listed below. Meeting materials will be provided when they are available.

Review maps; discuss how development standards could encourage human scale development; Fire Station 39 update: August 2014

Review North Lake City strengths, challenges, and opportunities: July 2014

Confirm general character (residential, retail) of streets and edges in the hub urban village; discuss strengths, challenges, and opportunities in and around Little Brook; discuss proposed FS39 lease: June 2014

Refined potential features of public spaces and newer buildings and agree on placeholder for annual Comprehensive Plan amendment cycle: May 2014

Continued discussion about project principles and "downtown" Lake City:
April 9, 2014

Review of project principles; strengths, challenges and opportunities in "downtown" Lake City: March 12, 2014

General Overview of existing conditions and identification of issues and aspirations: February 12, 2014

Timeline

2014

  • Begin urban design framework planning
  • Urban design advisory group formed
  • Inclusive community outreach and public engagement
  • Public review of draft urban design framework (3rd quarter)
  • Finalize urban design framework (4th quarter)

2015

  • City Council review of land use recommendations
  • Final decisions by City Council and Mayor

Planning and Community Development

Rico Quirindongo, Director
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 94788, Seattle, WA, 98124-7088
Phone: (206) 386-1010
opcd@seattle.gov

The Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) develops policies and plans for an equitable and sustainable future. We partner with neighborhoods, businesses, agencies and others to bring about positive change and coordinate investments for our Seattle communities.