Public Safety Building Site
In 2001, the Planning Commission began engagement in the City's redevelopment of the Civic Center -- a three-block portion of Seattle's downtown core that includes is the new City Hall and Justice Center and the former Public Safety building site. A Planning Commission representative participated in a workshop convened by the Design Commission to develop design principles for the Public Safety Building Site. Workshop attendees produced a report detailing these principles, which helped guide the city in its process of selecting a development team for the site. More information.

Adult Cabarets
The Commission reviewed Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck’s proposed Land Use Code amendments relating to Adult Cabarets. To view the Commission’s May 3rd, 2007 letter to Council regarding the amendments, click here. To view the Commission’s September 14, 2006 review of an earlier proposal for adult cabaret regulation, click here.

Commercial Code Revision
The Planning Commission is advising and assisting City officials as they carry out substantial revisions to the City's Commercial Land Use policies and code. This effort is a high priority for the Mayor and Council in their call to simplify the City's Land Use Codes. The Commission has been closely following proposed changes to the Commercial Code since 2003 and supports the notion of simplification and reform of the commercial code as a way to bolster thriving neighborhood business districts that are crucial for communities. In 2007 The Commission will be assisting the City in mapping the Pedestrian designations. More information.

Vision 20/20
More information.

Center City Seattle
The Planning Commission assisted city staff with developing new Downtown zoning requirements as part of the Central City Strategy. One unresolved issue remained after the new requirements were enacted that involved tower spacing. The Planning Commission was asked to chair an adhoc committee to review the city's tower spacing policy and develop recommendations for how to improve it. These recommendations were submitted to Council in 2007. More information.

Housing Choices
The Planning Commission has long been an advocate for affordable housing and increasing people's housing choices. The Commission continues to advise the Mayor, City Council, Office of Housing and the Department of Planning and Development on a variety of housing initiatives currently underway including; the development of an Affordable Housing Strategy; advancing the Housing Choices Program by allowing for more housing types such as Detached Accessory Dwelling Units and Cottage Housing; and revising the Multifamily Housing Code. More information.

Northgate Project
The Planning Commission has a long history in helping to revitalize Northgate. The Commission took some of the first steps to engage the Northgate community in developing a "town center" vision for the Northgate urban center core through the Town Center Charrette in 2000, and the 5th Avenue NE Street Design project in 2002. Since then, the Commission has been actively working with the Mayor, Seattle City Council and City staff in developing and implementing the Northgate Action Plan which is beginning to transform the community. More information.

Central Area Neighborhood Planning
More information.

The Monorail Project
Seattle voters approved the funding to build the 14-mile Monorail Green Line in November 2002. The Planning Commission is participating on the Monorail Review Panel, charged with design review of the project. It is advising and participating in the development and implementation of the City's station area planning effort and will review and comment on the Monorail DEIS. More information.