Zoning & Land Use

Multifamily Housing Code Rewrite

The Planning Commission has assisted City staff with a rewrite of the Multifamily Housing Code. Commission members facilitated focus groups and public meetings during the development of the concepts for the rewrite, which is part of a broader effort initiated by the Mayor to make the Land Use Code simpler and more accessible. The Commission will review and comment on the new code when it is completed.

Publications and information available:

DPD Multifamily Housing Code Rewrite

Incentive Zoning
On February 27th, 2007 the Commission released its report on Incentive Zoning. The report gives recommendations on how Seattle should use incentive zoning programs to meet predicted housing and job growth targets while contributing to livability and sustainability.

Publications and information available:

Incentive Zoning Report (PDF)

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