Zoning & Land Use
Multifamily Housing Code Rewrite
 The Planning Commission has working with the City since 2005 on their important efforts to update the Multifamily Housing code (DPD Multifamily Housing Code Rewrite). Here are the Planning Commission’s recommendations on this effort;
Commission supports proposed update to lowrise zones
The Commission supports the Committee on the Built Environment’s proposed changes to the lowrise zones that are part of the Multifamily Code Update. The proposed direction of the code update is a big step in the right direction to encourage well designed multifamily neighborhoods. (Released March 22, 2010)
Commission supports revised legislation for MR and HR zones
The Commission supports PLUNC’s revisions to the MR and HR zones that provide more flexibility for highrise buildings, parking, sustainable development standards and the Green Factor. (Released November 30, 2009)
Commission provides further advice on proposed changes to the multifamily code
The Commission supports the proposed legislation as a step in the right direction but suggests that more could be done related to parking, height, highrise zones, sustainable design and the Green Factor. (Released October 2009)
SPC urges City Council to be bolder and revise specific details of the proposed legislation before adopting it
Multifamily housing by its very nature creates denser and more compact neighborhoods that add significantly to sustainability and a reduced carbon footprint. Evidence abounds that this land use pattern positively affects personal transportation choices, supports public transit, and generally requires less energy per unit to build and maintain a single family dwelling. (Released July 7, 2009)
Commission encourages City Council to go further on Mid-rise and High-rise Code Changes
The high densities permitted in Seattle’s Mid- and High-rise zones can help make them lively and sustainable places to live. The Commission believes that by simplifying regulations, reducing parking requirements, and encouraging affordable housing, the inherent qualities of these zones can be built upon. (Released September 10, 2009).
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. The Planning Commission released a white paper report in February 2007. Read it here 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 advised City officials significantly revised the City's Commercial Land Use policies and code in 2003 DPD Commercial Code Revisions Homepage. Read the Commission’s November 21, 2006. Recommendations on revision to the Commercial Code (comments and recommendations) to City Council. The Commission had more significant comments on two proposed elements of the plan which are outlined in separate letters; Regulations for Ground-Floor Residential Uses and the Seattle Green Factor.
Here are additional recommendations of the Planning Commission’s on this effort;
Commission Comments on Code Changes to the Commercial Business Districts (released May 2005)
Planning Commission comments and recommendation to City Council on comments on proposed Neighborhood Business District Strategy and Land Use Code Amendments (dated April 7, 2005)
Commission's detailed comments on April 7 proposed Neighborhood Business District Strategy and Land Use Code Amendments (dated April 7, 2005)
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