The City of Seattle Land Use Code (Chapter 23.53 of the Seattle Municipal Code) requires that streets adjacent and leading to lots being created, developed, or redeveloped, be improved or brought up to the minimum conditions specified in the Land Use Code and this Manual.

The street improvement requirements vary by location, by land use zones and by street types to reflect the intensity of development, the scale and character of the zone, and to provide a balance between the need to accommodate vehicular and pedestrian traffic and the desire to preserve existing neighborhood character. In addition to the requirements for street and alley improvements contained in the Land Use Code, additional street and alley improvements may be required through the environmental review process.

All required street improvements shall be constructed by the developer and accepted by the Transportation Department prior to issuance of the final Certificate of Occupancy. A temporary Certificate of Occupancy may be issued prior to completion of street improvements when approved by the Director of Transportation.

There are recent changes to the land use code called the Green Factor – SMC 23.47A.015. These code changes affect certain Neighborhood Commercial (NC1, NC2 and NC3) and Commercial (C1 and C2) zones which requires adding landscaping to improve the aesthetic and environmental qualities to Seattle’s neighborhoods. Developers may use the adjoining right-of-way to meet the green factor requirements. For more information on this requirement, this link will take you to the DPD Green Factor page.

What improvements are required for: