Environmentally Critical Areas Update - Timeline

Project Timeline

We are currently updating Seattle’s Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA) regulations. The project will move through several stages of community input, City review, and environmental review, and adoption.

Summer and Fall 2026 - Outreach

• Share information about the ECA Code Update.
• Host listening sessions.
• Gather feedback from the community in October. What you share will help shape the proposed code changes. 

Winter 2026 - Develop Updates

• We'll use your feedback, Best Available Science (BAS), and City policies to develop proposed updates to the ECA regulations.

Winter 2027 - Environmental Review

• The proposed code changes will undergo review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). The City will issue a SEPA determination and provide an opportunity for public comment as part of the environmental review process.  
• A draft of the proposal will be available to the public in the project documents section of this webpage.

Spring 2027 - Mayor’s Review

• The proposed legislation will be sent to the Mayor’s Office for review after staff and SEPA review.

May through June 2027 - City Council Review and Adoption

• The City Council will review the proposed legislation through its public process, which includes public hearings and chances for people to share their comments.

July 2027 - Anticipated Effective Date

• The updated ECA regulations are anticipated to take effect following their adoption in June.