Land Use Code
See also: Land Use Opinion Letters, How to Appeal a Decision, How to Request a Code Interpretation
The City recently adopted ordinances 127211 and 127219 to boost housing supply and options in Seattle’s residential zones. The online Seattle Municipal Code may take several months to be updated. You can download consolidated versions of the Neighborhood Residential Code and the Accessory Dwelling Units for reference.
What Is It?
The Land Use Code regulates the use and development of land in Seattle. SDCI reviews permit applications to make sure they comply with this code. There are some regulations that require public notice and published land use decisions, such as Design Review, special exceptions, conditional uses, and variances. Other zoning standards are applied as part of a construction permit or Master Use Permit without a public process.
Frequently Requested Land Use Topics
Click on the links below to learn more about the most frequently requested land use topics. Understanding these regulations will help you plan your development project.
Read the Code
- Land Use Code, Seattle Municipal Code Title 23
- Ordinance 127375 and 127376 codified (showing summary of changes)
Related Topics
- Cannabis Code
- Incentive Zoning Program
- Land Use / Master Use Permit - Plat
- Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) Program
- Privately Owned Public Spaces
- Property Line Disputes
- Seattle Green Factor
- Sign, Awning, & Billboard Permit
- Street, Alley, and Pedestrian Improvement Exceptions
Additional Resources
Proposed Changes
For proposed changes to land use regulations, see our Changes to Code page and the Office of Planning and Community Development's Ongoing Initiatives list.