Aurora Licton Drainage & Sewer Area Plan

Seattle Public Utilities is developing a Drainage and Sewer Area Plan for Aurora Village-Licton Springs neighborhood. This plan will address flooding and sewer backup problems, identify infrastructure gaps in the current drainage and sewer system, and set clear priorities for future infrastructure improvements.

Map of Aurora Licton Drainage & Sewer Area Plan.
Map of Seattle neighborhood Aurora Village-Licton Springs showing area planning boundaries and surrounding streets with northern boundary at N 110th St, eastern boundary including Licton Springs Park and Cascadia Elementary School, southern boundary at N 84th St, and western boundary alternating between Linden Ave N and Fremont Ave N.

Neighborhood description

The Aurora Avenue N corridor and the Licton Springs neighborhood is densely populated with a mix of residential and commercial zoning. Aurora Ave N, a six-lane highway, is the most heavily used transit route in Washington state. Aurora Ave N is an important corridor for residents, commuters, bus transit, and small and large businesses. This area has experienced historic underinvestment, resulting in inadequate sewer and drainage capacity, unsafe pedestrian infrastructure, limited neighborhood amenities, and crime and safety concerns.

Opportunities and challenges

  • Drainage and flooding risks and challenges on Aurora Ave N and on side streets impacting streets, homes, and businesses
  • Drainage and sewer problems could get worse in the future due to population growth and climate challenges
  • Indigenous communities have organized to recognize and celebrate the historical and cultural importance of Licton Springs Park
  • Better stormwater management could improve water quality and habitats in Licton Springs Park, Licton Springs Creek, Green Lake, and Lake Union
  • Aurora Ave N has known areas with safety, crime, and encampment challenges

What’s happening now

  • We are designing a conceptual system layout that fills gaps in the neighborhood’s drainage system and identifying priority projects
  • We will be outreaching to residents, businesses, and community-based organizations to inform about the project, learn community priorities, and find opportunities to collaborate.  

Public Utilities

Andrew Lee, General Manager and CEO
Address: 700 5th Avenue, Suite 4900, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34018, Seattle, WA, 98124-5177
Phone: (206) 684-3000
SPUCustomerService@seattle.gov

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Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is comprised of three major direct-service providing utilities: the Water Utility, the Drainage and Wastewater Utility, and the Solid Waste Utility.