The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) has released a revised proposal to update regulations governing trees on private property, which is now available at www.seattle.gov/dpd/planning/trees. The intent of this update is to better implement the goals of the Urban Forest Management Plan by improving existing tree regulations and adding a number of new measures that would expand or improve development standards to better mitigate the impacts of development.
Archives for July 2012
Rental Housing Registration and Inspection Program Draft Ordinance Now Available for Review
The proposed Rental Housing Registration and Inspection Program has been developed to help address the issue, and will provide for proactive inspections of most rental housing in Seattle. The City currently has a complaint-based system; potential violations are reported to the department, we then inspect, and if violations are found, action is taken to gain compliance. This program will continue. However, not all and perhaps some of the most egregious code violations are never reported due to lack of knowledge of basic code standards, fear of retaliation, or lack of familiarity with the enforcement system.
Waterfront Into Focus
On July 12 we’ll celebrate a new milestone in our waterfront’s history. Thanks to the efforts of many people, the waterfront conceptual design has come into focus. Bring friends and family to see what’s next for our great waterfront and how our community will make it happen. Be part of the conversation and see what’s next for our waterfront.
Proposed Land Use Code Amendment: Seattle Maritime Academy
DPD has finalized recommendations related to a Land Use Code text amendment that would allow water-related or water-dependant facilities, that are part of colleges or universities, in new and existing buildings in the Ballard Interbay Manufacturing and Industrial Center (BINMIC). The proposed amendment would allow the Seattle Maritime Academy, of Seattle Central Community College, to expand its teaching facilities in the BINMIC.
Council Reviews Yesler Terrace Proposal
The Seattle City Council is reviewing proposed legislation and a petition for vacation of streets related to the Seattle Housing Authority’s (SHA’s) proposed redevelopment of Yesler Terrace and nearby property
South Lake Union Rezone Recommendations
On Monday, June 25, DPD held an open house to presents the Mayor’s rezone recommendation for South Lake Union. This proposal is the culmination of a 5-year process that included participation by a diverse and engaged community working with the City to define a clear vision for the future of South Lake Union. This proposal includes proposed development regulations that incorporate an incentive for increases in height and floor area that will provide important neighborhood amenities to ensure that as growth continues, it contributes to the areas livability and sustainability. The proposed rezoning will allow for 12,000 new housing units and 22,000 new jobs by the year 2031.
Shoreline Master Program Final Recommendations Just Released
An environmental (SEPA) determination and decision on DPD’s final recommendations for updating Seattle’s Shoreline Master Program was published on June 28. The final Shoreline Master Program recommendations include the goals, policies and regulations that govern Seattle’s Shoreline District and the Restoration and Enhancement Plan. The Shoreline District includes the Duwamish River, the Ship Canal, Lake Union, Lake Washington, Green Lake, Puget Sound, associated wetlands and floodplains, and land within 200 feet of these water-bodies.
Seeking Members For Construction Codes Advisory Board
Mayor Mike McGinn and DPD are looking for applicants for 5 positions on the Construction Codes Advisory Board. Board members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council for renewable, three-year terms. We are recruiting for a general contractor, electrical engineer, apartment building owner or operator, and 2 representatives of the general public.
DPD Offers More Services to the Public
Starting July 2, DPD will offer free land use coaching on all development proposals, reinstating this valuable service to those needing a more immediate response. This free service offers up to 20 minutes of coaching with a land use planner to provide a direct response to questions posed during the visit.
New Permit Fee Helps Protect Fisheries
Starting July 10, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will charge $150 to process the state permit required for construction projects in and around state waters.
The permit, called a hydraulic project approval (HPA), has been issued to the public at no direct cost since 1943, when it was created by the state Legislature to ensure that projects such as bulkheads, culverts and dock construction meet state standards for fish and shellfish protection.