DPD has hired Faith Lumsden as the new Code Compliance Director. She takes over from Karen White, who retired in April. Faith started her new role on July 23.
Archives for August 1, 2012
Unreinforced Masonry Policy Committee Update
DPD continues its work with the Unreinforced Masonry (URM) Policy Committee to develop recommendations for a URM seismic retrofit program. The committee has discussed what buildings would be subject to new regulations, financing options, and the timeline for implementation of the program. The committee’s will next develop incentives for retrofit work and enforcement mechanisms for the program. DPD expects the URM retrofit program will be phased in over a period of years.
Regulatory Reform Passed by Council
On July 23, the City Council adopted Mayor McGinn’s regulatory reform package that will promote economic recovery by providing new code flexibility to encourage more investment and business startups in Seattle. By reducing “red tape” and streamlining environmental review processes, it will be easier for entrepreneurs to grow a business and provide new housing with greater flexibility in design. These reforms will help Seattle grow in ways that promote livability and sustainability and are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s “urban village” principles.
Living Building Pilot Program Adopted by Council
On July 30, the City Council adopted Council Bill 117516that amends the Land Use Code to allow more flexibility in applying land use standards for projects qualifying for the Living Building and Seattle Deep Green Pilot Programs.
EPA Offers Lead Awareness Workshops
The primary cause of childhood lead poisoning is lead-based paint in homes and child-occupied facilities built prior to 1978. To reduce risks of childhood lead poisoning, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issues the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule. This rule requires property management companies, landlords, contractors, renovators, and painters to take safety measures when working with lead paint.
June 2012 Permit Turnaround Times
Permit turnaround times for June 2012.
2012 Seattle Mechanical Code Review Begins
DPD is looking for people interested in helping us review the draft 2012 Seattle Mechanical Code. A committee of the Construction Codes Advisory Board (CCAB) will review the draft in September. DPD expects the 2012 Seattle Mechanical Code to take effect in the summer or fall of 2013, close to the July 1, 2013 effective date of the State codes.
Elevator Code Committee Members Needed
DPD is forming a public review committee to review Chapter 30 (Elevators and Conveying Systems) of the draft 2012 Seattle Building Code. We anticipate that the committee will meet three to four times during October and November for approximately two hours each meeting.
David Cutler Elected Chair of the Seattle Planning Commission
The Seattle Planning Commission elected new leadership earlier this month. David Cutler was elected by the commission to serve as chair. Cutler previously served as the commission’s vice chair alongside outgoing Chair Leslie Miller. The leadership term will last until July 2013.
Updated Tree Regulations Proposal
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.