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.
Design standard flexibility is achieved when departures are granted pursuant to the City’s Design Review program. The legislation adds additional departures related to building height and floor area limits on certain sites with industrial commercial zoning.
The pilot was adopted by the City Council in December 2009 to facilitate the development of buildings that would meet the Living Building Challenge. The pilot program includes green building rating systems that recognize buildings meeting high levels of environmental sustainability. The pilot program was extended an additional three years to 2015.
Seattle is already a leader in sustainable building practices, and the pilot program will test even greener results. The intent is to help the City gain a better understanding of innovative buildings that can reduce environmental impacts, test new technologies, and serve as a model for development throughout not only the city but also the region and country.
Copies of the legislation can be obtained from the City Clerk’s website. For more information, please contact:
Bill Mills, DPD Planner
(206) 684-8738
william.mills@seattle.gov