If you live on a steep slope or landslide-prone area, the City of Seattle encourages you to come to our free landslide awareness meeting on November 10.
Archives for November 1, 2012
Developing on Small Single-Family Lots
DPD generally supports and encourages infill development when consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan goals and policies. DPD recently reviewed the Land Use Code provisions that regulate undersized lots and minimum lot area exceptions. DPD determined that development approved under current standards is often out of character with the surrounding neighborhood and inconsistent with policy. Interim measures were put in place to prevent additional permits on these small lots while this issue is being studied.
September 2012 Permit Turnaround Times
Permit turnaround times for September 2012.
Adding a Dwelling Unit
DPD has seen a recent increase in permit applications from building owners adding a (single) unit to existing multi-family buildings. This can typically be done once the in life of a building without triggering fire sprinklers or added parking (Seattle Building Code (SBC) 3404.1 and Seattle Municipal Code 23.54.020.A, respectively). Usually the project involves remodeling a storage room, utility room, or the manager’s office to create a rentable dwelling unit.
New Year’s Deadline Approaching for Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Time is running short for landlords to install carbon monoxide alarms in all residential dwelling units. This applies even for dwellings that don’t have fireplaces or gas-fired appliances, because these are not the cause of the most severe incidents. Following our 2006 windstorm, 250 people were treated for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in the Puget Sound area and eight died, all from either burning charcoal briquettes inside their homes or from improper use of gasoline-powered generators. In response to these tragedies, new state-wide law and building codes will require CO alarms in most residential buildings, including single-family homes.
2012 Energy Codes Take Shape
The State Building Code Council is now finalizing amendments to the 2012 Washington State Energy Code. This will be a modified version of the 2012 IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) instead of our current “home-grown” state code, so it will have an entirely new format. The Seattle Energy Code amendments will carry forward a number of existing Seattle requirements, dispense with a few others, and add some new ones. Both the state and Seattle codes constitute incremental steps towards our long-term conservation targets.
Envisioning Ballard to Interbay
DPD has launched a land-use study of Elliot Avenue W and 15th Avenue NW corridor from Ballard to Interbay. The purpose of the study is to develop a vision for the lands close to this heavily travelled, multi-functional route. The study will also include proposals for any required changes to the Comprehensive Plan or the Land Use Code to support the vision for this corridor.
Community Planning for the University District Going Strong
DPD is undertaking a major planning project for the University District core neighborhood. The department is partnering with community residents, businesses, social service agencies, the faith community, and the University of Washington through the University District Livability Partnership. The partnership is “a four-year strategic initiative to encourage investment for a vibrant, walkable University District community.”