In a project-specific Superior Court decision issued August 13, 2014, a judge ruled that individual bedrooms having private bathrooms and food preparation areas within them were configured for use as separate dwelling units, and must be regulated accordingly. In light of the court’s reasoning, the DPD has re-examined other similar projects currently under review. DPD has concluded that the individual rooms within any proposed development having an identical or substantially similar arrangement also must be regulated as separate dwelling units. Environmental (SEPA) and Design Review thresholds will be calculated based on the number of rooms so configured.
Archives for October 1, 2014
Reminder: Time to Apply for Grading Season Extension
The rainy season is rapidly approaching, which means it’s time to think about whether you will be doing any grading between November 1, 2014 and March 31, 2015. If your project includes Geotechnical Special Inspections AND if your project is in an environmentally critical area or involves a large quantity of earth-moving, check the Geotechnical Special Inspection assignment letter DPD sent you shortly after your permit was issued.
Pedestrian Retail Areas – Project Update
DPD has been studying a variety of areas around the city to encourage new, and protect existing, walkable neighborhood business districts. We met and talked with community groups about our preliminary recommendations, and conducted an online survey that closed April 30th. We have reviewed the feedback we received and prepared updated analysis and recommendations.
Van Accessible Parking Stalls
DPD would like to make sure that architects are aware of the code requirements for vertical clearances for van accessible parking. Seattle’s Building Code (SBC) and other standards require accessible van parking to have specific vertical clearances.
August Permit Turnaround Times
View permit turnaround times for August 2014.
Rainier Beach Station Area: Food Innovation Zone and Proposed Rezone
DPD’s Community Development team is preparing an urban design and development framework, and rezone legislation, to submit to City Council by the end of the year. Our rezone legislation is based on land use recommendations by the Rainier Beach community in their 2012 neighborhood plan update.
Lake City Urban Design Framework
DPD is working with the Lake City community to develop an Urban Design Framework (UDF) that will establish a clear vision for future development in the neighborhood. The UDF will identify implementation actions for both the public and the private sector to realize the shared vision.
DPD to Present Initial Recommendations for Ballard in November
DPD has been working with neighborhood groups and non-profits, organized as the Ballard Partnership for Smart Growth, to develop an Urban Design Framework (UDF). The UDF will establish the desired design qualities for the central Ballard area, and examine how development regulations can better shape growth in ways that reflect those qualities.
Upcoming Design Review Board Openings
Seattle’s Design Review Program is seeking new volunteer board members to join the program in April 2015. Applications are available on the Design Review website. We are seeking people who are passionate about our built environment and civic engagement.
September Publication Updates
DPD published four updated Tips and one new Tip, four draft Director’s Rules, and two new Director’s Rules, and superseded one Director’s Rule.