On December 14, 2010, the City Council adopted Ordinance 123495. This ordinance establishes new development standards for lowrise (LR) multifamily zones, a new administrative design review process for townhouses, and other standards that apply in various zoning designations.
In preparing to administer this legislation, staff from DPD has discovered corrections and clarifications that would facilitate use of the new provisions, in keeping with Council’s intent. Most of the amendments are minor technical changes (e.g. correcting outdated formatting and subsection references). The proposed ordinance also contains amendments that are clarifications to provisions or corrections of errors or omissions.
A version of this bill was introduced on February 7, 2011, as Council Bill 117104. However, DPD has identified the need for four additional corrections and clarifications. A new bill, Council Bill 117117, that includes these additional amendments added to the content of the previous bill were introduced on February 28. The City Council’s Committee on the Built Environment anticipates holding a public hearing on the proposed amendments on March 9, 2011.
Questions regarding the proposed amendments may be directed to Rebecca Herzfeld of the Legislative Department at (206) 684-8148 or via email at rebecca.herzfeld@seattle.gov or Mike Podowski of DPD at (206) 386-1988 or via email at mike.podowski@seattle.gov.
Copies of Council Bill 117104 and Council Bill 117117 are available from the City Clerk’s Office. The Clerk’s Office is located at 600 4th Avenue, Floor 3 and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Electronic copies may also be accessed at http://clerk.seattle.gov/public/. More information can be found at: www.seattle.gov/DPD/Planning/Multifamily_Code_Update/Overview/.
New Lowrise Code Changes Effective April 19, 2011
- Applications for projects using the new code may be submitted on March 1 or after that date;
- Any project being submitted before the effective date cannot be approved prior to April 19.
Weblinks:
- Multifamily Zoning Chart (Summary of Development Standards)
- New Multifamily Ordinance
New height measurement technique applies to all zones
- You may choose the old or new measurement technique through July 17;
- You must choose the new height measurement on July 18 or after that date.
Streamlined Design Review is required for townhouse development
- Required for townhouse development with more than two dwelling units;
- Requires public notice, but is not subject to appeal;
- Allows some flexibility in development standards;
- Optional process for rowhouses, apartments and cottage housing.
How to find out more about the Multifamily Code Changes
- March 3 – Overview Sessions for the Public
- Morning: 8:00 a.m. – 10 a.m., Bertha Landes Room, City Hall
- Evening: 6:00 p.m. – 8 p.m., Bertha Landes Room, City Hall
- Land Use Coaching – more sessions are being made available
- Intended to provide information on project specific sites;
- Available in 30-minute sessions for $125 or 60-minute sessions for $250.
- Group Coaching – 2 hours long, up to 12 people/session
- Every Monday in March, from 10 a.m. – noon, SMT 2240
- $50/individual; paid prior to the group session
- We will answer questions about applying the new code to specific sites
- To sign up for a session or obtain more details, please contact:
Janet Oslund
(206) 386-9738
janet.oslund@seattle.gov