Principal use parking as an interim use will soon be allowed on eligible lots in all zones within the Station Area Overlay District in Southeast Seattle. Exceptions are for lots within the boundaries of the North Beacon Hill station area, and on lots occupied or owned by institutions within one quarter mile of a light rail station, where principal use parking is not otherwise permitted. Council Bill 117047 was passed, along with Council Bill 117046 (see related story), as part of legislation aimed at promoting economic relief due to stalled development projects, and to encourage Link light rail ridership.
Highlights of the interim light rail parking legislation include:
- Allow light rail parking as an interim use on lots that already have legally established parking in four of the five station areas in Southeast Seattle (Mt. Baker, Columbia City, Othello and Rainier Beach Station Areas) where principal use (commuter) parking is not currently allowed.
- Light rail parking would not be allowed within the North Beacon Hill station area.
- Owners would be able to make parking available to rail commuters, employees and patrons of nearby businesses.
- Light rail commuter and business support parking would further be allowed on lots outside the station areas that have existing parking and that are accessory to institutions within walking distance of the light rail stations, including lots near the North Beacon Hill light rail station meeting this criterion.
- The proposal would not allow principal structures to be demolished in order to establish a parking use.
- The proposal would limit the number of non-accessory parking spaces that may be established on a lot to 40, except that institutions within a quarter mile of a light rail station that are not within the boundaries of the Station Area Overlay District may establish up to 100 spaces.
The interim use parking allowance would be permitted for a maximum term of three years, and the ability to apply for a permit would expire at the end of 2012.
For more information, visit our website, www.seattle.gov/dpd/Planning/LightRailInterimParking/Overview/default.asp, or contact:
Bill Mills
(206) 684-8738
william.mills@seattle.gov