DPD is proposing amendments to the Land Use Code to implement lot shape and configuration when new lots are platted. The proposal also establishes new requirements for lots in single family zones that are less than 2,500 square feet in area, and limit how lot coverage is calculated. The proposals build on Code amendments adopted by the City Council in 2008 addressing issues of height, bulk and scale in single family development.
The proposal would add lot shape and configuration standards to the Code by amending subdivision, short subdivision, and lot boundary adjustment regulations. Newly created or newly adjusted lots would be required to meet specific standards, not uncommon in many communities, including the following:
Minimum street frontage of 10 feet for lots proposed with street frontage;
- Minimum width of 10 feet for a distance of more than 10 feet as measured perpendicular to the width (to prevent very narrow “connections between portions of lots);
- Maximum of 6 lot lines;
- Must provide alley access if original lot fronts on alley;
- The standards may be waived or modified based on specific site conditions such as location of streets, structures, natural topographic features, etc.;
- Short plats of lots with two existing houses are exempt; and
- Departure through design review would not be allowed.
The proposed development standards for single family lots with less than 2,500 square feet in area would limit the maximum base height of new structures to 22 feet (current standard is 25 feet), and would limit structure depth to two times the width of lot (there is no current structure depth standard, but depth is limited by yard requirements).
Finally, the proposal would limit lot coverage calculations on all single family zoned lots to portions of lots that measure at least 10 feet in any direction. This proposed change would not affect minimum lot area calculation for purposes of compliance with minimum lot size or the exceptions to minimum lot size.
DPD issued a Determination of Non-significance under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) on July 21, 2011. Public comment will be taken through August 4th, and the SEPA determination may be appealed to the City’s Hearing Examiner through August 11th.
Comments about the SEPA decision may be directed to Jerry Suder at (206) 386-4069 or jerry.suder@seattle.gov.
Questions about the proposed amendments may be directed to Bill Mills at (206) 684-8738 or william.mills@seattle.gov.