On January 26, Mayor McGinn signed Ordinance 123809, Platting and Lot Standards.
This ordinance becomes effective on February 25, 2012.
Ordinance 123809 makes the following changes to Land Use Code requirements affecting platting regulations and regulations for undersized lots:
1. Lot shape and configuration standards
For subdivision, short subdivision, and lot boundary adjustments, newly created or newly adjusted lots must meet the following standards:
- 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 at any point (to prevent very narrow “connections” between portions of lots);
- Maximum of 6 lot lines;
- Must provide alley access if original lot fronts on alley; and
- Standards may be waived or modified through a Type II special exception review for subdivisions and short subdivisions (Type I review for lot boundary adjustments), based on specific site conditions such as location of existing structures, natural topographic features, location of existing utilities, etc.
2. Development standards for certain “undersized lots”
Certain lots qualifying for exceptions to minimum lot area in single family zones must meet the following:
- The platting standards apply to lots that are platted under the 75/80 rule
- Limit maximum height of new structures on lots less than 2,500 square feet in area to 22 feet, if the lot has less than 15 feet of street frontage and if the front or side yard abuts for at least 15 feet on the rear yard of another lot; and
- Limit structure depth on lots less than 2,500 square feet in area to two times the width of lot.
3. Lot coverage calculations on single-family zoned lots
Only portions of lots that measure at least 10 feet in any direction count in lot coverage calculations. (Note that this change does not affect minimum lot area calculation for compliance with minimum lot size or the exceptions to minimum lot size.)
A copy of the ordinance is attached for your reference. Citizens may obtain copies of the ordinance by contacting the City Clerk’s office at 684-8344 or by accessing the Clerk’s website at http://clerk.ci.seattle.wa.us/~public/CBOR1.htm. If you have any questions about the adopted legislation, please email or call Bill Mills at 684-8738.