On September 9, 2013, the Seattle City Council adopted rules that put in place minimum density requirements (in the form of a minimum floor area ratio (FAR)). These requirements apply to development on lots in a neighborhood commercial zone with a pedestrian designation in urban centers, urban villages, and light rail station areas. The rules were passed on an interim basis.
On May 29, 2014 we published a full draft of our proposed code adjustments for
Minimum Density. We also published a notice of a Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) on the proposed rules, as part of the required State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review. These documents are available for public review on our project webpage.
The SEPA comment period runs through June 12, 2014. Please e-mail your comments about the proposed changes to aly.pennucci@seattle.gov by June 12 if you want them to be included during the formal SEPA comment period.
The purpose of this legislation is to
- Foster compact, vibrant, pedestrian-oriented business districts that serve the needs of local residents
- Encourage a level of development that fulfills the City’s Comprehensive Plan goals and responsibilities under the Growth Management Act
- Allow flexibility for a range of uses and building arrangements on the lot
- Promote the urban design and pedestrian-oriented goals of neighborhood commercial zones
If you have questions about this topic, please contact:
Aly Pennucci, Senior Planner
(206) 386-9132
aly.pennucci@seattle.gov