On November 25, we published a notice for a 30-day comment period for draft Director’s Rule 16-2019 in the Land Use Information Bulletin. This rule lists where higher SEPA “infill development” thresholds are now in effect, which includes most Urban Centers and Urban Villages. The Director’s Rule will be updated again in the future if other Urban Centers or Urban Villages add more new development and exceed their growth targets.
The City Council passed, and the Mayor signed Ordinance 125964 in October, which newly extends SEPA “infill development” thresholds in most Urban Villages. They now are 200 dwelling units and up to 30,000 square feet of commercial space. These thresholds already apply in most Urban Centers. The prior SEPA thresholds ranged from 4 to 20 dwelling units and 12,000 square feet of commercial space. Environmental review is not required for development proposals below the threshold level.
We can keep these thresholds as long as Urban Centers and Urban Villages do not exceed their 20-year growth target through new development. Some Urban Centers and Urban Villages have already exceeded their growth targets and are subject to typical SEPA threshold levels of 20 dwelling units and 12,000 square feet of non-residential space. They are: Roosevelt, Capitol Hill/First Hill, 23rd & Union-Jackson, Columbia City, and Mount Baker.
We’re interested in your feedback! Please send your comments about the contents of Director’s Rule 16-2019, to gordon.clowers@seattle.gov.
Also, in December, we’ll publish Director’s Rule 17-2019, which has similar updated information about SEPA thresholds for a comment period. Check out the Land Use Information Bulletin on our Resources page, for updated Director’s Rules and comment periods.