The City’s design guidelines, entitled Design Review: Guidelines for Multifamily and Commercial Buildings, have been the cornerstone of the Design Review Program since 1994. In 2008 DPD initiated a process to update the 16-year-old citywide guidelines, and is now releasing a first draft for public review.
Side Sewer Public Meeting — January 26, 2010
The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) staff will be hosting a meeting to discuss changes and clarifications regarding the Draft Side Sewer Code (Seattle Municipal Code 21.16) and Draft Joint DPD/SPU Directors Rule 7 2008/04-08, Requirements for Design and Construction of Side Sewers (Drainage and Wastewater Discharges).
Legalizing Backyard Cottages
The City of Seattle wants to remind homeowners of the grace period through June 30 for legalizing existing unauthorized backyard cottages. Under new regulations that went into effect December 4, 2009, backyard cottages became legal throughout Seattle. Previously, backyard cottages, also known as detached accessory dwelling units or DADUs, had been allowed only in southeast Seattle neighborhoods since 2006. Included in the December legislation is a grace period that allows owners of existing, unauthorized backyard cottages the opportunity to legalize their unit without penalty. Owners have until June 30, 2010 to apply for a building permit and until December 31, 2010 to obtain final inspection of the unit.
DPD Service Changes in 2010
Even through the current economic downturn, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) remains committed to providing quality service to its customers. As you may have heard, DPD has experienced significant layoffs in its Operations Branch. In an effort to continue supporting its core services of plan review, permitting and inspections, DPD will be modifying its services in 2010. This includes the following: DPD business closures — 10 days; reduced land use coaching hours; and making permit/project status available only online.
South Lake Union Planning Update
DPD has released revised EIS alternatives for increased height and density in the South Lake Union Neighborhood to be studied in an Environmental Impact Statement. In addition, preliminary findings for an urban design framework for South Lake Union, to complement and inform the EIS alternatives, have been published. The revised EIS alternatives and design framework respond to concerns raised by stakeholders in scoping comments.
South Downtown Executive Recommendations Released
Mayor Greg Nickels and the City of Seattle Department of Planning and Development (DPD) released final Executive Recommendations from the Livable South Downtown Planning Study today. Recommendations include proposed Land Use Code amendments for areas within the South Downtown planning area: Pioneer Square, Chinatown/ International District, Little Saigon and other areas east of Interstate 5, […]
Planning Commission Seeks New Commissioners
The City of Seattle is looking for candidates to serve on the Seattle Planning Commission, beginning in January, 2010. Planning Commission members are appointed by the Mayor, City Council and the Commission itself to serve renewable, three-year terms. Commissioners must reside in Seattle and serve without compensation. Of the two open positions one will be […]
Seattle Design Commission Recognizes Public Projects
Mayor Greg Nickels will join the Seattle Design Commission and project teams Thursday evening, December 3rd, to recognize five recent public projects that exhibit superior design. The projects include a public park, a master plan, infrastructure improvements, and a new zoo exhibit. The Seattle Design Commission reviews public projects and projects with public funds, providing design guidance in support of development that fosters interaction with the public and enhances Seattle’s neighborhoods.
Seattle 2030 & Beyond
Join former Mayor Norm Rice for the kick-off of a major update of Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan – “Seattle 2030 & Beyond.” Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 1994, sets policies and goals for a full range of elements that affect how a city will grow, including land use, transportation, housing, capital facilities, utilities, economic development, neighborhood planning, human development, cultural resources and the environment.
Neighborhood Status Reports… on to the Finish Line!
During June and July, many neighbors joined in meetings and many other hundreds participated in on line questionnaires to review the Draft Neighborhood Status Reports and comment on changes— good, bad, and unexpected —that have occurred since Seattle’s Neighborhood Plans were written in the late 90’s. … The Neighborhood Plan Advisory Committee (NPAC) and the Seattle Planning Commission want to report back to you on the trends that emerged so far and to get your help to identify the continuing priorities and new issues that should be emphasized in the final Status Reports and a State of the Neighborhood Report that will be presented to the City Council and Mayor.
