Landslide season is upon us, so the City of Seattle is urging residents to take preventive measures to protect themselves and their property from possible landslides. Most landslides are caused by water (e.g. rainfall, uncontrolled stormwater) or human activity that increases the weight at the top of the slope or reduces the stability at the bottom of the slope.
Protect Your Property from Winter Weather
Rain on top of melting snow can create added weight to hillsides and flat rooftops. As snow begins to melt, it’s important to ensure rooftop drains and downspouts are functioning and clear of ice or other obstructions. A few simple steps can prevent damage to flat roof buildings and reduce the risk of landslides.
Proposed Electric Vehicle Readiness Rules Available for Public Review
We’d like your feedback on draft legislation that would require new development in Seattle to provide electric vehicle (“EV”) charging infrastructure. Specifically, the amendments to the Land Use Code (Title 23) would require that a certain amount of off-street parking spaces include the wiring and electrical (power) outlets necessary to be considered “EV ready”, to make it easier for someone to install charging equipment/stations there in the future. The legislation is available for public review and comment through December 20, 2018.
New Rule & Resources for Design Review Early Community Outreach
On June 12, we published a final joint Director’s Rule with Department of Neighborhoods (DON). The Rule expands on the new requirement that all projects going through Design Review must conduct community outreach before beginning the early design guidance (EDG) process.
Online Open House: Bus Layover Facilities
The City of Seattle is updating the Land Use Code to allow for Bus Hub facilities and Metro is identifying locations in north downtown to build them. The first “bus hub” will be located on Eastlake Ave E. This surface facility will accommodate approximately 12 buses and provide a comfort station and an operations office for operators. Please visit the online open house, which will be open to the public on Wednesday, January 17 through January 31. There, you can give feedback on land use changes and the design features of the Eastlake hub.
Council Approves Changes to Design Review Program
On October 2, the City Council adopted legislation to change the City’s Design Review program. The changes will improve the overall function of the program by enhancing the efficiency and predictability of project reviews, improving dialogue among project stakeholders, and making the program more transparent and accessible to the public and project applicants.
PLUZ Committee Votes on Proposed Design Review Changes
On September 19, the Seattle City Council Planning, Land Use and Zoning (PLUZ) Committee recommended adoption of proposed legislation to change the City’s design review process.
Changes to Rules for Vacant Buildings
On September 8, the Mayor signed Ordinance 125399, which updates provisions for the maintenance and demolition of vacant buildings. The ordinance becomes effective on October 9, 2017.
New Approved Legislation and Amendments
The City Council approved an amendment to the 2015 Seattle Building Code allowing Art Gallery spaces less than 3000 square feet in size to remain or be classified as an Mercantile occupancy from an Assembly-3 occupancy. They also approved legislation for Seattle’s Technical Codes and Electrical Code.
New Permitting Software Pilots Underway
We’re piloting some permit application types in our new permitting system. We’re starting small and limiting participation in this early phase – the pilots are by invitation only at this point. We plan to fully launch the system later this year.
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