Building Connections Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections

Building Connections

Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections news and events

Regional Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) From Snohomish County Now Accepted

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In November, ordinance 126455 went into effect allowing Seattle to accept the transfer of development rights (TDR) from farms and forests in Snohomish County as part of the existing regional TDR program active in certain areas of Downtown and South Lake Union. Under existing rules, development in parts of Downtown and South Lake Union may achieve extra floor area by providing certain public benefits such as purchasing development rights from farms and forests in King County. This legislation expands the geographic areas where TDR can come from to include Snohomish County as well. 

Displacement Risk Monitoring Data Will Guide Future Community Wealth Building Efforts

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The Office of Planning and Community Development has launched an Equitable Development monitoring program that includes a new  Displacement Risk Indicators dashboard and Community Indicators of Equitable Development report. The City will be tracking areas where displacement risk for communities of color continues to rise, as well as monitoring housing affordability, economic opportunity, and other metrics. This ongoing program will provide data to City leaders and the public to help guide decisions to advance equitable development and mitigate displacement risk.  

City Seeks Designs for Pre-Approved DADUs

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To help more residents own and rent accessory dwelling units (ADUs), the City is currently seeking submissions of designs for detached ADUs, often called DADUs or backyard cottages. Pre-approved designs will offer a faster, easier, and more predictable path to permit and construct a DADU. Homeowners choosing a pre-approved plan will pay reduced permit fees and get their permit within 2-6 weeks for sites without protected trees or environmentally critical areas and that do not need drainage review. 

Pre-approved Plans for Accessory Dwelling Units

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As part of our comprehensive effort to enable more residents to own and rent accessory dwelling units (ADUs), Mayor Jenny Durkan has called for pre-approved plans for detached ADUs that offer homeowners a faster, easier, and more predictable design and permitting process. Our first step in this effort was a public survey about design principles we should consider when selecting plans for pre-approval. Between September 30 and October 21, we received almost 600 responses to the survey.

Capitol Hill Design Guidelines Update Open House

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Capitol Hill is experiencing a phase of rapid growth. Since the neighborhood design guidelines were adopted in 2005, nearly 50 new building designs have gone through the Design Review program and received development permits. As the neighborhood continues to grow, the City of Seattle is teaming up with Capitol Hill Housing, the Capitol Hill EcoDistrict and local community members to update the existing Capitol Hill Neighborhood Design Guidelines, which will serve as a guide for future development throughout all areas within the Capitol Hill Urban Center.

Urban Innovations Speakers Series, March 7!

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Presented by OPCD and Seattle Office of Housing. OPCD will be hosting Urban Innovations Speakers Series to increase public awareness of global best practices to achieve an integrated approach to planning for livable cities. Topics will include: affordable housing, urban design for community health, community-based resilience, new trends in urban development, and integrated land use, […]