On July 1, many of the changes to the Design Review program that were adopted as part of Ordinance No. 125429 in October 2017 will go into effect. The changes include: new requirements for early community outreach for all projects going through Design Review; updates to the thresholds that determine which projects are required to go through Design Review.
Proposed Director’s Rule for Community Outreach for Design Review
On May 4, SDCI published a proposed joint Director’s Rule with Department of Neighborhoods, for review and for public comment until May 21, 2018.
Land Use Review Moving to the 19th Floor
The Land Use Review Team will be moving to its permanent office space on the 19th floor in early December. Beginning December 4, applicants need to drop off Design Review meeting packets at the 19th floor reception area instead of the 31st floor of Seattle Municipal Tower.
Members Sought for Seattle’s Design Review Boards
Passionate about design or architecture? The Mayor is looking for qualified candidates to fill 15 upcoming openings on the City of Seattle’s Design Review Boards. Board members evaluate the design of new buildings based on citywide and neighborhood-specific design guidelines. The boards review large mixed-use developments, multifamily housing, and commercial projects. The volunteer positions will start on April 4, 2018, when retiring board members’ terms expire.
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.
Design Review Changes Public Hearing on September 11
On September 11, the Seattle City Council Planning, Land Use and Zoning Committee will hold a public hearing on proposed legislation to change the City’s design review process.
Reminder: Land Use Review Moved to the 31st Floor
As of June 19, applicants need to drop off Design Review meeting packets on the 31st floor instead of the 22nd floor of Seattle Municipal Tower. Our Land Use Review Team is temporarily relocated to the 31st floor for the next 4-6 months while our space on the 22nd floor is remodeled.
Proposed Updates to Design Review Program Are Now Available
Draft legislation to modify the design review program is available for public review and comment on our Design Review Program Improvements webpage and in the Land Use Information Bulletin. Comments will be open through Thursday, June 22.
Updated: Land Use Review Moving to the 31st Floor
Beginning June 19, applicants will need to drop off Design Review Meeting Packets on the 31st floor instead of the 22nd floor of Seattle Municipal Tower. Our Land Use Review Team is being temporarily relocated to the 31st floor for the next 4-6 months while they remodel our space on the 22nd floor. If you need to speak to a specific person, a phone and personnel list will be posted for you in the 31st floor lobby.