DPD has amended the Seattle Mixed zone (Land Use Code Chapter 23.48) several times, most recently to apply the zone in South Lake Union. Currently, provisions related to specific neighborhoods are interspersed throughout the zone’s main chapter, which has made the zone difficult to understand and use. We are proposing to reorganize the chapter into subchapters consisting of general standards that apply in all Seattle Mixed zones and neighborhood- and location-specific standards that apply unique provisions to the neighborhoods.
Rental Housing Registration and Inspection Program Draft Ordinance Now Available for Review
The proposed Rental Housing Registration and Inspection Program has been developed to help address the issue, and will provide for proactive inspections of most rental housing in Seattle. The City currently has a complaint-based system; potential violations are reported to the department, we then inspect, and if violations are found, action is taken to gain compliance. This program will continue. However, not all and perhaps some of the most egregious code violations are never reported due to lack of knowledge of basic code standards, fear of retaliation, or lack of familiarity with the enforcement system.
