Draft legislation is available for review and comment until December 23, 2019. It would update width of access easements for townhouses to match the driveway width. This code amendment would apply to small-scale townhouse projects in Seattle and would help land be used efficiently for housing.
New Rules for Short-Term Rentals
In December 2017, the City Council adopted new rules for the operation of short-term rentals in Seattle. The new rules address regulatory licensing, taxation, and land use requirements for short-term rentals, a type of lodging sometimes called vacation rentals. Most of the new requirements will go into effect in January 2019.
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.
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.
Youth Service Center Amendments
DPD is proposing amendments to the Land Use Code to define a new land use for Youth Service Centers (YSC) and allow the use in Neighborhood Commercial 3 (NC3) and Lowrise (LR3) zones in existing public facilities operated by King County. The amendments would also authorize the DPD Director to waive or modify standards for structure setbacks and maximum width limits for YSCs in LR3 zones. The City Council will hold a public hearing to take comments on the proposal on Friday, September 5th at 2:00 p.m.
2013 Land Use Code “Omnibus” Ordinance Adopted by Council
DPD is responsible for normal maintenance of the Land Use Code, which includes packaging a collection of amendments that are relatively small in scale, and have a limited scope of impact, into an “omnibus” ordinance. These amendments correct typographical errors, fix section references, and clarify existing code language. The latest omnibus Ordinance, Council Bill 117952, was adopted by City Council on December 16 and will become effective in mid-January 2014.
Pioneer Square Amendments: A “Win-Win” for public Safety and Economic Vitality
The Mayor and DPD, in partnership with the Alliance for Pioneer Square, are proposing a change to the land use code that would be a “win-win” for Pioneer Square. If approved, the amendments will encourage a mixed-use development that will bring office workers, residents and tourists to a key location next to Occidental Square.
Proposed Land Use Code Amendment: Seattle Maritime Academy
DPD has finalized recommendations related to a Land Use Code text amendment that would allow water-related or water-dependant facilities, that are part of colleges or universities, in new and existing buildings in the Ballard Interbay Manufacturing and Industrial Center (BINMIC). The proposed amendment would allow the Seattle Maritime Academy, of Seattle Central Community College, to expand its teaching facilities in the BINMIC.
Boarding Houses in Seattle – New Director’s Rule Coming Soon
DPD has seen a rise in permit applications for buildings that contain boarding houses, a relatively new project type. These boarding houses generally consist of a group of small bedrooms with attached private bathrooms, each equipped with sink and refrigerator, all arranged around a common corridor or stair, and a common kitchen.
West Seattle Triangle Planning
The West Seattle Triangle Planning Project has concluded a year-long planning process covering the area near the junctions of Fauntleroy Way SW, SW Alaska Street, and 35th Avenue SW. Over 35 public meetings were held bringing together residents, property owners, business interests and others interested in the future of this gateway to West Seattle. The culmination of this planning process is expected to result in two key outcomes: 1) proposed zoning changes and amendments to the Land Use Code governing development in the Triangle; and 2) a streetscape concept plan that will guide street improvements in the area.
