Three draft rules are available that would interpret a height measurement technique, landscaping provisions (green factor) and frequent transit service (used in calculating parking requirements in certain areas). These rules are anticipated to be effective at the same time, April 19, 2011, as related legislation that was recently adopted by the City Council: the Lowrise multifamily code update and clarified in clean-up legislation. All rules can be downloaded from the Related Documents page of our website.
Clean-Up Bill for Lowrise Zoning
On December 14, 2010, the City Council adopted Ordinance 123495. This ordinance establishes new development standards for lowrise (LR) multifamily zones, a new administrative design review process for townhouses, and other standards that apply in various zoning designations. In preparing to administer this legislation, staff from DPD has discovered corrections and clarifications that would facilitate use of the new provisions, in keeping with Council’s intent. Most of the amendments are minor technical changes (e.g. correcting outdated formatting and subsection references). The proposed ordinance also contains amendments that are clarifications to provisions or corrections of errors or omissions.
DPD Group Coaching Sessions on Multifamily Lowrise Code
DPD will be offering 2-hour group coaching sessions (up to 12 people/session) every Monday in March from 10 a.m. to noon in SMT 2240. It will be $50/individual; paid prior to the group session.
Free Public Workshops: Multifamily Lowrise Code
Here’s your chance to learn more information about the new Multifamily Lowrise Code by attending one of two free public overview sessions on March 3, 2011 (same format). The morning session takes place from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and the evening session will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Corrected Effective Date: Multifamily Code Update Legislation Adopted
On December 20, 2010 the Mayor signed the ordinance adopted by the City Council earlier in the month. The ordinance establishes new lowrise zoning and a streamlined administrative design review process for townhouse development. In addition, some of the new standards apply across zones, such as applying the existing shoreline code height measurement technique (a major code simplification accomplishment).
Lowrise Zoning Regulations Revised
On December 13, the City Council approved the first major revisions for lowrise zoning regulations since the late 1980s. The changes include a new streamlined administrative design review process for townhouses.
Multifamily Code Update
The second public hearing on multifamily lowrise zoning and streamlined design review for townhouses was held on Monday, November 22.
Public Hearings on South Downtown and Multifamily Legislations
The City Council’s Committee on the Built Environment will hold two public hearings to take comments on two proposals: 1) South Downtown legislation; and 2) Amendments to lowrise zoning and establishing a design review process for townhouses.
TIME CORRECTION: The hearings are on November 22, 2010. The hearing for South Downtown will be first at 5:30 p.m. and the hearing on the lowrise and design review proposals will immediately follow.
Council Proposal for New Lowrise Multifamily Zoning
The City Council’s Committee on the Built Environment’s proposal for new lowrise multifamily zoning is available for public review. The proposed legislation would amend the Land Use Code, Seattle’s policies pursuant to the Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and Tree Regulations to update lowrise zoning and other provisions.
Your Seattle Planning Commission – 2010 and Beyond
The Seattle Planning Commission is comprised of 16 volunteers, all of whom are appointed by the Mayor or the City Council. The commission is an independent and objective body that advises the Mayor, City Council and City departments on “broad planning goals, policies and plans for…development of the city.” We are the stewards of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and are deeply involved in citywide and neighborhood planning activities.
