On January 20, 2023, the state proposed SEPA related amendments removed parking as an element of the environment and revised the environmental checklist. As a result of new state law, SDCI will no longer identify and analyze parking impacts in its SEPA analysis. A new Environmental (SEPA) checklist is available on the City forms page and required with submittal of a Master Use Permit for project proposals that require SEPA.
Proposed Electric Vehicle Readiness Rules Available for Public Review
We’d like your feedback on draft legislation that would require new development in Seattle to provide electric vehicle (“EV”) charging infrastructure. Specifically, the amendments to the Land Use Code (Title 23) would require that a certain amount of off-street parking spaces include the wiring and electrical (power) outlets necessary to be considered “EV ready”, to make it easier for someone to install charging equipment/stations there in the future. The legislation is available for public review and comment through December 20, 2018.
Neighborhood Parking Ordinance Effective May 14
On April 2, the City Council approved legislation with several changes to parking rules in the Land Use Code. The amendments provide more flexible off-street parking options and clarify “frequent transit service” areas where parking is not required. The rules will go into effect Monday, May 14.
Neighborhood Parking Legislation
For the past couple of years, SDCI has been working on parking legislation. On April 2, the full City Council may vote on the legislation. The legislation will increase opportunities for shared parking and set or reinforce progressive parking policies in places where Seattle invests in frequent transit service. These strategies will help provide access for the greatest number of Seattleites to a range of transportation options that promote social equity, help reduce household transportation costs, and reduce reliance on automobiles.
Vehicle Access Easement Standards
SDCI receives many multifamily and commercial short plat and lot boundary adjustment applications proposing ten-foot-wide vehicle access easements for lots with no street frontage. These proposals base the width of the vehicle access on the number of parking spaces. However, Seattle’s Code (SMC 23.53.025) requires vehicle access widths to be based on the number of dwelling units being served, not the number of parking spaces being provided. (Under the code, the access requirements are distinct from driveway standards, which are based in part on the number of parking spaces served.)
Supporting Neighborhood Parking Options
The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) posted draft legislation to improve parking availability in neighborhoods by providing flexibility for building owners to make parking facilities with excess capacity available for public use. These policies will help more residents, consumers and visitors have better access to parking across the city.
City Sends Parking Recommendations to City Council
DPD and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) has sent a report to City Council containing preliminary staff recommendations to address residential parking issues related to new development. Last year, the Mayor and City Council directed DPD and SDOT to work together in preparing the recommendations for Council consideration this spring.
Regulatory Reform Effective August 31
Mayor McGinn’s regulatory reform package went into effect August 31. The package will promote economic recovery by providing new code flexibility to encourage more investment and business startups in Seattle. By reducing “red tape” and streamlining environmental review processes, it will be easier for entrepreneurs to grow a business and provide new housing with greater flexibility in design. These reforms will help Seattle grow in ways that promote livability and sustainability and are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s “urban village” principles.
Regulatory Reform Passed by Council
On July 23, the City Council adopted Mayor McGinn’s regulatory reform package that will promote economic recovery by providing new code flexibility to encourage more investment and business startups in Seattle. By reducing “red tape” and streamlining environmental review processes, it will be easier for entrepreneurs to grow a business and provide new housing with greater flexibility in design. These reforms will help Seattle grow in ways that promote livability and sustainability and are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s “urban village” principles.
Regulatory Reform Proposal Public Hearing March 28
The City Council’s Planning, Land Use and Sustainability (PLUS) committee will hold a public hearing on the proposed regulatory reforms on March 28 at the Council chambers. This proposal, developed with the help of a roundtable group of environmental, development, labor and neighborhood leaders, was forwarded to the Council in February 2012. It includes several strategies meant to promote new housing development and entrepreneurial activity, and to enhance Seattle’s livability, environment and economic vitality.
