On June 8, 2017, we posted draft legislation to modify the design review program for public review. In order to allow more time for public review of our draft legislation to modify the design review program, we are accepting public comments through Monday, July 10. The deadline to file an appeal of our SEPA decision was June 29.
Update – Proposed Code Amendments for Vacant Buildings Are Now Available
Draft legislation is available to review on our Vacant Building Code Updates website. The legislation would update provisions for the maintenance and demolition of vacant buildings. The proposed amendments to the Housing and Building Maintenance Code (Title 22) and the Land Use Code (Title 23) respond to an increase in the problems associated with vacant buildings in the city.
Proposed Code Correction Amendments Are Now Available
On August 4, we released a staff draft of the 2016 omnibus legislation along with our environmental (SEPA) decision. The comment and appeal period runs until August 25. The legislation includes amendments to the Land Use Code (Title 23) and related land use regulations in Chapters 3.58, 22.202, and 25.11 to clarify and improve various regulations. Our proposed amendments generally include “clean-up” amendments that correct inadvertent clerical errors and incorrect cross-references, and clarifies existing code language.
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.
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.
City Council to Vote on Neighborhood Plan Goals and Policies
On May 13th City Council will be voting on the Rainier Beach and Broadview/Bitter Lake/Haller Lake neighborhood plans goals and policies that were amended through the neighborhood plan update. These goals and policies provide direction to the City as we undertake projects and programs in support of the neighborhood plan. The Neighborhood Advisory Committee and […]
Amending the Comprehensive Plan
City Council is now considering a package of amendments to the Seattle Comprehensive Plan. DPD helped the Mayor prepare these amendments, which came from several different sources including the City’s Green Ribbon Commission, the Seattle Planning Commission, neighborhood planning groups and individuals.
Proposed Land Use Procedure Changes
The City Council is sponsoring legislation that would amend Seattle’s regulations for processing land use permits. The proposed amendments would streamline administration of the Land Use Code and update methods for public notice. Many of the proposed amendments are technical corrections (such as correcting cross-references, combining sections that address the same topics, and updating grammar and format). The legislation would also expand public notice requirements and clarify procedures for Council land use decisions.
DPD Recommends Comprehensive Plan Amendments
DPD has sent to Council the department’s recommendations for annual amendments to Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan is a collection of City-adopted goals and policies to guide growth over a 20-year period, currently 2004-2024. State law allows the City to make changes to the plan once a year. In April 2011 individuals, groups, elected officials, City Councilmembers, and City departments submitted proposed changes. Council held a hearing in June, and subsequently directed DPD to evaluate 13 proposals.
Platting and Small Lot Legislation
DPD is proposing amendments to the Land Use Code to implement lot shape and configuration when new lots are platted. The proposal also establishes new requirements for lots in single family zones that are less than 2,500 square feet in area, and limit how lot coverage is calculated. The proposals build on Code amendments adopted by the City Council in 2008 addressing issues of height, bulk and scale in single family development.
