DPD is proposing amendments to the Housing and Building Maintenance Code (Seattle Municipal Code Section 22.206) and the Land Use Code (Seattle Municipal Code Section 23.91), concerning standards for habitable and vacant buildings.
Proposed Tree Regulations
In July 2010, DPD proposed a comprehensive revision of Seattle’s tree regulations. Responding to Council Resolution 31138, DPD evaluated the effectiveness of existing regulations and made recommendations on how they could be improved. The proposal is intended to meet the goals of the Urban Forest Management Plan while balancing competing needs.
Tree Regulations and Programs Open House
The City of Seattle invites the public to an open house to learn how the City is increasing Seattle’s tree canopy. The City has proposed regulations that will increase tree canopy, provide flexibility for homeowners, and help preserve Seattle’s trees. A tree credit requirement in single-family zones will help preserve existing trees and encourage planting new trees. Expanding Seattle Green Factor landscape standards and simplifying the process for departures to some rules will provide incentives to protect trees during development.
Proposed Update to Pike/Pine Neighborhood Design Guidelines
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen is sponsoring proposed legislation that would help protect the Pike/Pine neighborhood. This proposal will carry out and conclude the second phase of a project, begun in 2008, to develop and implement measures that would protect the character of the rapidly changing and developing Pike/Pine neighborhood.
Sign Code Changes Proposed for Major Tenants
DPD is proposing to amend the Land Use Code (Title 23) to allow building identification wall signs above sixty-five feet in certain downtown zones.
Urban Forestry Open House
An Urban Forestry Open House is scheduled for Tuesday, September 21st at City Hall. The open house will provide an opportunity for people to hear about the many City efforts underway to expand and enhance Seattle’s urban forest, including proposals that would revise regulations for cutting and planting trees on private property.
DPD Proposed Tree Regulations Available
The Department of Planning and Development’s proposal to revise Seattle’s Tree Regulations is now available. These revisions are intended to advance the goals of the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP), established in April 2007 to maintain and enhance a thriving and diverse urban forest. The UFMP established a goal of increasing Seattle’s tree canopy to 30% by 2037 and established general strategies for accomplishing this goal. Canopy cover analysis commissioned by the City found that Seattle’s tree canopy was approximately 23% in 2007. While canopy cover appeared to increase slightly between 2003 and 2007 across all zones, this analysis also demonstrated that canopy cover is not increasing at a rate sufficient to meet our overall goals. This proposal is a key element of the City’s overall strategy to implement the UFMP through a comprehensive strategy of regulations, education, incentives, and proper management of City-maintained trees.
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.
2009 Seattle Energy Code Public Review Begins
Public review of the draft 2009 Seattle Energy Code – SEC (the 2009 Washington State Energy Code with additional Seattle amendments) will begin in February. DPD has scheduled a series of meetings to discuss proposed amendments. All meetings will take place in the Seattle Municipal Tower (SMT), 700 Fifth Avenue.