Our proposed amendments to the Land Use Code are intended to improve the overall function of the program to enhance the efficiency and predictability of the project review process and make the program more transparent and accessible to the community.
Making a Vibrant 35th Avenue
On Wednesday, June 24, DPD hosted a community open house to discuss potential zoning changes to the neighborhood business districts along 35th Ave NE (at 65th, 75th, 85th, and 95th Streets). More than 100 people attended the open house to provide their input.
Changes to Priority Green Expedited Thresholds
DPD’s voluntary green permitting incentive, Priority Green Expedited has grown considerably over the last 3 years. We have seen substantial growth in small residential new construction permits for single family, duplexes, townhouses, and rowhouses. Overall we have seen 258 applications for building permits enroll in the expedited program: 200 small residential, 47 large multifamily and 11 commercial projects. About 20% of all residential permit applications and 2% of all commercial permit applications for new construction (with complex reviews) are participating in the Priority Green Expedited program.
New Regulations for Micro-Housing
We‘ve monitored micro housing and congregate residences in Seattle for over two years. We’ve evaluated our rules, and are now proposing changes that will ensure we have clear and consistent regulations in place. Our proposed legislation is based on our research and responds to concerns raised by the public and elected officials.
Updated Tree Regulations Proposal
DPD has released a revised proposal to update regulations governing trees on private property, which is now available at www.seattle.gov/dpd/planning/trees. The intent of this update is to better implement the goals of the Urban Forest Management Plan by improving existing tree regulations and adding a number of new measures that would expand or improve development standards to better mitigate the impacts of development.
Seattle’s Shoreline Rules to Change
Today the City of Seattle Department of Planning and Development published proposed changes to Seattle’s Shoreline Master Plan. The update, which is mandated by the Washington State Shoreline Management Act, revises city regulations for Seattle’s extensive shorelines, including along the Puget Sound and Elliott Bay, Duwamish River, Lake Union/Ship Canal, Green Lake and Lake Washington, and is the first major update since 1987.
