Reminder: On December 15, 2021, Mayor Durkan signed Ordinance 126509, which changes the name of “Single Family” zones to “Neighborhood Residential” zones.
June Publication Updates
These Tips have been updated to change single-family zones and to neighborhood residential zone.
New Zoning Name – Neighborhood Residential Zones
On December 15, 2021, Mayor Durkan signed Ordinance 126509, which changes the name of “Single Family” zones to “Neighborhood Residential” zones.
Seattle’s Land Use Code and the official zoning maps divide the city geographically into zoning districts (e.g., single-family residential, multifamily residential, commercial, industrial, etc.). Ordinance 126509 applies the new zone name by dividing the neighborhood residential areas into four zones, based on pre-existing minimum required lot sizes: Single-family 9600 (SF 9600), Single-family 7200 (SF 7200), Single-family 5000 (SF 5000), and Residential Small Lot (RSL).
Developing on Small Single-Family Lots
DPD generally supports and encourages infill development when consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan goals and policies. DPD recently reviewed the Land Use Code provisions that regulate undersized lots and minimum lot area exceptions. DPD determined that development approved under current standards is often out of character with the surrounding neighborhood and inconsistent with policy. Interim measures were put in place to prevent additional permits on these small lots while this issue is being studied.
