Mayor Greg Nickels has ordered the Department of Planning and Development to review sidewalk requirements in urban
villages as they apply to homeowners who want to build a new home on their lot.

“I am committed to building more sidewalks in our city and requiring developers to do their part, but let’s make sure there aren’t
unintended consequences,” said Nickels.

In January 2008, the land use code was amended to require sidewalks when any new development is proposed in urban villages, urban centers
and along arterial streets.  For example, a homeowner with a lot inside one of the city's urban villages would be required to build a sidewalk. A sidewalk would not be required if it were an addition or remodel to the existing house.

The mayor has asked the planning department to re-evaluate the regulations and determine if changes need to be made.

Urban villages and centers have been identified in Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan as areas most suitable for accommodating additional housing and employment growth.  The city has put a priority on making these areas more pedestrian friendly.