Modern town homes have become a common complaint from many neighbors who argue that their design disrupts the character of Seattle neighborhoods.

In response, Mayor Greg Nickels is proposing to update the city's Multifamily Zoning Land Use Codes for the first time since 1982 and is scheduled to deliver his revisions to the Seattle City Council early next year.

City Council member Sally Clark, chair of the Planning, Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee, is unsure of what to expect from Nickels' legislation. Nonetheless, she expects to see a combination of new restrictions and additional freedoms.

She added that the revisions would definitely tighten up the design review process.

"People feel like they should have a say in their neighborhoods," Clark said.

It is the issue that the City Council member said she receives the most complaints about. Residents dislike large fences in front of many town homes and the repetitive aesthetic of many designs - which can isolate these residences from the rest of the community.

For those who live in town homes, the placement of garages has also been problematic. Because many are difficult to access, residents typically use them for storage and congest local streets with parking.

According to Clark, the City Council is considering what changes would be necessary so the design of town homes is focused around residents rather than cars.

Clark said she has received many complaints regarding town homes that were built on lots that previously contained a single-family home, and are accused of disrupting the character of their neighborhood.

Fremont resident Suzie Burke argued that the problems with town home designs could be solved if Nickels repealed some of the land-use regulations.

"All (the rules) do is add cost," Burke said. "Sometimes people have a right to build ugly things on their own property."

Clark has been deeply involved in the issue and has expressed, through various editorials, that she believes more creative designs could change neighborhood perceptions of town homes.

"Seattle needs to use its land-use code to encourage great town-house design," Clark wrote in an editorial for The Seattle Times.

One design style she feels should be implemented more often is cottage style town homes that are organized around a courtyard, preserving more green space.

While the legislation is unlikely to be delivered to the city council before 2009, Clark urges community members to stay informed and expects there to be more public hearings in the future.

Rose Egge can be reached at 932-0300 or rosee@robinsonnews.com.