The Seattle City Council is reviewing a proposal to amend an ordinance in the city's land use code to create an exception to a requirement that museums in general industrial areas can only occupy buildings that existed as of Oct. 5 1987.

The change would directly benefit the Nordic Heritage Museum, which completed a $5.1 million deal to purchase the 75,000 square foot Fenpro building on Market Street between 26th Avenue Northwest and 23rd Avenue Northwest, the site being considered for the code amendment.

The site is located in the Ballard Hub Urban Village.

Eric Nelson, executive director of the Nordic Heritage Museum, has said he expects the museum to move to the new location by 2014. A new facility will be built, being designed now by Mithun Partners.

Tom Hauger with the city's Department of Planning and Development, said at the Feb. 11 city council planning and land use meeting, the change would allow museums to occupy new structures and that it would effect approximately 5 acres.

Hauger also said the area is designated within the Ballard Neighborhood Plan to encourage pedestrian activity.

"We don't think there are impacts with this footnote other than this very narrow location."

Some concerns from the industrial community were gathered at a recent Ballard Interbay Manufacturing Industrial Council meeting. Their objections, said Hauger, stemmed around the possibility that the museum might object to noise or smells associated with their businesses.

The museum plans to include sound proofing in the construction of its new facility.

A public hearing is scheduled in council chambers for Feb. 25 and the council will vote in March.