A decision by Seattle city planners last week has opened up the possibilities for filling Viewlands Elementary, which was closed by the Seattle School District in summer 2007.

City planners informed the district that a Seattle Municipal Code governing single-family zones takes precedent over another municipal code covering the formation of advisory committees to fill vacant school buildings.

This means that Viewlands, as well as seven other closed and closing schools, can be filled by certain uses without going through a possibly lengthy committee process.

According to Section F of Seattle Municipal Code 23.44.006, the following uses are permitted outright for a vacant school building in a single-family zone: child care centers, public or private schools, educational and vocational training for the disabled, adult evening education classes, nonprofit libraries, community centers and community programs for the elderly or similar uses.

"The reason we want to have those options is because it helps reduce vandalism and keep those buildings viable," school district spokesperson David Tucker said.

Tucker said there is no timeline or plan for Viewlands at the moment, and the district is focusing its energies on the new student assignment plan.

The School Board voted to close Viewlands, located at 10525 Third Ave. N.W., in fall 2006 because of low enrollment and poor facility condition. The school merged with Broadview-Thomson.

The other seven schools affected are Genesee, Columbia, T.T. Minor, John Marshall, Horace Mann, Hughes and Fairmount Park.