The Planning, Land Use, and Neighborhoods Committee of the City Council has reviewed the changes to the multifamily zoning provisions proposed by Mayor Greg Nickels in May 2009, and will hold a public hearing on the proposal Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 2nd floor, Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Ave.

The complex proposal has been split up into two pieces of legislation. The first piece of legislation (Multifamily Bill No. 1) would:

- Revise the standards for Midrise and Highrise zones.

- Change the parking requirements for all multifamily zones.

- Add rooftop height exceptions in all multifamily zones to encourage sustainable features, such as wind energy power generators.

- Simplify the code by combining the rules for small institutions (such as schools and child care centers) for single family and multifamily zones into one chapter, consolidating the use provisions in multifamily zones into a chart, and making similar improvements.

- Add incentive zoning options for Midrise and Highrise zones, including affordable housing, public open space, green street setbacks, and landmark preservation.

- Clarify the provisions for measurements.

- Amend several other parts of the Land Use Code to maintain code consistency.

- Other amendments not listed above are contained in Multifamily Bill No. 1, which may be obtained as described below. Note that the city council may make additional changes to the proposed bill before it is adopted.



The second piece of multifamily legislation, which will address standards for Lowrise multifamily zones, is scheduled to be adopted in 2010. A separate public hearing will be held on that bill.

The entrances to City Hall are located on the west side of Fifth Avenue, and the east side of Fourth Avenue, between James and Cherry Streets. For those who wish to testify, a sign-up sheet will be available outside the Council Chamber one-half hour before the public hearing. 



Questions concerning the public hearing may be directed to David Yeaworth in the offices of Councilmember Sally Clark, at 684-8802 or via e-mail at david.yeaworth@seattle.gov.

For those unable to attend the public hearing, written comments may be sent to:


Council member Sally Clark

Legislative Department

600 Fourth Avenue, Floor 2

PO Box 34025

Seattle, WA 98124-4025

or by email to sally.clark@seattle.gov



Written comments should be received by Friday, Nov. 27 at 5 p.m.



Multifamily Bill #1 will be available on Nov. 9 on the city council’s Web site at http://www.seattle.gov/council/clark/2009MRHR.htm. Paper copies of the proposed legislation may be obtained on or after that date at the City Clerk’s Office on the third floor of Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue.

Questions regarding the proposal may be directed to the following Council Central Staff:

Michael Jenkins, 615-1674, or via email at michael.jenkins@seattle.gov; or 
Rebecca Herzfeld, 684-8148, or via email at rebecca.herzfeld@seattle.gov