Information from the City of Seattle

by Ben Dalgetty

Seattle Mayor and Sound Transit Board Member Bruce Harrell announced new legislation to support the expansion of light rail in Seattle, with a goal of cutting permit review times in half. Revising Seattle’s land use code will lead to better neighborhood transit connections through faster permitting and strengthening the City of Seattle’s (City) partnership with Sound Transit. 

“Expanding Seattle’s light rail system is absolutely essential to our city’s future. This is about delivering real, tangible benefits for residents, commuters, and visitors that will help support good transit, affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and economic growth,” said Mayor Harrell. “We are committed to working closely with Sound Transit to minimize delays and ensure this critical project moves forward on time — if not faster. My administration is focused on making demonstrable progress and holding ourselves accountable every step of the way, and we expect Sound Transit to share the same level of urgency and commitment to this transformative effort.” 

Building on the Mayor’s Executive Order issued in February 2025, the legislation amends sections of the City’s land use code which haven’t been updated in over 20 years and were not designed for a light rail system that crosses a dozen neighborhoods and 19 different zoning areas. The proposed changes would simplify and streamline station design along the entire West Seattle and Ballard light rail projects by creating consistent standards.  

“This legislation, coupled with Citywide coordination with Sound Transit, retains public process and our regulatory authority while shaving critical time off the permit process to help bring needed transit service to our communities sooner,” said Angela Brady, Director of the Office of the Waterfront, Civic Projects, and Sound Transit. “Our One Seattle approach provides a one-stop shop for Sound Transit, and by saving time, they can also save money.” 

The revised code was developed with the input of community and business organizations, as well as City advisory boards and commissions. The legislation accomplishes six main goals: 

1. Develop comprehensive tree and vegetation management plans 
2. Integrate stations with nearby streets and public spaces  
3. Establish the Seattle Design Commission as an advisory review body that accepts public comment 
4. Ensure accessibility for everyone including adequate bicycle and scooter parking 
5. Create a more efficient appeal process
6. Create plans for construction sequencing, staging, and detours to support the movement of people and goods. 

“Seattle is committed to creating light rail stations that are not only practical and accessible, but also enhance the communities they serve,” said Councilmember Mark Solomon (District 2), Chair of the Land Use Committee. “By implementing these land use code changes we are taking a proactive approach to managing station design.” 

The West Seattle Link Extension will add 4.1 miles of light rail from Downtown Seattle to West Seattle, with four new stations and a bridge over the Duwamish River, currently projected to finish by 2032. The Ballard Link Extension will add 7.7 miles of light rail connecting Downtown Seattle to Ballard, with nine new stations, a second downtown transit tunnel, and a Salmon Bay crossing. It is currently expected to be completed by 2039. New stations on the existing 1-Line at NE 130th Street (Pinehurst) and South Graham Street are projected to open in 2026 and 2031, respectively.