CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
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AN ORDINANCE relating to land use and zoning; adopting temporary regulations to exempt housing projects that meet Mandatory Housing Affordability requirements using on-site performance units from Design Review, and allowing permit applicants for all housing subject to Full Design Review the option of complying with Design Review pursuant to Administrative Design review; temporarily suspending and allowing voluntary design review of proposed development in Titles 23 and 25 of the Seattle Municipal Code, consistent with Chapter 333, Laws of 2023; and amending Section 23.41.004 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
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WHEREAS, on October 18, 1993 the City Council adopted Ordinance 116909, establishing a Design Review program; and
WHEREAS, the City Council intended for the Design Review program to encourage better design and site planning to: help new development enhance the character of the City and sensitively fit into neighborhoods; provide flexibility in the application of development standards to meet the intent of the Land Use Code, City policy, neighborhood objectives, and mitigate the impacts of new development on neighborhoods; and promote and support communication and mutual understanding among applicants, neighborhood, the City, and the community of the future development early on and throughout the development review process; and
WHEREAS, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1293 (Chapter 333, Laws of 2023) added new requirements for local design review programs starting June 30, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) is working on permanent legislation to amend the Design Review Program to comply with Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1293 and to respond to the stakeholder and public engagement recommendations, including reducing design review requirements and design review permit review times to promote housing production and thereby reduce ...
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