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The City of Seattle
Ordinance
Council Bill
title
An ordinance relating to land use and zoning; adopting temporary regulations previously in Ordinance 127309 for six months 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 mandatory, 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 previously in Ordinance 127309; and amending Sections 23.41.002 and 23.41.004 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
body
Recitals:
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1293 (Chapter 333, Laws of 2023) added new requirements for local design review programs starting June 30, 2025.
In September 2025, the City passed Ordinance 127309 adopting interim suspension regulations of Design Review and extension of affordable housing exemptions with an effective date of October 27, 2025, and an expiration date of April 27, 2026.
This ordinance reenacts the temporary interim suspension regulations and affordable housing Design Review regulations.
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 housing costs in a time of great need in the City and region.
SDCI is also working on updates to the Seattle Design Guidelines and Design Guidelines for Downtown Development to make project design and permittin...
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