On October 16, 2024, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell released a draft zoning update package that could significantly impact permissibility, feasibility, and development standards for housing types within Seattle’s low-rise zones and Neighborhood Residential (formerly “single-family”) zones. The package includes a draft rezone map as well as a draft ordinance to implement the “middle housing” zoning changes required by Washington’s HB 1110, as enacted in 2023. That state legislation requires cities like Seattle to allow greater housing diversity in response to the region’s shortage.
Together, the rezone map and ordinance will provide height and floor-area ratio increases in many areas, as well as revisions to existing mandates and incentive programs for affordable housing.
The draft rezone map and ordinance are open for public comment through December 20, 2024. Additional public input will be sought in the first half of 2025, when the Seattle City Council reviews the Mayor’s final proposals.
Further zoning updates are anticipated in Seattle’s denser urban areas, although detailed proposals have not yet been introduced.
Next Steps: Please reach out to Holly Golden, Steve Roos, Rachel Mazur or Josh Friedmann for guidance on how these changes may affect your property and opportunities for strategic involvement.
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The information contained in this update is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as business, legal, accounting, tax, financial, investment or other advice on any matter and should not be relied upon as such.