Rezoning Proposed for Seattle's University District

Intended to make the most of a planned light rail station, the city of Seattle has proposed a zoning overhaul for the University District.

1 minute read

June 24, 2016, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Seattle

Seattle's University District, with Mount Rainier in the background. | SEASTOCK / Shutterstock

"Seattle’s Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) released draft recommendations on the University District rezone and urban design proposal in late May," reports Stephen Fesler. "The draft recommendations consist of a large breadth of changes to development regulations in the neighborhood and substantially increase development capacity," focusing especially near a light rail station expected to open in 2021.

This is the third article by Stephen Fesler, writing for The Urbanist, on the subject of the draft rezoning. The first provided an overview of key policy ideas, and the second focused on the proposed development regulations. The latter includes discussion of height limitations, setbacks, and open space requirements, among other urban design considerations.

The third article focuses on "how the proposal would regulate floor area and height, implement mandatory affordable housing and incentive zoning, and preserve historic and vulnerable masonry structures." [Emphasis in the original.]

Friday, June 17, 2016 in The Urbanist

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