Seattle City Council Changes Single-Family Zoning Name, But Not Substance

The name change to "neighborhood residential zoning" is meant to more accurately reflect the city's diverse neighborhoods, but the new legislation does not change permitted uses.

2 minute read

October 12, 2021, 12:00 PM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


High Point, Seattle

Brett VA / Flickr

Last week, Seattle's city council voted to change the name of the city's single-family neighborhoods from "single-family zoning" to "neighborhood residential zoning." The council says they made the name change "so that our planning documents reflect the true character of Seattle neighborhoods, diverse housing, small businesses, and many different types of households."

The change reflects "a recommendation laid out in a 2018 report from the Seattle Planning Commission called 'Neighborhoods for All,'" but the legislation makes no changes to land use in these neighborhoods. According to the text of the law, the legislation is explicitly "not intended to have a substantive effect on the uses permitted" but simply to reflect the "vibrant neighborhoods" that already exist. Bill co-sponsor Councilmember Dan Strauss said the bill "does not change the uses, the height, bulk or scale of buildings in these areas."

Advocates of zoning reform are disappointed with the symbolic step. "A name change would not address harmful zoning or bring forth the mixed-zoning plans many housing justice advocates swear by. But [Councilmember and bill sponsor Teresa] Mosqueda’s office said that updating to more accurate language is an important step in grounding future, more meaningful changes to zoning laws in anticipation of the Comprehensive Plan update." The commission's report "calls for more than just the name change: it also recommends that more housing types be allowed within single-family zones" to relieve the housing crunch and provide more opportunities for affordable housing.

Tuesday, October 5, 2021 in The Stranger

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

Graphic with blue background, flags, and text reading 2024 Presidential Election

Where 2024 Presidential Candidates Stand on 12 Issues Important to Urban Planners

Whether you’re yet undecided or have already cast your early vote, here is a roundup of the key positions of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on important urban planning policies.

October 31, 2024 - Planetizen

Amtrak Coast Starlight passenger train passing over bridge in Altamont Pass, California.

Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley

Amtrak is planning a major expansion to the passenger rail lines connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area.

November 4, 2024 - The Modesto Bee

Affordable housing

Commentary: How Can We Solve America’s Affordable Housing Crisis? CDFIs are the Key

As financial institutions whose mission is to support underserved communities, community development financial institutions can be key partners to ensure public-private efforts to build affordable housing pencil out.

October 31, 2024 - Bernel Hall

Playground in courtyard of apartment building.

How Courtyard Apartments Make Cities More Family-Friendly

Apartment buildings with interior courtyards can offer safe, affordable, and functional spaces for urban households with children.

November 10 - Bloomberg CityLab

Two rusty, abandoned oil pumps in rural Texas.

Addressing Orphan Wells for Environmental Justice

Remediating and repurposing some orphan oil and gas wells into parks can turn environmental hazards into community assets, promoting health, environmental justice, and accessible green space for underserved areas.

November 10 - Progressive City

Herd of Caribou in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska with snowy mountains in background.

Biden Administration Moves to Protect Alaskan Refuge From Drilling

The administration is taking quick action to cement some of Biden’s key environmental accomplishments before the new Trump administration takes the reins.

November 10 - CNN