Plan for Emissions-Free Zone Takes Shape in Seattle

The city of Seattle is working on a plan to create a zero-emissions zone to mitigate urban pollution and reduce carbon emissions in dense, congested parts of the city.

1 minute read

November 4, 2021, 10:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Bus Stop and Bike Lane

Green Lane Project / Flickr

In order to meet its commitment to the C40 Fossil-Fuel-Free Streets Declaration, Seattle has released a memo draft that outlines the city's plan to implement an emissions-free zone, reports Ryan Packer for The Urbanist.

While many details of the proposal are redacted, the memo mentions two strategies that the city plans to implement, says Packer: "utilizing street space in commercial business districts (like with the Ballard Avenue cafe street or The Patio common restaurant seating area in Columbia City) and designating residential streets local-access-only with the Stay Healthy Streets program and the Home Zone pilots programs."

Seattle first signed on to the C40 pledge in 2017, one of 12 cities to do so at the time. Strategies employed by other cities include cordon pricing for vehicles entering central zones, pedestrianizing streets, and improving bike and pedestrian infrastructure. On its website, the C40 calls low-emission zones (LEZs) "a way for cities to take ambitious action more quickly in a priority area," letting cities expand the programs as results become apparent.

Planetizen has previously covered plans for zero-emissions neighborhoods in Santa Monica, where a designated zero-emissions delivery zone gives priority access to clean vehicles, and Bergen, which plans to transform a former shipping district to a 'regenerative' car-free zone that relies on low-impact mobility and access to the city's public transit system. 

Friday, October 29, 2021 in The Urbanist

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Interior of Place Versailles mall in Montreal, Canada.

Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units

Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.

May 22, 2025 - CBC

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

4 hours ago - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of California High-Speed Rail station with bullet train.

California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself

The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.

May 19, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Nevada State Senate building.

Nevada Legislature Unanimously Passes Regional Rail Bill

If signed by the governor, the bill will create a task force aimed at developing a regional passenger rail system.

43 minutes ago - KRNV News 4

Blue sidewalk curb cut painted with white accessibility symbol.

How Infrastructure Shapes Public Trust

A city engineer argues that planners must go beyond code compliance to ensure public infrastructure is truly accessible to all users.

1 hour ago - Governing

Protester at Echo Park Lake, Los Angeles holding sign that says "Housing is a human right"

Photos: In Over a Dozen Cities, Housing Activists Connect HUD Cuts and Local Issues

We share images from six of the cities around the country where members of three national organizing networks took action on May 20 to protest cuts to federal housing funding and lift up local solutions.

3 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine