Can Seattle Use Zoning To Stop Drug Deals?

Can SODA, or 'Stay Out of Drug Areas' zones reduce drug deals and improve neighborhoods?

1 minute read

September 7, 2004, 11:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Enforced in the early '90s, the zones were a way of booting suspected dealers from drug-burdened swaths of the city, even if a suspect had not been convicted of a crime or done anything suspicious. Someone could be picked up simply for standing at a bus stop in the wrong place... But the zones and the unwieldy paperwork they generated were hard to manage. Public defenders and social service agencies decried the loss of freedom for clients. Some of the judges who issued the orders were lukewarm to the concept. Some replaced "Stay out" with the mushier "Don't loiter," while others issued so many exceptions -- allowing a suspect to go to work or see a lawyer -- that the order became unenforceable.

The 20 or so zones, whose numbers and locations are being finalized, include most of downtown Seattle and cover about half the city, Kimerer said. The department declined to release a working map."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Monday, September 6, 2004 in The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

'Vertical canyon' on glass-clad residential high-rise in Denver, CO.

Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design

Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.  

November 29, 2024 - designboom

Close-up of black electric bike with person resting one foot on ground and holding blue helmet.

California E-Bike Rebate Program Launches — Again

After a series of fits and starts, CARB says the program will begin accepting applications this month.

3 hours ago - Streetsblog California

Vintage multi-story brick apartment building and modern concrete and glass apartment building separated by a steep public stairway in Los Angeles, California.

Analysis: Localized Upzoning Less Effective

Changing zoning rules for a small number of parcels can increase land values and housing costs without boosting the housing supply.

4 hours ago - Governing

Acela Amtrak train in station in New Haven, Connecticut.

Amtrak Breaks Ridership Record in FY 2024

More Americans than ever rode the rails last year, also bringing the agency its highest ticket revenue.

5 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.