Planners in Seattle have responded to controversy over the size and scale of development on small lots in many of the city's single-family neighborhoods, with a new set of zoning regulations.
The Seattle Department of Planning and Development has almost completed an update to its zoning code for small single-family lots. Since 2012, the city has operated with an interim ordinance to regulate development of such small-lots.
According to a “Director’s Report” on currently proposed, permanent revisions to the zoning code, the interim ordinance came as a response to “concerns raised by residents in single-family neighborhoods where small lots, previously believed to be unbuildable, were proposed to be developed. The development often resulted in houses that were out of scale with existing neighborhoods and out of proportion to the size of the building site.”
The Department of Planning and Development presented their recommendations to the City Council in March. The proposals generally fall into three categories, according to the Director’s Report: 1) “Modifying and clarifying exceptions to minimum lot area requirements,” 2) “Development Standards for Single Family Homes on Undersized Lots,” and 3) “Minor Code Adjustments and Clarifications.”
The Department of Planning and Development has also produced a document that includes a number of case studies and details of the proposed height regulations and lot sizes and exceptions.
FULL STORY: Developing Small Single-Family Lots
Seattle City Council Votes to Limit Small Lot Development
After the Seattle City Council voted to approve new small lot zoning regulations this week, the decision was hailed as a victory for neighborhood interests. The city had placed a moratorium on small lot development in September 2012.
Zoned Out: Seattle Prioritizes Single-Family Residential
In Seattle, most (88 percent) of the city's new housing is being developed in a few small, already dense areas around the city. Most of the city is reserved for single-family housing.
Seattle Considering a Sweeping Parking Reform Package
There are a lot of ways to "right-size" parking, as the city of Seattle is showing with an ordinance under consideration by a City Council committee today.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service