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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)