Seattle Upzones its Urban Core

A large swatch of downtown and an adjacent neighborhood can develop taller and denser after the Seattle City Council approved zoning changes this week.

1 minute read

April 16, 2017, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Mt. Rainier

Artazum / Shutterstock

"The Seattle City Council voted 9-0 Monday to approve an upzone of downtown and South Lake Union," reports Daniel Beekman.

Under the rezoning, new developments will be required to include rent-controlled units or pay in-lieu fees, according to the regulations put forth in the city's Mandatory Housing Affordability program. The downtown and South Lake Union zoning changes are calibrated to create an estimated 2,100 rent-restricted units.

While this rezoning is taking place in the urban core of the city, many other neighborhoods should expect similar zoning changes in the near future. "The upzone is the second of more than two dozen that Mayor Ed Murray wants the council to approve this year and next," adds Beekman. "He says the upzones and MHA program can create 6,000 rent-restricted units over 10 years."

Hat tip to Antonio Pacheco for sharing the news of the upzoning decision.

Monday, April 10, 2017 in The Seattle Times

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Street scene in Greenwich Village, New York City with people walking through busy intersection and new WTC tower in background.

Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility

Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.

April 14, 2024 - Todd Litman

Rendering of wildlife crossing over 101 freeway in Los Angeles County.

World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County

Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.

April 15, 2024 - LAist

View of downtown Seattle with Space Needle and mountains in background

Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises

Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.

April 23 - The Seattle Times

Rendering of Brightline West train passing through Southern California desert

Brightline West Breaks Ground

The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.

April 23 - KTLA

Aerial view of gold state capitol dome in Denver, Colorado and Denver skyline.

Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions

In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.

April 23 - Colorado Politics

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

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.