Get Ready for September 12th Public Hearing on FINAL Comp Plan Amendments and New Neighborhood Center Zone Maps
Agenda posted for Public Hearing here.
There will be two sessions for public comments. The 9:30 am session will be for call-in comments only. The 3:00 pm session for in person comments. The agenda includes instructions for when and how to register to make public comments. Please read it and be prepared to sign up. It is likely that public comments will be limited to ONE MINUTE per speaker so prepare in advance.
The hearing will be on separate bills - CB 120985 to approve the new Comp Plan & Council amendments and CB 120993 final change development standards in residential zones. The latter replaces the interim regulations to comply with HB1110 (allowing 4-6 units on every residential lot and relaxing other development standards to achieve greater density). Details on both bills can be accessed from the agenda.
Council Amendments to the Mayor's "One Seattle" Comp Plan
The City Council has proposed over 100 amendments to the Mayor's Comp Plan including many changes and additions to the new "Neighborhood Center" designation maps. The amendments document is large but includes hyperlinks to each amendment. These areas will see major increases in allowed height, bulk and lot coverage for new multifamily developments. Stauss' Amendment #33 recommends "seven or eight-story buildings near major transit stops or near existing concentrations of goods and services." However Rink's amendments #76 change the definition of "major transit service" to include bus lines which meet the current definition of "frequent transit service." In combination these two amendments if passed would enable 7-8 story buildings all along many bus corridors, not merely near Rapid Ride bus lines. This appears to be the opposite of the walkable "centers" concept.
Some of the amendments would possibly enhance tree protections; others remove parking requirements for all new developments within 1/2 mile of frequent transit (#5 Bus) and would allow so-called "corner stores" anywhere in all zones. Chair Joy Hollingsworth is reported to be working on a "chair package" to consolidate the amendments on similar themes. This will not be available before the public hearing.
Revisions and Additions to Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Center Maps
Our District 6 Council representation, Dan Strauss, has offered several amendments including three new versions of the Neighborhood Center at Phinney/65th. plus a new East Ballard Neighborhood Center at 8th NW/65th with three different proposed boundaries. Click here to see new boundaries.
Take the Map Alternative Survey Before September 2 Deadline
Strauss' office has posted a survey for residents to chose their "favorite" version of District 6 Neighborhood Center (NC) maps. Only one version will move forward. The survey also allows for comments on the boundaries or the need for Neighborhood Centers. There is no explanation of why such large areas of formerly "single family lots" must be upzoned to meet housing growth goals when the Comp Plan EIS acknowledges that sufficient development capacity exists already. You can take the survey for all D6 NC alternatives - Phinney Ridge, East Ballard, Magnolia, Tangletown, Upper Fremont, West Green Lake. You may notice that the boundaries are starting to converge and get close to the Greenwood and Ballard Urban Centers too.
West Green Lake Neighborhood Group has a website with recommended alternative for that proposed Neighborhood Center at westgreenlake.com .
Comp Plan Decision Schedule
September 12th - Public Hearing on Comp Plan and Permanent HB 1110 amendments
Wednesday, September 17th 2:00 PM - Discussion of Amendments/Possible Votes
Thursday, September 18th 9:30 AM - Vote on Amendments/Bills
Friday, September 19th 2:00 PM - Vote on Amendments/Bills
Tuesday, September 30th 2:00 PM - Earliest Date for a Full Council Vote
The full text of the legislation for the Comp Plan changes can be found for under Council Bill 120985 including links to the background documents.
Check the Council's meeting page or sign up to receive agendas by e-mail.
Written Comments: You can always email comments to the all council members at Council@seattle.gov
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
History of Comp Plan Recommendations
Links below are to the original maps which may be changes by Council amendments (see above.)
The City has released a new zoning proposal which includes significant changes to residential zones citywide and rezones many areas to allow greater density. View the City's interactive maps at link below:
https://one-seattle-plan-zoning-implementation-seattlecitygis.hub.arcgis.com/
These changes impact several blocks around the 65th/Phinney intersection and at West Green Lake (Winona/Linden) which are designated "Neighborhood Centers" under the proposed One Seattle Comprehensive Plan Update. The proposals expand both commercial zoning, and change some residential blocks to new heights and scales to encourage four to six story apartments, condos, and townhomes. The link above includes a document describing changes including expanding lot coverage allowance to 50%, reducing setbacks, and other changes to former "single family" (NR) zoned lots to allow four or up to six residential units on NR lots if they are close to "frequent transit" or meet criteria for "affordability."
