Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Seattle, WA (2026)

2 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Seattle, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Specific Plans Overview

Seattle's Comprehensive Plan, last updated as 'Seattle 2035' and refreshed in the 2024 'One Seattle Plan,' channels growth into Urban Villages and Urban Centers. SMC Title 23 implements zoning consistent with the Plan.

Comprehensive Plan Steers Growth Through Urban Villages

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Density Bonus Law

Seattle's Mandatory Housing Affordability program (SMC 23.58B-C) grants extra height and FAR in upzoned areas in exchange for on-site affordable units or in-lieu fees. MHA evolved from the 2015 HALA framework.

MHA Trades Density for Affordable Housing Contributions

Some Restrictions

Seattle Office of Housing — Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) Program

Mandatory Housing Affordability — Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) ensures that new commercial and multifamily residential development contributes to affordable housing. This is done by requiring new developments to include affordable housing (performance option) or contribute to the Seattle Office of Housing fund to support the development of affordable housing (payment option). MHA will ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Looking for King County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Seattle city rules.

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in King County →