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.
Washington's Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A) requires Seattle to maintain a Comprehensive Plan updated every ten years. Seattle 2035 (adopted 2016) and the 2024 One Seattle Plan establish six Urban Centers, 24 Urban Villages, and Hub Urban Villages where most growth concentrates. Zoning in SMC Title 23 ties land-use, height, and density to these designations. Neighborhood Plans for Capitol Hill, Ballard, Othello, and others provide subarea detail. The 2024 update legalizes plexes citywide and removes most single-family-only zoning, replacing it with 'Neighborhood Residential.' SEPA review and design guidelines apply. Amendments require Council approval.
Construction inconsistent with Plan-based zoning: permit denial, stop-work, and civil penalties under SMC 23.91 up to $500 per day. Land-use appeals heard by the Hearing Examiner.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Seattle, WA
Seattle's Land Use Code allows residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and yard art without permits provided structures do not exceed accessory-structure heigh...
Seattle, WA
Seattle does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Noise Ordinance (SMC 25.08) limits apply to blower-motor noise...
Seattle, WA
Seattle has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance SMC 25.08 applies to any amplified ou...
Seattle, WA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Seattle require building permits from SDCI when they include new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a structural roof under Se...
Seattle, WA
Backyard wood and pellet smokers in Seattle are allowed at single-family homes but are subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) Regulation I, Section ...
Seattle, WA
Seattle Fire Code Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containers larger than 1 lb on combustible balconies of multi-family buildi...
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