Zoning Page

Interim Street Activation Provisions for Downtown, South Lake Union, and Uptown Urban Centers

  • When: 2024/01/05
  • Address: Downtown, South Lake Union, and Uptown Urban Centers, Seattle, WA
  • City: Seattle
  • State: WA
  • Category: Zoning Code Modification
  • Subcategory: Process updates

This ordinance adds interim provisions to Seattle’s Land Use Code to facilitate occupancy of street-level spaces in the Downtown, South Lake Union, and Uptown Urban Centers. It creates new Section 23.42.041 to allow a broader range of uses—beyond those normally required by each zone—to satisfy street-level use requirements for a 36-month period. The ordinance establishes eligibility criteria including a pre-existing certificate of occupancy and timely application submittal. It permits uses such as arts facilities, bicycle commuter shower rooms, food processing and craft work, horticultural activity, institutions, accessory lobbies and shared working spaces, medical services, museums, public parks and restrooms, non-household sales and services, offices, and research and development laboratories. The Director may also approve similar pedestrian-oriented activities. Development standard flexibilities include exemption of interim uses from FAR when at street level or one story above, allowance for mezzanines, and reduction of minimum depth requirements to eight feet. Approvals granted during the interim period convert to legally nonconforming uses upon expiration. A reporting requirement to the Council ensures monitoring of concentrations and impacts.

Source