G1 Maintain and enhance Seattle's character. Seattle's character includes large single family areas of detached houses both inside and outside of villages, many thriving multifamily areas, neighborhood commercial areas, industrial areas, major institutions and a densely developed downtown with surrounding high density neighborhoods.

G2 Respect the city's human scale, history, aesthetics, natural environment, and sense of community identity.

G4 Promote densities and mixes of uses that support walking and use of public transportation. Urban centers are intended to identify and reinforce concentrations of employment and housing in locations that would support and have direct access to the regional high capacity transit system. Hub urban villages and residential urban villages are intended to support densities that support transit use.

G5 Reduce the potential for dispersed growth along arterials and in other areas not conducive to walking, transit use and cohesive community development.

G6 Depending on the characteristics of each area, establish concentrations of employment and housing at varying densities and with varying mixes of uses. This is the intent of the several types of urban villages.

• Urban centers are intended to be the densest areas with the widest range of land uses. Functional designations of urban center villages indicate which uses are intended to be emphasized in the mix.
• Hub urban villages are also intended to accommodate a broad mix of uses, but at lower densities than center villages, at intensities appropriate to the stage of development of the area.
• Residential urban villages are intended for concentrations of low to moderate densities of predominantly residential development with a compatible mix of support services and employment.

In some instances, the urban village designation is intended to transform automobile-oriented environments into more cohesive, mixed-use pedestrian environments, or within economically distressed communities to focus economic reinvestment to benefit the existing population.

G7 More efficiently use limited land resources.

G8 Support regional growth management and the countywide centers concept.

G9 Accommodate planned levels of household and employment growth.

G10 Maximize the benefit of public investment in infrastructure and services.

G11 Deliver services more equitably, pursue a development pattern that is more economically sound, and collaborate with the community in planning for the future.

G12 Increase public safety by making villages "people places" at all times of the day.

G13 Increase opportunities for detached single family dwellings attractive to many residents, including families with children.

G14 Develop ground-related housing types including townhouses, duplexes, triplexes, ground-related apartments, small cottages, accessory units and single-family homes.

G15 Provide open space to enhance the village environment, to help shape the overall development pattern, and to refine the character of each village.

G16 Promote physical environments of the highest quality throughout the city, and particularly within urban centers and villages while emphasizing the special identity of each area.

G17 Preserve developments of historic, architectural or social significance that contribute to the identity of an area.

G18 Maintain and enhance retail commercial services throughout the city with special emphasis on serving urban villages.

L1 Promote development in compact mixed-use neighborhoods, which shall be designated as urban villages.

L2 Promote high quality conditions throughout the city, including those conducive to helping urban village, mixed-use communities thrive.

L3 Promote industrial development in manufacturing/industrial centers.

L4 Permit areas outside of urban villages to accommodate some growth in a less dense development pattern consisting primarily of single family neighborhoods, limited multifamily and commercial areas and industrial areas.

L5 Consider suitable for an urban village designation areas where:

1. natural conditions, the existing development pattern, and current zoning are conducive to supporting denser, mixed-use pedestrian environments where public amenities and services can be efficiently and effectively provided,
2. access to transportation facilities is good or can be improved,
3. public and private facilities, services and amenities, such as parks, schools, commercial services, and other community services, are available, or can be provided over time and
4. existing public infrastructure has capacity or potential to accommodate growth.

L6 Consider the following characteristics appropriate to all urban village categories:

1. Zoning sufficient to accommodate the residential and employment growth targets established for that village.
2. The ability to accommodate a range of employment activity compatible with the overall function, character and intensity of development specified for the village.
3. Zoning that provides locations for commercial services convenient to residents and workers, and, depending on the village designation, serving a citywide and regional clientele.
4. Zoning sufficient to allow a diversity of housing to accommodate a broad range of households.
5. Zoning regulations that restrict those public facilities that are incompatible with the type of environment provided for in centers and villages.
6. Most future households accommodated in multifamily housing.
7. Additional opportunities for housing in existing single family areas, to the extent provided through neighborhood planning, and within other constraints consistent with this plan.
8. Public facilities and human services that reflect the role of each village category as the focus of housing and employment and as the service center for surrounding areas.
9. Open space.
10. A place, amenities or activities that serve as a community focus.
11. A design review process, supplemented by neighborhood design guidelines.
12. Preservation of development having historic, architectural, or social significance within centers and villages.

L7 Indicate whether residential or employment related activities are to be emphasized in the mix of uses by the urban village designation.

L8 Adopt the designations for hub urban villages, residential urban villages and neighborhood anchors as indicated in Land Use Figure 1. Consider the designations to be preliminary, subject to further objective analysis in neighborhood planning. Develop objective criteria including:

1. existing zoned capacity;
2. existing and planned density;
3. growth targets;
4. population;
5. amount of neighborhood commercial land;
6. public transportation investments and access; and
7. other characteristics of hub or residential urban villages and neighborhood anchors as provided in this plan, or further refined.

Additional criteria consistent with this plan may be established.

L9 Permit, through neighborhood planning processes, recommendations for the revision of zoning to better reflect community preferences for the development character of an area, provided that consistency between the zoning and this plan is maintained.

L10 As part of neighborhood planning designate and define the extent of principal commercial streets for each urban village. Principal commercial streets are those streets in the commercial area of each urban village which are accessible both to automobiles and to transit and which have or are planned to have sufficient quantity and variety of commercial uses, in sufficiently close proximity to provide the opportunity to meet a variety of residential needs and thereby constitute opportunities and incentives to using non-motorized modes of travel for work or shopping trips.

Land Use Figure 1
Urban Centers, Urban Villages, Manufacturing Centers, and Neighborhood Anchors

G19 Provide for the intended function, character, amount of growth, intensity of activity, and scale of development appropriate for each urban village neighborhood.

L11 Establish categories of urban villages, in addition to the urban center and manufacturing/industrial center designations of the Countywide Planning Policies as follows:

1. urban center villages within urban centers
2. hub urban villages
3. residential urban villages.

L12 Establish goals or planning estimates for the mix of uses, target densities for employment and housing, the scale and intensity of development, and the types of public improvements desired to make each village category function as intended.

L13 Establish preliminary urban center village boundaries within urban centers as indicated in land use figures 2, 3, and 5. Establish permanent urban center village boundaries as part of neighborhood planning.

L14 Establish boundaries for hub urban villages or residential urban villages as each new or revised neighborhood plan is adopted by the City Council; provided, that: if at the end of the neighborhood planning cycle, a village boundary has not been established for a hub or residential urban village, the boundary shown in Land Use Appendix A of this plan shall become the boundary for that urban village.

G20 Identify and reinforce concentrations of employment and housing in locations that would support and have direct access to the regional high capacity transit system.

L15 Establish urban centers as regional centers.

L16 Establish requirements for urban centers as follows:

1. Area not exceeding one and one-half square miles (960 acres).
2. Clearly defined geographic boundaries that reflect existing development patterns, functional characteristics of the area and recognized neighborhood boundaries.
3. Accessibility to the existing regional transportation network, with access to the regional high capacity transit system to be provided in the future.
4. Zoning that permits the amount of new development needed to meet the following minimum density targets:

A minimum of 15,000 jobs located within a half mile of a possible future high capacity transit station;

An overall employment density of 50 jobs per acre; and

An overall residential density of 15 households per acre.

L17 Designate the following five locations as urban centers as shown in Land Use Figures 1-6 below:

1. Downtown Seattle
2. First Hill/Capitol Hill
3. Uptown Queen Anne (Amended 3/99)
4. University District
5. Northgate

L18 Designate urban center villages within the larger urban centers to acknowledge differences in neighborhoods. Plan for such villages within the context of planning for the urban center as a whole.

L19 Designate urban center villages within the Downtown, First Hill/Capitol Hill and University Community urban centers as shown in Land Use Figures 2, 3 and 5. The boundaries and names used to identify these urban villages are provided for planning guidance and subject to change under future neighborhood plans. While the Seattle Center and Northgate centers are presently considered to be too small to be subdivided into center villages, this shall not preclude the designation of urban villages within those urban centers in future neighborhood planning processes. Goals and policies that are applicable to urban center villages are considered also to apply to the Seattle Center and Northgate urban centers. (Amended 11/96 and 11/98)

Confirm designations and boundaries of the following urban center villages:

• Capitol Hill (Added 8/98)
• First Hill (Added 3/99)
• Pike/Pine (Added 3/99)

L20 Provide zoning in urban center villages, in aggregate, to accommodate a broad mix of activity, and the densities of employment and housing necessary meet the urban center density standards of the Countywide Planning Policies.

L21 Promote the balance of uses in each urban center or urban center village indicated by one of the following functional designations, assigned as follows:

L22 Permit employment and/or housing densities in zoning consistent with the designated functions of each urban center village.

L23 Designate residential development emphasis areas within urban centers where the City has a long-term commitment to promote residential development and where the response of the private market in providing housing has been inadequate to attract the planned amount of residential growth.

L24 Work with affected neighborhoods, property owners and the development community to establish action and funding strategies to promote housing development for all incomes in residential development emphasis areas.

Land Use Figures 1 – 6

G21 Ensure that adequate accessible industrial land remains available to promote a diversified employment base and sustain Seattle’s contribution to regional high-wage job growth. (Amended 9/98)

G 21.1 Promote the use of industrial land for industrial purposes.( Added 9/98)

G 21.2 Encourage economic activity and development in industrial areas by supporting the retention and expansion of existing industrial businesses and providing opportunities for the creation of new businesses consistent with the character of industrial areas. (Added 9/98)

L25 Promote manufacturing and industrial employment growth including manufacturing uses, advanced technology industries and a wide range of industrial-related commercial functions, such as warehouse and distribution activities in manufacturing/industrial centers.

L26 Strive to retain and expand existing manufacturing and industrial activity. Particular emphasis shall be given to maintaining land that is uniquely accessible to water, rail and regional highways for continued industrial use. (Amended 9/98)

L27 Limit in industrial/manufacturing areas commercial or residential uses that are unrelated to the industrial function, that occur at intensities posing short- and long-term conflicts for industrial uses, or that threaten to convert significant amounts of industrial land to non-industrial uses. Establish new size of use limits for retail uses in the Industrial Commercial zone. Permit legally established non-industrial uses to continue. Permit legally established non-industrial uses to be expanded within existing structures predominantly dedicated to such uses as of December 31, 1994, and permit limited expansion of such structures.

L28 Establish manufacturing/industrial centers consistent with the Countywide Planning Policies, as follows:

1. Clearly defined geographic boundaries;
2. Buffers protecting adjacent, less intensive land uses from the impacts associated with the industrial activity in these areas (Such buffers shall be provided generally by maintaining existing buffers, including existing industrial buffer zones);
3. Sufficient zoned capacity to accommodate a minimum of 10,000 jobs;
4. Large, assembled parcels suitable for industrial activity;
5. Reasonable access to the regional highway, rail, air and/or waterway system for the movement of goods.

L29 Designate the following locations as manufacturing/industrial centers as shown in Land Use Figure 1, above):

1. The Ballard Interbay Northend Manufacturing/Industrial Center; and (Amended 5/98)
2. The Duwamish Manufacturing/Industrial Center

L30 Designate industrial development emphasis areas within manufacturing/industrial centers where special emphasis is warranted to promote industrial development.

L31 Work with property owners and the affected community to establish public and private strategies to enhance conditions for industrial activity and redevelopment in industrial development emphasis areas.

G22 Promote employment and commercial services that serve the populations of the village, the city and the region.

G23 Support densities that support transit use.

G24 Provide locations for employment and commercial services that serve the surrounding city and region, in addition to the village population.

G25 Allow for concentrations of employment at locations convenient to the city's residential population to improve transportation by reducing work trip commutes.

L32 Designate as hub urban villages areas generally characterized by the following:

1. One or more high density, mixed-use core areas that either exist, or can be accommodated under current zoning, provided that it may be appropriate to limit the mix of uses in some areas, to provide for concentrations of either employment or housing.
2. Being surrounded by primarily residential areas that allow a mix of densities, and non-residential activities that support residential use.
3. Having at least one-third of the land area currently zoned to accommodate employment activity and/or mixed-use.
4. Having a broad range of commercial and retail support services either existing or allowed under current zoning to serve a local, citywide or regional market.
5. Having a strategic location in relation to both the local and regional transportation network, including:

a high level of transit service, with the possibility of improved connections to future high capacity transit stations,

connections to regional transportation facilities,

routes accommodating goods movement, and

connections to adjacent areas by pedestrian and/or bicycle facilities.

6. Having:

Direct access to either existing or potential public open spaces in the immediate vicinity, and

Accessibility to major open space resources in the general area via either existing or potential urban trails, boulevards, or other open space links, or anticipated major public investment in open space.

7. Having a substantial amount of vacant or under-utilized land with sufficient development capacity under current zoning to allow for redevelopment.

L33 Preliminarily designate the following locations as hub urban villages (Land Use Figure 1), subject to future objective analysis in the neighborhood planning process:

1. Lake City
2. Aurora at N 130th
3. Rainier Avenue/I-90
4. North Rainier Hub Urban Village (Added 8/99)
5. Bitter Lake Village (Added 10/99)

     Designate the following locations as hub urban villages (Land Use Figure 1):

1. Ballard (Added 6/98)
2. South Lake Union (Added 3/99)
3. West Seattle Junction (Added 6/99)
4. Fremont (Added10/99)

L34 Permit the size of hub urban villages to vary according to local conditions, but limit it to allow most areas within village boundaries to be accessible on foot.

L35 Consider it generally desirable for the mixed-use core of a hub urban village to encompass an area within approximately a one quarter mile of the center of activity.

L36 Provide zoning to accommodate a wide range of housing types and retail and commercial services to support the business and residential population in the village, the surrounding community, and beyond.

L37 Permit employment densities of approximately 20 jobs per gross acre or more, and residential densities of approximately 15 dwelling units per gross acre or more, in hub urban village core areas.

L38 Permit a variety of residential densities, between 8 and 12 dwelling units per gross acre in areas outside of the core areas, consistent with the policies of this plan and the Land Use Code for the location of land use zones.

L39 Designate as hub urban villages areas ranging from those able to accommodate growth with minor changes and public investment to those requiring more extensive public investment.

L40 Establish planning estimates and, subsequently, growth targets for hub urban villages according to accessibility to transit, existing zoning, including capacity for commercial and residential development, existing densities and development conditions, the density goals for hub urban villages, plans for infrastructure and public amenities and services, and the relationship of the villages to the regional transportation network.

L41 Consider, for hub urban villages located on the periphery of downtown, promoting a greater intensity of development over a broader area than for other hub urban villages. In such a village, a development pattern characterized by more extensive mixed-use areas at relatively high development intensities may be accommodated, while also allowing for concentrations of either employment activity or housing at appropriate locations.

G26 Promote urban villages that function primarily as compact residential neighborhoods providing opportunities for a wide range of housing types. While residential use is emphasized, a mix of other compatible activities, especially those that support residential uses, is appropriate. Employment activity is also appropriate to the extent that it does not conflict with the overall residential function and character of the village, provided that a different mix of uses may be established through a neighborhood plan approved by the City Council, such as the South East Seattle Redevelopment Area policies.

G27 Support densities that support transit use.

L42 In order to be designated a residential village, an area shall generally be characterized by the following:

1. The area presently supports, or can accommodate under a current zoning, a concentration and mix of residential development, at 8 to 15 units per gross acre on average, and at a small to moderate scale.
2. The area is presently on the city’s arterial network and is served by a transit route providing direct transit service to at least one center or hub village.
3. A broad range of retail services either already exists or can be accommodated in the area to serve the residential population.
4. The area has the opportunity to be connected by bicycle and/or pedestrian facilities to adjacent areas and nearby public amenities.
5. The area presently includes, or is adjacent to, open space available for public use, or opportunities exist to provide pubic open space in the future.

L43 Balance objectives for accommodating growth, supporting transit use and walking, maintaining compatibility with existing development conditions, maintaining affordable housing, and responding to market preferences for certain types of housing, through the density and scale of development permitted.

L44 Preliminarily designate as residential urban villages the 18 areas identified in Land Use Figure 1, subject to further objective analysis through the neighborhood planning process.

Designate the following residential urban villages as shown on Land Use Figure 1, above:

1. Crown Hill (Added 6/98)
2. 23^rd Avenue S @ S Jackson – Union (Amended 11/98)
3. Madison-Miller (Amended 11/98)
4. Wallingford (Added 11/98)
5. Eastlake (Added 12/98)
6. MLK@Holly Street (Added 12/98)
7. South Park (Added 1/99)
8. Upper Queen Anne (Added 3/99)
9. Roosevelt (Added 7/99)
10. Aurora-Licton (Added 7/99)
11. Green Lake (Added 7/99)
12. Rainier Beach Residential Urban Village (Added 8/99)
13. Morgan Junction (Added 9/99)
14. Admiral Residential Urban Village (Added 10/99)
15. North Beacon Hill (Added 10/99)
16. Greenwood/Phinney Ridge (Added11/99)

L45 Require that a residential urban village surround one or more centers of activity and services.

L46 Consider it desirable that any location within the village be within easy walking distance of at least one center of activity and services.

L47 Permit residential urban villages to include those areas that possess the desired characteristics and infrastructure to support a moderately dense residential population and those areas that, while lacking infrastructure or other characteristics of a residential urban village, warrant public investment in order to promote a transition to a higher density residential neighborhood.

L48 Base growth planning estimates, and subsequently growth targets, for residential urban villages on the existence of or plans for infrastructure, public amenities and services necessary to support additional growth, existing zoning including capacity for residential and commercial development, existing residential densities and development conditions, the accessibility of transit and the density goals for residential urban villages.

C. AREAS OUTSIDE OF URBAN VILLAGES (Section relettered 11/96)

G28 Allow limited amounts of development in areas of the city outside centers and urban villages to maintain the general intensity of development that already characterizes these areas, and to direct the greatest share of growth to village and center locations.

L49 Provide that the area of the city outside urban villages remain primarily as low density residential and commercial areas, or industrial areas, or major institutions.

L50 Single family areas shall continue to be protected, both inside and outside of urban villages. However, through neighborhood planning, individual neighborhoods may consider ways of increasing housing opportunities in single-family areas that are brought into an urban village's boundary through the neighborhood planning process and are within easy walking distance (five minutes or five blocks whichever is less) of the designated principal commercial streets of the village, to provide additional alternatives to accommodating residential growth in multifamily and commercial areas. Such consideration shall be subject to further limitations provided in comprehensive plan policies for single-family areas, below, and in the Land Use Code.

L51 Permit limited amounts of development consistent with the desire to maintain the general intensity of development that presently characterizes the multifamily, commercial and industrial areas located in areas outside of urban centers and villages and direct the greatest share of growth to the village and center locations.

L52 Accommodate growth consistent with adopted master plans of designated major institutions within these areas.

G29 Provide a service and transit focus for surrounding neighborhoods in areas where, overall, existing conditions are intended to be maintained.

G30 To more efficiently use the services and amenities available in the anchor.

L53 Designate as neighborhood anchors areas that generally have the following characteristics:

1. Two to three linear blocks of land currently zoned for commercial activity, or a combination of commercial and multifamily use, and provide services to areas that generally range in size from 5 to 20 acres.
2. A node of mixed residential and commercial activity is already established, or can be accommodated under current zoning, within a larger, low density residential area, or within a larger, established multifamily area where conditions make a residential urban village designation inappropriate.
3. The area is directly served by transit with service to a hub urban village or urban center.
4. Existing platting and development conditions around the Neighborhood Anchor enhance opportunities for residential infill compatible with existing development, and may be characterized by:

Blocks platted with alleys.

Existing single-family areas presently characterized by a mix of single-family detached units and other housing types that result in densities higher than current zoning allows.

Substandard lot sizes, allowing for denser infill development, or large parcels that can accommodate cluster development and other forms of compact, lower density residential developments.

Existing development is predominantly multifamily, with scattered sites available for limited infill compatible with existing development.

The area is already connected by bicycle and/or pedestrian facilities to adjacent areas, or can be connected through modest extensions of existing facilities.

Public facilities and amenities are either adequate to meet the needs of modest residential population increases or will require only limited improvement to meet those needs.

L54 Preliminarily designate as neighborhood anchors locations shown in Land Use Figure 1, above, subject to further objective analysis in the neighborhood planning process.

Designate the following neighborhood anchor locations as shown on Land Use Figure 1, above:

• #5 24th Ave. NW @ NW 77th
• #7 6th Ave NW @ NE 75^th (Added 6/98)
• #15 M.L. King Jr. Way E @ Madison St (Madison Valley) (Added 11/98)
• #16 34 Ave E @ E Union St (Madrona) (Added 11/98)

D. DISTRIBUTION OF GROWTH (Section relettered 11/96)

G31 Encourage the additional 50,000 - 60,000 households (52,500 - 63,000 dwelling units) and 131,400 - 146,600 jobs, the citywide growth targets called for in this plan, to locate in the various areas of the city as shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 indicates the intended distribution of growth over this Plan’s 20-year life. Prior to the adoption of neighborhood plans and the designation of all the urban village boundaries, the proportion of growth that occurs in village areas is likely to be different from the percentages shown in the figure. Projected annual growth is shown in Land Use Appendix F. (Amended 7/95, 7/96)

G32 Achieve growth in urban centers sufficient to:

1. Meet the minimum density criteria established for urban centers by the King County Countywide Planning Policies, reflected in policy L0D.
2. Meet growth targets contained in existing comprehensive subarea plans, such as the Northgate Area Comprehensive Plan and the Downtown Plan.
3. Recognize existing plans for major projects in specific urban centers that will result in significant increases in jobs and/or housing, such as the plans of major medical and educational institutions.

G33 Achieve the following 20-year growth targets in Seattle's urban centers:

G34 Achieve the following 20-year employment growth targets in manufacturing/industrial centers:

(Manufacturing/Industrial Centers are not targeted for additional household growth, because new residential development is generally incompatible with the desired industrial function.)

G35 Achieve a distribution of growth to each urban village that accomplishes the goals of the urban village strategy.

G36 Achieve growth in each urban village according to growth targets that are established subsequent to the recommendation of a neighborhood planning process, that reviews and confirms or amends planing estimates.

Achieve the following 20-year growth targets in hub urban villages:

Achieve the following 20-year growth targets in residential urban villages:

G37 Guide the increase in density over the life of the plan so that each type of area progresses toward full development as an urban village at a pace appropriate to current conditions in the area.

L55 Promote the number of additional households and jobs called for by the growth targets within each targeted area, within the 20 year timeframe of this plan, by:

1. Establishing targets that do not exceed 80% of zoned capacity for development, as calculated by the City;
2. Maintaining the 80% capacity margin whenever zoning is modified, in each targeted area; and
3. Making reasonable effort to provide services, facilities, and incentives to accommodate the targeted growth, consistent with the Countywide Planning Policies.

L56 Plan for the higher end of the citywide households and employment growth target ranges, and consider growth at least equal to the lower end to be within plan expectations.

L57 Consider adjusting household targets, after the year 2000 census to be consistent with actual household size and expected growth up to 72,000 people.

L58 Establish growth targets for each urban village following completion of neighborhood planning processes for all designated urban villages.

L59 Establish planning estimates of growth for each urban village, and areas outside of villages as shown in Land Use Appendix B, which shall constitute preliminary estimates of how growth might be distributed throughout the city, to further the objectives of the urban village strategy. These planning estimates shall be starting points from which neighborhood plans for growth in each urban village shall be developed.

L60 Review planning estimates, and the definition of the area to which they apply, through the neighborhood planning process to assess the appropriateness of the area and estimate for each village in light of local circumstances, community preferences, the need for equitable distribution of growth across the city, and specific plans for how the estimated amount, and alternative amounts of growth could be accommodated in each village.

L61 Monitor development activity annually to identify situations where the rate of growth is different from that anticipated by growth targets, either because:

1. it is occurring too rapidly and may be disruptive; or
2. there is insufficient growth to achieve planned conditions in designated villages.

Establish percentage threshold criteria to identify growth conditions over an extended period of time that are unacceptably at variance with growth targets, which indicate the duration over which such variance need exist before a special review process is triggered. Permit, as part of the development of neighborhood plans for urban centers and urban villages, adjustment of growth monitoring thresholds.

Initiate the special review procedure to determine an appropriate course of action if conditions identified by these threshold criteria are realized. The procedure should include a review process with the affected community, in areas where the rate of growth varies from growth targets by more than established threshold criteria, to determine whether or not City or community action to more effectively achieve growth goals is warranted. Consider, as part of this assessment, factors such as:

Whether regional economic growth is consistent with that assumed when growth targets were established;

Whether the proportion of growth in the region locating in King County is consistent with that assumed when growth targets were established;

Whether other jurisdictions within King County have established effective means to stop sprawl and encourage displacement of growth to urban centers; and

Whether further City or community actions are likely to be effective.

Consider the following, or other appropriate actions, if a determination is made that action is needed to address the rate of growth:

1. Provide resources to ensure rapid completion or revision of a neighborhood plan to better address how growth is to be attracted or discouraged;
2. Propose rezone actions or changes to development standards to reduce development activity or, depending on the circumstances, increase development opportunities;
3. Make commitments for specific public improvements to mitigate the impacts of added growth or as incentives to attract desired growth; and/or
4. Establish annual development targets to more closely monitor the rate of growth in the affected area.

E. THE SYSTEM OF LAND USE REGULATION (Section relettered 11/96)

G38 Provide the framework for distinguishing within the city where the various types of land use activities and intensities of development are appropriate and provide for a development pattern consistent with the urban village strategy.

G39 Promote public health, safety, and welfare.

L62 Establish and identify on the attached Future Land Use Map, the following areas: 1) residential areas, including a) single-family residential areas and b) multifamily residential areas, 2) commercial/mixed-use areas, 3) industrial areas, 4) downtown areas, 5) urban center and manufacturing/industrial center boundaries 6) preliminary residential and hub urban village designations, 7) preliminary neighborhood anchor designations, 8) major institutions, and 9) public parks and open space.

L63 Establish the mix of uses and character and intensity of development desired within each of these general areas through the zoning designations applied to them.

L64 Identify on the attached Future Land Use Map where each general area designation shall apply, as an indication of the proposed physical distribution of land uses, and types of development.

L65 Boundaries on the attached Future Land Use Map are general indications of the locations of general area designations and may not precisely correspond to land use zone boundaries. Land use zone boundaries may be adjusted so long as they remain in keeping with comprehensive plan policies, and the locational criteria established in the Land Use Code.

G40 Maintain existing residential neighborhoods and create new residential neighborhoods to accommodate the city's existing and future housing needs.

G41 Allow for a variety of residential environments accommodating different types and intensities of development.

L66 Apply the residential area designation to areas intended primarily for residential use.

L67 Distinguish between single-family and multifamily areas.

L68 Allow non-residential uses that are either necessary to the function of residential neighborhoods, are permitted under special circumstances, such as in historic structures, or are highly compatible with residential activity as appropriate to each zone.

G42 Maintain the character of areas that are predominantly developed with single family structures, including the use, development and density characteristics of existing single-family areas.

G43 Allow new development that is generally consistent with the level of infrastructure development, and environmental conditions in each area.

G44 Provide single-family housing in close proximity to employment and services available in urban villages.

G45 Provide flexibility to maintain and improve existing structures.

L69 Establish as single-family areas those areas that are predominantly in single-family residential use, and are large enough to maintain a low-density development pattern, with detached single-family dwellings establishing the predominant development character.

L70 Establish a range of single-family zones which vary according to minimum lot sizes.

L71 Designate single family zones within single family areas identified on the attached Future Land Use Map, according to the purpose of the zone and the locational criteria established in the Land Use Code.

L72 Allow the development of detached single family dwellings in single-family areas compatible with the existing pattern of development and the character of each single-family neighborhood.

L73 Reflect in development standards the character of existing low-density development in items of scale, siting, structure orientation, and setbacks.

L74 Permit consideration of rezoning areas currently zoned single-family and meeting Land Use Code locational criteria for a single family designation to zoning more intense than SF 5000, only when all of the following conditions are met:

1) the land is within an urban village boundary provided for in a neighborhood plan adopted by the City Council and the rezoning is provided for in a neighborhood plan adopted by the City Council;

2) the area is within easy walking distance (five minutes or five blocks whichever is less) of designated principal commercial streets of an urban village;

3) the quantity of land of such rezones, on a cumulative basis, does not exceed the quantity of land shown in Land Use Appendix C below;

4)

the rezone is to the small-lot zone, Lowrise Duplex Triplex zone, or Lowrise-1 zone designations only; or

the land to be rezoned is contiguous to an urban village commercial zone and the rezone is to a Neighborhood Commercial 30' zone designation with residential uses limited to Lowrise-1 density limits, or to a Lowrise-1/RC zone designation only; and

5) the change is made through a rezone procedure.

L75 Permit accessory housing units in single-family zones, subject to restrictions designed to limit impacts and protect neighborhood character.

L76 Permit as council or administrative conditional uses planned developments designed to enhance and preserve natural features, encourage the construction of affordable housing, allow for development and design flexibility and protect and prevent harm in environmentally critical areas.

G46 Protect areas which are currently in predominantly single-family residential use in areas of the lowest intensity of development, such as environmentally critical areas.

L77 Include among low density single family zones the Single-Family 9600 and Single-Family 7200 zones.

L78 Low-density single family zones are most appropriate and may be expanded or newly established only in existing single-family residential areas outside easy walking distances of urban villages and areas designated as environmentally sensitive. Existing low-density single-family zones may remain in other areas.

G47 Protect areas which are currently in predominantly single-family residential use.

L79 Include among high density single family zones the Single-Family 5000 Zone.

L80 Consider the Single-Family 5000 Zone most appropriate for and permit its expansion or new establishment in existing single-family areas which are not designated environmentally critical.

G48 Provide opportunities within or adjacent to urban villages for the development of homes on small lots that may be attractive and affordable to households with children and other households which might otherwise choose existing family housing.

G49 Maintain compatibility with single-family development and adjacent single-family zones.

L81 Provide for the development of ground related housing of greater density than the Single-family 5000 zone.

L82 Permit the customization of the small lot zone to the specific needs of an area, to permit housing options such as, but not limited to, detached accessory units, carriage houses, or tandem houses pursuant to a neighborhood plan adopted by the City Council.

L83 The small lot zone may be applied to single-family zoned property meeting Land Use Code locational criteria for a single family designation only where all of the following conditions are met:

1. the land is within an urban village boundary provided for in a neighborhood plan adopted by the City Council, and the rezoning is provided for in a neighborhood plan adopted by the City Council;
2. the area is within easy walking distance (five minutes or five blocks whichever is less) of designated principal commercial streets of an urban village:
3. the quantity of land of such rezones, on a cumulative basis, does not exceed the quantity of land shown in Land Use Appendix C; and
4. the change is made through a rezone procedure.

G50 Encourage a diversity of multi-family housing types to meet the diverse needs of Seattle's present and future populations.

G51 Support a residential development pattern consistent with the urban village strategy, by increasing the availability of housing within and/or near employment concentrations and residential services and amenities, and allowing for densities that promote walking and transit use.

L84 Designate as multifamily residential areas on the attached Future Land Use Map existing areas predominantly occupied by multifamily development, as well as areas where greater residential development is desired to increase housing opportunities and promote development intensities consistent with the urban village strategy.

L85 Establish residential use as the predominant use in multifamily areas.

L86 Permit limited amounts of non-residential activity in some higher-density multifamily areas in order to increase opportunities for residents to walk to neighborhood services and to promote more active street environments.

L87 Maintain a variety of multifamily zoning classifications to permit development at low, moderate and high densities with a variety of scales and configurations appropriate for the specific conditions and development objectives of each area within the city.

L88 Within the multifamily areas indicated on the attached Future Land Use Map, multifamily zones shall be located according to the intended purpose of the zone and the locational criteria established in the Land Use Code.

L89 Provide zoning classifications that permit limited amounts of commercial use in what are otherwise residential zones.

L90 If approved through a neighborhood plan adopted by the City Council, provide flexibility in rezone criteria for rezoning or multifamily residential to compatible neighborhood commercial zones, subject to environmental review criteria, and any adopted neighborhood plans.

G52 Maintain opportunities for infill development in areas already characterized by low density multifamily development ; 2) establish increased opportunities for housing in lower density areas by allowing for modest increases in development intensity; and 3) establish areas to provide for a desirable transition in development intensity between single family zones and more intensive multifamily or commercial areas, through the application of low density multifamily zoning.

L91 Include among low density multifamily zones the Lowrise Duplex/Triplex, Lowrise-1, and Lowrise-2 zones.

L92 Provide opportunities for attached housing at slightly higher densities than single family areas in low density multifamily zones.

L93 Establish limits on the permitted height and bulk of new development in low density multifamily zones for compatibility with single family development.

L94 Low-density multifamily zones are most appropriate to, and may be expanded or newly established only in circumstances and areas that are both:

1. consistent with policies for consideration of rezoning single family areas to more intensive use ; and
2. either in areas already characterized by multi-family development of this intensity, or where the scale and intensity of use must be compatible with or provide a transition to adjacent less intensive residential zones.

Existing low-density multifamily zones may also remain in areas not meeting the circumstances described above.

G53 Provide for the concentration of housing in areas where public transit and local services are conveniently available and accessible on foot.

L95 Include among moderate density multifamily zones the Lowrise 3 and Lowrise 4 zones.

L96 Unless otherwise indicated by a neighborhood plan adopted by the City Council moderate density multifamily zones are generally appropriate and may be expanded or newly established only in areas that are already developed to the intensity permitted in these zones, or where consistent with residential densities contemplated in this plan. Existing moderate density multifamily zones in other areas may remain, except in environmentally critical areas that have not already been predominantly developed to the intensity of these zones. Moderate density multifamily designations are incompatible with environmentally critical areas that have not already been predominantly developed to the intensity of these zones.

L97 Emphasize a strong residential character in the development standards for moderate density multifamily zones and provide for a scale of development and building types which differ from those of single family and low density multifamily areas in order to accommodate increased residential densities.

L98 Permit building types which allow for the stacking of units above each other, in moderate density multifamily zones. However, height limits and development standards are intended to promote a strong relationship between individual dwellings and the ground level.

L99 Accommodate housing at densities sufficient to promote pedestrian activity and frequent transit service, as well as support local businesses providing neighborhood services, in moderate density multifamily zones.

G54 Promote the greatest concentration of housing in desirable, pedestrian-oriented urban neighborhoods having convenient access to regional transit stations, where the mix of activity provides convenient access to a full range of residential services and amenities, and opportunities for people to live within walking distance of employment.

L100 Include among high density multifamily zones the Midrise, and Highrise Zones.

L101 High density multifamily zones are generally appropriate and may be expanded or newly established only in locations in Urban Centers, in the village cores of Hub Urban Villages when consistent with the urban village strategy, and within any boundary established for the village, and, when consistent with neighborhood plans adopted by the City Council, in Residential Urban Villages. Within such areas, high density multifamily designation is appropriate and may be expanded or established in the future only in areas that are characterized by development at this intensity, or where it is desirable to establish concentrations of residential development at the greatest densities permitted in the city. High density multifamily zones shall not be considered appropriate outside of the areas described above, except for those areas already predominantly built to this intensity, to allow for limited infill development. Existing high density multifamily zones in other areas may remain.

L102 Permit commercial uses serving the needs of the residential population at the street level of residential structures in specified areas, to promote an active street environment and greater convenience to services in high density neighborhoods.

G55 Provide for a diversity of uses that contribute to the city's total employment base and provide the services needed by the city's residents and businesses.

G56 Encourage business creation, expansion and vitality by allowing for a mix of business activities, while maintaining compatibility with the neighborhood-serving character of business districts, and the character of surrounding areas.

G57 Provide locations for serving the employment, service, retail and housing needs of Seattle's existing and future population, in zones with a wide range of character and function.

L103 Establish a range of commercial zone classifications, which allow for different mixes and intensities of activity, varying scales of development, and varying degrees of pedestrian or auto orientation and relationship to surrounding areas, in order to accommodate desired development while maintaining compatibility with adjacent neighborhoods.

G58 Maintain an active, attractive, accessible pedestrian environment;

• Provide for strong, healthy business districts that are compatible with their neighborhoods, reinforce a sense of belonging while providing essential goods, services, and livelihoods for the residents of the city;
• Integrate mixed activity in commercial areas with development in adjacent areas;
• Provide for an appropriate transition in the scale and intensity of development between areas; and
• Promote residential development that is both livable for residents and compatible with the desired commercial function of the area.

L104 Include among pedestrian oriented commercial zones (Neighborhood Commercial 1 (NC-1), Neighborhood Commercial 2 (NC2), Neighborhood Commercial 3 (NC3), Neighborhood Commercial 2/Residential (NC2/R), and Neighborhood Commercial 3/Residential (NC3/R).

L105 Establish use and development standards for pedestrian oriented commercial zones which promote an environment conducive to walking and a mix of commercial and residential uses that promote the goals for these zones.

L106 Pedestrian oriented commercial zones are generally appropriate both inside and outside of urban villages where residential uses either exist or are in close proximity, where the intensity of the particular zone designation conforms in size and scale to the community it serves. Establish Land Use Code policies for determining the appropriate match between area characteristics and the various intensities of neighborhood commercial zones.

L107 Neighborhood Commercial Residential (NC/R) Zones may be located only:

1. in urban center villages;
2. in the village cores of hub urban villages when consistent with the urban village strategy; or
3. in some instances, residential urban villages, where it is desirable to accommodate a concentrated mix of shopping activity and residential support services at appropriate intensities, while also promoting moderate and high density housing development.

2. pursuant to a neighborhood plan adopted by the City Council. (Policy amended 11/96)

G59 Accommodate activities highly dependent on automobile access and more intensive commercial and light manufacturing uses that are generally incompatible with pedestrian-oriented residential and mixed use environments.

L108 Include among the general commercial zones Commercial 1 (C-1) and Commercial 2 (C-2).

L109 Accommodate in general commercial zones the broadest range of commercial activities of the commercial zone.

L110 Limit in some circumstances prohibit housing and/or substantial amounts of office development in general commercial areas because:

1. the auto oriented nature of the area or development renders high auto commuter trip generating uses less appropriate;
2. these uses potentially conflict with the preferred commercial function of an area or with the activities in adjacent areas; or
3. the available land for certain commercial activities is limited and may be displaced if uses are allowed above certain intensities.

L111 Include among appropriate new building types in general commercial zones, shopping centers, retail stores of all sizes, warehouses of moderate size, small office buildings of limited floor area, and moderate scale residential and mixed use structures.

L112 General commercial zones are generally appropriate in auto oriented commercial areas serving a citywide clientele or adjacent to manufacturing or industrial zones, and along major arterials with ready access from principal arterials, with buffers between the area and residential areas or commercial areas of lesser intensity, a predominance of large lots, and limited pedestrian access.

G60 Promote high-value-added economic development and support growth in the industrial and manufacturing employment base.

G61 Preserve industrial land for industrial uses and protect viable marine and rail-related industries from uses competing for scarce land resources.

G62 Allow existing businesses to expand, stabilize existing industrial areas, and encourage the siting of new businesses which are supportive of the goals for industrial areas.

G63 Prevent incompatible activities from locating in close proximity to each other, while accommodating a mix of compatible employment activities in areas of diversified uses.

L113 Include among industrial zones the IG-1, IG-2, IB, IC and Manufacturing Center Overlay to accommodate a range of industrial characters and mixes of industrial and commercial uses.

L114 Designate industrial areas on the attached Future Land Use Map where:

1. the primary function is industrial activity, including manufacturing uses, advanced technology industries and a wide range of industrial-related commercial functions, such as warehouse and distribution activities.
2. the basic infrastructure needed to support industrial uses already exists.
3. areas are large enough to allow the full range of industrial activities to function successfully.
4. there is either sufficient separation or special conditions that reduce the potential for conflicts with development in adjacent, less-intensive areas.

L115 Include among appropriate activities manufacturing uses, advanced technology industries and a wide range of industrial-related commercial functions, such as warehouse and distribution activities. Of the highest priority are high value-added, high-wage industrial activities.

L116 Permit commercial uses in industrial areas to the extent that they reinforce the industrial character, and limit specified non-industrial uses, including office and retail development, in order to preserve these areas for industrial development, provided that legally established non-industrial uses may continue and provided further that legally established non-industrial uses may be expanded within existing structures predominantly dedicated to such uses as of December 31, 1994, and limited expansion of such structures may be permitted. Establish new size of use limits for retail uses in the Industrial Commercial zone.

L117 Do not permit new residential uses in industrial zones, except for special types of dwellings that are related to the industrial area and that would not restrict or disrupt industrial activity. (Amended 9/98)

L118 Restrict to appropriate locations within industrial areas those industrial uses which, by the nature of materials involved or processes employed, have a potential of being dangerous or very noxious.

G64 Establish in downtown areas the broadest mix of activities and greatest intensity of development in the region.

L119 Promote the continued vitality of the downtown, with particular attention to the retail core, including encouragement of hospitality uses.

L120 Divide downtown into areas with one of the following primary land use functions:

1. office,
2. retail,
3. mixed-use commercial,
4. mixed-use residential, and
5. harborfront.

L121 Maintain or establish land use zones to regulate uses and physical development throughout downtown, and establish special overlay regulations to specifically address the environmental, physical, historical, and cultural qualities in the special review districts.

L122 Include among the downtown land use zones the following:

• ¨ Downtown Office Core-1 (DOC-1)
• ¨ Downtown Office Core-2 (DOC-2)
• ¨ Downtown Retail Core (DRC)
• ¨ Downtown Mixed Commercial (DMC)
• ¨ Downtown Mixed Residential (DMR)
• ¨ Pike Market Mixed (PMM)
• ¨ Pioneer Square Mixed (PSM)
• ¨ International District Mixed (IDM)
• ¨ International District Residential (IDR)
• ¨ Downtown Harborfront-1 (DH-1)
• ¨ Downtown Harborfront-2 (DH-2)

L123 Allow increases from base densities through bonuses and transfer of development rights in downtown to increase development potential where it is desirable to accommodate growth, while providing for mitigation of impacts associated with higher densities.

L124 Provide for an open space requirement for development downtown in order to address the demand for new open space generated by employment and population growth. Require that public open space be both accessible and known to the public.

G65 Provide appropriate regulation where special circumstances warrant variation from or supplementation of standard zone provisions.

G66 Provide for the particular requirements of the shoreline, airport height district, special review districts, major institutions, subarea plan districts, and any other appropriate location.

L125 Permit the establishment of zoning overlay districts, which may modify the regulations of the underlying land use zone categories to address special circumstances and issues of significant public interest in a subarea of the city, subject to the limitations on establishing greater density in single-family areas, provided in the policies for single family areas. An example of such a circumstance is giving special consideration to the treatment of the street frontage of development to improve the pedestrian environment. Overlays may be established through neighborhood planning.

L126 Land use zone designations and uses for the Sand Point Reuse area, which is indicated on the attached Future Land Use Map, may be according to the final approved reuse plan for the area, other provisions of this plan or the city's land use policies and regulations notwithstanding.

L126.5 (New policy added 7/95, deleted 7/96)

G67 Maximize the public benefits of major institutions including health care and educational services, while minimizing the adverse impacts associated with development and geographic expansion.

G68 Recognize the significant economic benefits of major institutions in the city and the region and their contributions to employment growth.

G69 Balance each major institution's ability to change and the public benefit derived from change with the need to protect the livability and vitality of adjacent neighborhoods.

G70 Promote the integration of institutional development in the overall planning for urban centers.

L127 Support the development of major medical and educational institutions as significant contributors to broad public benefits and to economic vitality while protecting the character of neighborhoods adjacent to those institutions, and substantially mitigating the transportation and other impacts of such development.

L128 Permit exceptions to underlying zone provisions within the boundaries of major institutions pursuant to adopted major institution master plans to facilitate planned development.

L129 Provide for the coordinated growth of major institutions through major institution conceptual master plans and the establishment of major institutions overlay zones.

L130 Require significant community involvement in the development, monitoring, implementation and amendment of major institution master plans, including the establishment of citizen’s advisory committees containing community and major institution representatives.

L131 Provide procedures for considering the establishment of new major institutions.

L132 Establish a range of land use zones within each general land use area designation, to provide detail regarding the intensity of activity desired, and the types of uses and character of development to be accommodated.

L133 Indicate the degree to which redevelopment or conservation will be emphasized to achieve the intended development of an area by its zoning designation and its urban village strategy designation.

L134 Establish use provisions for each zone to specify the desired function and mix of activity to be accommodated within an area, and to avoid conflicts between incompatible uses and risks to public health, safety, and welfare.

L135 Uses not otherwise allowed within a land use zone may be permitted in special circumstances subject to Land Use Code provisions for such uses. Such uses include:

1. uses in structures designated as Seattle Landmarks, provided that the use furthers the intent of the landmark designation;
2. uses of small institutions and public facilities; and
3. uses in school buildings, including school uses, other public uses, and the shared or re-use of school facilities.

L136 Generally retain existing density limits for residential and non-residential uses in mixed-use commercial zones in urban villages, and reduce permitted densities of residential and office use outside of urban villages and in urban villages in zones where development standards are conducive to single-occupant-vehicle use.

L137 Subject development in all areas of the city to height limits consistent with the goals of the urban village strategy and the type and scale of development intended for each zone classification. When called for by a neighborhood plan adopted by the City Council, zones with height limits different than policy would otherwise allow may be established.

L138 Permit modification of development standards in environmentally critical areas to emphasize the protection of fragile conditions.

L139 Establish standards for screening and landscaping appropriate to each zone to minimizing the impact of new development.

L140 Employ a design review process to promote new development that;

• enhances the character of the City;
• respects the surrounding neighborhood context;
• allows for diversity and creativity in building design and site planning;
• furthers community design and development objectives; and
• allows desired intensities of development to be achieved.

F. OPEN SPACE NETWORK (Section relettered 11/96)

G71 Provide places for the people of Seattle to interact with others, and experience repose, recreation, and natural beauty. Provide healthy play space for children and their families. Support passive uses such as strolling, sitting, viewing, picnicking, public gathering, and community gardening, and active uses such as competitive sports, running, etc. Promote the health, safety and welfare of the people of the city. ( Amended 9/98)

G72 Support the development patterns called for by this plan, enhance environmental quality, provide light, air, and visual relief, and offer community-building opportunities for the city's people.

G73 Support the objectives of the urban village strategy through strategies to achieve the following:

1. provide amenities in more densely populated areas;
2. provide recreational opportunities for daytime populations in urban centers.
3. mitigate the impacts of large scale development;
4. increase opportunities to walk regularly to open spaces by providing them close by;
5. create connections linking Urban Centers and Villages, through a system of parks, boulevards, community gardens, urban trails, and natural areas;
6. establish a network of connections to the regional open space system, including the vision for the Mountains to Sound Greenway;
7. protect environmentally critical areas; and
8. enhance the tree canopy throughout the City. (Policy amended 11/96)

G74 Goals for the provision of open space and related facilities are as follows:

L141 Strive to accomplish goals for the amount, types, and distribution of open space.

L142 Develop open space resources as a network.

L143 Provide unstructured open play space for children in or near residential neighborhoods.

L144 Guide development of shoreline public access and recreation as important elements in the city's open space network.

L145 Require that usable open space be provided by private development, in appropriate locations and circumstances.

L146 Emphasize flexibility in planning, designing, and developing new open space and encourage development of innovative projects.

L147 Permit the modification of open space goals through the neighborhood planning process.

L148 Develop the configuration, location, and distribution of urban village open space facilities as part of the village neighborhood planning process. (Policy amended 11/96)

L149 Endeavor to provide, through neighborhood planning for each urban village, at least one clearly defined community focus. The nature of this focus may vary according to different conditions in each village, as well as neighborhood preferences. Through siting and design emphasizing its public nature and function, the focus shall provide a place to be shared by the village population for informal public gathering and other community events.

The focus may be created by activities, public functions, or amenities. It may incorporate components such as public open space, the center of commercial activity, a school, an historic district or landmark, the community center, transit center, public sidewalks or other publicly accessible place.

L150 Permit designation through a neighborhood planning process of portions of existing, underutilized, or undeveloped rights-of-way as green streets, to be used to enhance public circulation, pedestrian activity, and street-level open space.

L151 Maximize the potential of the street system for public use through the reclamation of portions of public right-of-way, where appropriate, for open space, waterfront access, tree planting and substantial landscaping, pedestrian amenities, recreation space, view corridors, and boulevards.

L152 Promote inter-agency and intergovernmental cooperation to expand community gardening opportunities, and include P-Patch community gardening among priorities for use of City surplus property.

L153 Continue development of a system of urban trails that may include bikeways, bike routes, bike lanes, shoulders, multi-use trails, and pedestrian paths.

L154 Consider public lands such as street rights-of-way, abandoned railroad rights-of-way, and utility corridors for expanding the trail system.

L155 Designate and preserve important natural or ecological features in public ownership as greenspaces for low-intensity open space uses.

L156 Consider open space provisions established in adopted subarea plans (e.g., Land Use and Transportation Plan for Downtown, Northgate Area Comprehensive Plan), including specific open space sites and features, in guiding the expansion of the open space network.

L157 Direct efforts to expand the open space network according to the following considerations:

1. Locations for new facilities:

Urban Villages targeted for largest share of residential growth; especially those

Existing high density residential areas presently not served according to the population-based goals for urban village open space;

Existing high density residential areas presently not served according to the distribution goals for urban village open space;

Other urban village locations where an adopted subarea plan includes open space recommendations consistent with these policies; and

Specific locations enumerated in the Parks functional plan outside urban centers or villages.

2. Types of open space acquisitions and facility development:

Village open space sites, urban center indoor recreation facilities, village commons sites, and community gardens;

Critical open space linkages, connectors, and corridors that are highly accessible for active use within or directly serving urban villages, high density and/or high pedestrian, bicycle, or transit use areas;

Open space linkages, connectors, and corridors that are highly accessible for active use serving other high pedestrian, bicycle, or transit use areas;

Other types of open space within or adjacent to urban villages that is accessible from adjacent urban villages.

L158 Consider use of various means of providing open space including but not limited to:

1. Use of existing public lands;
2. Shared-use Agreements;
3. Incorporating open space in major public projects;
4. Incentives for open space preservation in private ownership, including preservation of trees of special community value or significance; and
5. Use of the street system. (Policy amended 11/96)

G. ANNEXATION (Section relettered 11/96)

L159 Designate as Potential Annexation Areas areas that include parcels currently owned by the City or small areas almost completely surrounded by land currently within Seattle’s city limits. Areas meeting these conditions are designated as Potential Annexation Areas as shown in Land Use Figure 8. (Policy amended 11/96)

L160 Favorably consider annexation requests by the residents of unincorporated areas to meet regional growth management goals.

L161 Support annexations of unincorporated areas to surrounding jurisdictions by being involved in public participation efforts to determine local sentiment regarding annexations, participating in the development of interlocal agreements concerning final annexation plans with the goal of eventually eliminating any unincorporated island areas, and participating in the evaluation of any proposals to create new jurisdictions in these areas.

L162 Seek, through cooperative efforts with adjacent jurisdictions, an equitable and balanced resolution to jurisdictional boundaries of the remaining unincorporated areas adjacent to the City’s limits. Future annexations to Seattle and/or Boundary changes shall be based on the following:

1. The area has access or can easily be connected to areas already served by the City, allowing efficient delivery of services to the area;
2. The City can readily provide services to the area; and
3. The boundary changes or interjurisdictional agreements will result in a fair and equitable distribution of revenues, facilities development and maintenance and operating costs, and transfer of assets. (Policy amended 11/96)

Land Use Figure 8

Discussion: In conformance with the goals of the State Shoreline Act, the Seattle Shoreline Master Program is established to accommodate a variety of functions and activities unique to shoreline areas, especially water-dependent businesses and shoreline recreation activities, and to protect and enhance public access, natural areas and views of the water. Management of Seattle’s shorelines is guided by the Area Objectives for Seattle’s shorelines as established in these policies, and the purpose of the shoreline environments, the shoreline environment designations and the use regulations and development standards established in the Land Use Code. All these elements combined constitute the Seattle Shoreline Master Program.

G75 Establish shoreline uses that result in long-term over short-term benefit.

G76 Plan for and encourage the integration and location of compatible uses within segments of the shoreline.

G77 Locate all non-water dependent uses upland to optimize shoreline use and access.

G78 Provide a management system that will plan for and permit all reasonable and appropriate use through a system of priorities.

G79 Protect those areas of shoreline that are geologically dangerous or fragile, or biologically fragile.

L163 Permit only those uses or conditions that retain use options for future generations unless identified benefits clearly outweigh the physical, social and/or economic loss to future generations since competition between uses for shoreline does not generally occur at one moment, but over a period of time. Water dependent uses generally shall have priority. Preference will be given in the following order:

1st. Protection and enhancement of natural areas or systems: those identified as containing or having unique geological, ecological or biological significance.

2nd. Water-dependent uses: all uses that cannot exist in any other location and are dependent on the water by reason of the intrinsic nature of their operations. However, because of their historic role and legal recognition by the City, floating home moorage are designated as a water dependent use. Such designation does not imply support for increase of floating home moorage. The intent of this policy is to recognize the existing floating home community in Lake Union and Portage Bay, while protecting natural areas, preserving public access to the shoreline, and preventing the displacement of water-dependent commercial and manufacturing uses by floating homes. Areas with substantial concentrations of existing floating homes shall be given a designation that preserves residential uses.

3rd. Non-water dependent uses: those uses that do not need a waterfront location to operate.

L164 Define in the Land Use Code all appropriate shoreline uses, and provide site development performance standards and other appropriate criteria indicating minimal acceptable standards to be achieved. Uses shall be preferred in the following order:

1. On waterfront lots:

Protection and Enhancement. Uses that provide for protection and enhancement of natural areas or systems.

Water-dependent uses. Uses that are dependent on the water by the intrinsic nature of their operation.

Water-related uses. Uses that are not intrinsically dependent on a waterfront location but whose operation cannot occur economically without use of the water adjacent to the site.

Nonwater-dependent uses with regulated public access. Uses that are neither water-dependent nor water-related because they do not use the water, although a waterfront location may increase their profitability. Such uses provide a public benefit because they provide an opportunity for substantial numbers of the people to enjoy the shorelines of the City.

Nonwater-dependent uses without regulated public access.

2. On upland lots: Preferred uses are those that complement uses on adjacent waterfront lots.
3. The preference for natural areas shall be accomplished by prohibiting uses that would disrupt natural areas or by providing enhancement of such areas where necessary.
4. Preferred uses will vary according to the purpose of the environment:

If the purpose of the environment is to encourage water-dependent and water-related uses, these uses shall be preferred by prohibiting and/or restricting nonwater-dependent uses on waterfront lots.

If the purpose of the environment is to provide public access, providing public access shall be preferred by permitting nonwater-dependent uses and requiring public access.

5. The determination that a shoreline area is suitable for a particular water-dependent use shall be made by comparing the area’s physical characteristics and existing land use patterns to the locational requirements of water-dependent uses.

L165 Identify those areas of shorelines that are geologically or biologically dangerous or fragile and regulate development to prevent damage to property or organisms and the general public.

L166 Encourage the development of support industries and services on upland lots by permitting a wider range of uses and more flexible development standards than waterfront lots, and avoiding potential incompatibility with water-dependent uses on waterfront lots.

G80 Provide for the optimum amount of public access—both physical and visual—to the shorelines of Seattle.

G81 Preserve and enhance views of the shoreline and water from upland areas where appropriate.

L167 Increase opportunities for substantial numbers of people to enjoy the shorelines, by permitting non-water-dependent uses providing public access to locate in waterfront areas less suited for water-dependent uses, and by requiring public access on public property.

L168 Promote public enjoyment of the shorelines through public access standards by requiring improvements that are safe, well designed, and offer adequate access to the water.

L169 Except for single family residences, maintain standards and criteria for public access and private use of publicly owned or controlled shorelines to achieve the following:

1. Provide linkages between shoreline public facilities via trails, paths, etc., to connect with terminal boating and other recreational facilities.
2. Indicate by use of signs and graphics all publicly owned or controlled shoreline.
3. If appropriate, offer bonuses for the provision of public access in private property.
4. Require public agencies such as the City, Port of Seattle, and King County Metro, etc., to provide public access opportunities at new shorelines facilities and encourage these agencies to provide similar opportunities in existing facilities.
5. Provide standards and criteria for view and visual access from upland and shoreline areas.
6. Give priority to the operating requirements of the water-dependent and water-related uses over preservation of views in those environments where water-dependent uses are encouraged.
7. Limit off-premise signs and regulate other signs to enhance and protect views.

L170 Waterways in Lake Union and Portage Bay are for public navigation access and commerce and, in general, the City shall not request that the designation be removed from Waterways. The City may request that waterways be vacated only when the city reclaims the area as street right of way or for public park purposes. The City may request that the dry land portion of a waterway be redesignated for the additional purpose of providing permanent public access improvements.

G82 Develop a transportation network that supports and enhances use of and access to the shorelines

G83 Relocate transportation facilities that are functionally or aesthetically disruptive to the shoreline.

L171 Encourage the transport of materials and cargo via modes having the least environmental impact.

L172 Encourage the maintenance and future development of inter-modal commuter ferry services, complementary to other public transportation systems, from both intracity locations and regional activity centers.

L173 Streets, highways, freeways and railroads should be located away from the shoreline in order to maximize the area of waterfront lots and minimize the area of upland lots. Streets, highways, freeways and railroads not needed for access to shoreline lots shall be discouraged in the Shoreline District.

L174 The primary purpose of waterways in Lake Union and Portage Bay is to facilitate navigation and commerce by providing navigational access to adjacent properties, access to the land for the loading and unloading of watercraft, and temporary moorage. The importance of waterways in providing public access from dry land to the water is also recognized.

L175 Public access shall be the preferred use for recaptured rights-of-way. Public rights-of-way may be used or developed for uses other than public access, provided that such uses are determined by the City to be in the public interest, and that public access of substantial quality and at least comparable to the right-of-way is provided.

L176 Shorelines street ends are a valuable resource for public use and access. Public or private use or development of street ends shall be designed to enhance rather than reduce public access.

L177 Provide public transportation convenient to the shoreline.

G84 Preserve, protect and restore areas such as those necessary for the support of wild and aquatic life or those identified as having geological or biological significance.

G85 Insure that all future uses will preserve and protect environmental systems, including wild and aquatic life.

G86 Insure continuing scientific study of Seattle shoreline ecosystems.

L178 Protect the natural environment through use and development standards governing shoreline activities including Best Management Practices.

L179 Areas identified as special wildlife or fisheries habitat should be developed only if no reasonable alternative locations exist and then only if the project is designed to minimize and mitigate habitat damage.

L180 Require that all commercial, industrial or other high activity uses provide means for treating natural or artificial urban run-off to acceptable standards. Developments with industrial and commercial uses that use or process substances potentially harmful to public health and/or aquatic life shall provide means to prevent, to the extent possible, point and non-point discharge of the harmful substances.

L181 Dredging and disposal of dredge materials shall be conducted in a manner that minimizes short and long-term environmental damage.

L182 Permit landfill on submerged land that does not create dry land where necessary for a water-dependent or water-related use, for the installation of a bridge or utility line or for wildlife or fisheries habitat mitigation or enhancement. Permit landfill that creates dry land only where necessary for the operation of a water-dependent or water-related use, to repair pocket erosion, or for wildlife habitat mitigation or enhancement. Large amounts of dry land may be created in Lake Union only if specifically approved by the Council for a public park purpose.

L183 Identify those areas that have potential for restoration to "natural" conditions, develop standards for the conditions in those areas, and provide incentives for achieving such standards.

L184 Support programs that inform the public about shoreline conservation practices, and identify methods by which public and private shoreline owners or community groups may encourage wild, aquatic and botanical life, and require such methods when appropriate.

L185 Support the study of the shoreline systems that will provide a continuously updated baseline against which to judge the impact of any action.

G87 Encourage economic activity and development of water-dependent uses by supporting the retention and expansion of existing water-dependent businesses and planning for the creation of new developments in areas now dedicated to such use. (9/98)

G88 Allow a multi-use concept of development, provided that the major use is water-dependent and that provides public access to the shoreline yet maintains the economic viability of the use.

L186 Concentrate industrial and commercial shoreline uses by supporting the retention and expansion of existing water-dependent businesses, and planning for the creation of new developments in areas now dedicated to such use. (9/98)

L187 Identify and designate appropriate land adjacent to deep water for uses that require such condition, such as industry or commerce.

L188 Provide incentives for public amenities on private property.

L189 Citywide objectives for different types of water-dependent businesses and industries:

1. Cargo Handling Facilities.

Reserve space in deep water areas with adequate backup space to permit the Port of Seattle and other marine industries to remain competitive with other ports.

Work with the Port of Seattle to develop a long-range harbor plan in order to provide predictability for property owners and private industry in the Duwamish and Elliott Bay.

2. Tug and Barge Facilities. Retain Seattle’s role as the Gateway to Alaska and maintain space for Puget Sound and Pacific trade.
3. Shipbuilding, Boat building, and Repairs. Maintain a critical mass of facilities in Seattle in order to meet the needs of the diverse fleets that visit or have a home port in Seattle, including fishing, transport, recreation and military vessels.
4. Moorage. Meet the long-term and transient needs of all of Seattle’s ships and boats including fishing, transport, recreation and military. Locate long-term moorage in sheltered areas close to services, and short-term moorage in more open areas. Support the efficient use of Fishermen’s Terminal, the Shilshole Marina and other public moorage facilities. Reduce the displacement of commercial moorage by recreational moorage by encouraging the full use of submerged lands for recreational moorage in areas less suited for commercial moorage. Require large recreational marinas to provide some commercial transient moorage as part of their facilities.
5. Recreational Boating. Maintain Seattle’s unofficial status as a "boating capital." Allow a variety of boating facilities from launching ramps for small "car top" boats to major marinas. Provide long-term recreational moorage for residents and sufficient short-term moorage close to cultural and recreational centers for visitors.
6. Passenger Terminals. Maintain and expand the opportunity for residents and visitors for convenient travel by ship to local and distant ports. Encourage more passenger-only ferries and cruise ships on the Central Waterfront.
7. Fishing Industry. Maintain a critical mass of support services including boat building and repair, moorage, fish processors, and supply houses to permit Seattle fishermen to continue to service and have a home-port for their vessels in Seattle waters. Recognize the importance of the local fishing industry in supplying local markets and restaurants. Recognize the economic contribution of distant water fisheries to Seattle’s maritime and general economy.

G89 Manage publicly owned shorelines that are suitable for public recreation to optimize their potential.

G90 Increase the amount of shorelines dedicated to public recreation and open space.

G91 Identify, protect and reserve for public use and/or enjoyment those areas containing special shoreline qualities that cannot be easily duplicated.

L190 Allow for increased opportunity for the public to enjoy water-dependent recreation including boating, fishing, swimming, diving and enjoyment of views.

L191 Designate as suited for water-dependent recreation areas having natural beaches, large amounts of submerged land for moorage or sheltered waters and the absence of heavy ship traffic and incompatible heavy industry.

L192 Provide for recreational boating facilities including terminals, moorage and service facilities on publicly-owned land and encourage the provision of such facilities on private property, if the environmental impact is acceptable.

L193 Increase publicly-owned shorelines, giving priority to those areas that lack recreational facilities.

L194 Explore alternative means (other than acquisition) to provide public recreation at the shoreline and on the water.

L195 Use submerged lands for underwater parks when feasible.

G92 Appropriately designate sites and areas of shoreline having historic or cultural significance.

G93 Support and encourage the restoration of those areas or conditions of the shoreline now unsuitable for private or public use, consistent with economic and environmental goals.

G94 Upgrade and/or beautify the public shoreline.

L196 Support and encourage the restoration, preservation and maintenance of areas of the shoreline having significant historical or cultural significance, and a program for shoreline restoration and beautification.

L197 Consider protection of individual sites or aspects of areas identified as being of historical significance through landmark designation.

G95 Continue shoreline planning by periodically updating the inventory, goals, policies and regulations to respond to changing attitudes and conditions in Seattle’s shorelines.

L198 Conduct periodic assessments of the performance of and the need for change in the Shoreline Master Program.

G96 Recognize the unique opportunities in different areas of our shorelines to accommodate different types of water-dependent businesses and shoreline recreation, and to protect and enhance natural areas and views of the water.

G97 Restore Lower Duwamish Watershed habitat while maintaining the urban industrial nature of the area, its neighborhoods, and the importance of sustaining a healthy and diverse working waterfront and marine ecology. (Added 11/97)

G98 Strengthen the vitality of a functioning ecosystem within the Lower Duwamish Watershed by integrating projects into their surrounding environments, by supporting a diversity of habitats, and by strengthening connections between habitats throughout the Watershed. (Added 11/97)

L198.5 The Lower Duwamish Watershed Habitat Restoration Plan (December, 1996, as may be amended from time to time) should be considered by agencies when conducting planning or permitting activities within the watershed. (Added 11/97)

L199 It is the intent of the Area Objectives to indicate which of the Shoreline Areas Goals and Policies are to be met on each specific section of shoreline. The Management System for Appropriate Uses as required by the Shoreline Management Act shall consist of the Area Objectives for the diverse areas of Seattle’s shorelines, the purposes of the shoreline environments, the shoreline environment designations, and the use regulations and development standards of the Land Use Code.

L200 The area objectives for Seattle Shorelines illustrated in Land Use Figure 9 are as follows:

1. Area Objectives For Shorelines Of Statewide Significance

Puget Sound (Residential/Recreational Areas (The Puget Sound area includes all of the shorelines on Puget Sound within the City limits, except the Shilshole area, Elliott Bay, the Harborfront and the Duwamish Waterways.)

Protect the fragile ecology of the natural beaches and fish migration routes.

Encourage and enhance shoreline recreational activities, particularly in developed parks.

Provide for quality public access to the shoreline.

Preserve and enhance views of the water.

Protect areas developed for residential use in a manner consistent with the Single Family and Multi-family Residential Area Policies.

Elliott Bay (The Elliott Bay area is all shoreline area from 24th Avenue West to SW Atlantic Street, except the Harborfront, Harbor Island and the Duwamish Waterways.)

Reserve waterfront lots for major port terminals, large water-dependent and water-related manufacturing and industrial facilities and major water-dependent recreational developments.

Choose shoreline environments that are appropriate for recreational and industrial uses based on water depth, amount of dry land, topography and truck and rail access.

Protect and enhance migratory fish routes and feeding areas.

Harborfront (Central Waterfront; the Harborfront area is the shoreline area from Bay Street on the north to S. Jackson Street on the south.)

Encourage economically viable marine uses to meet the needs of waterborne commerce.

Facilitate the revitalization of downtown’s waterfront.

Provide opportunities for public access and recreational enjoyment of the shoreline.

Preserve and enhance elements of historic and cultural significance.

Preserve views of Elliott Bay and the land forms beyond.

The Duwamish (The Duwamish area includes the Duwamish river from the south city limits north to South Massachusetts on the east side and southwest Bronson Street on the west side, and including Harbor Island and the East and West Duwamish Waterways.)

Preserve the statewide interest by encouraging industrial and port uses in this area where such uses are already concentrated while also protecting migratory fish routes.

Protect Kellogg Island as an important natural resource for fish and wildlife habitat and the opportunity for the public to view those resources.

Work with appropriate government agencies and shoreline users to reduce the input of pollutants, restore contaminated areas and regulate disposal of dredge spoils.

Increase public access and recreational opportunities through the Duwamish Public Access Plan.

The Shilshole Area (The Shilshole area is the shoreline area from Northwest 80th Street on the north, to the Chittenden Locks.)

Retain the strong water-dependent recreational character of the area. Water-dependent recreational uses and their supporting services are the preferred uses for this area.

Permit non-water-dependent commercial uses when providing access to the water, protecting views and not usurping land usable for future water-dependent recreational uses.

On waterfront lots new residential uses may be permitted when adjacent to existing residences. Protect the fish migration routes.

Lake Washington and Union Bay (The Lake Washington area is the shoreline area on Lake Washington from the north to south city limits, including Union Bay, to the Montlake Bridge.)

Preserve the resources of natural areas and fish migration, feeding areas and spawning areas.

Provide quality public access to the shoreline by encouraging and enhancing shoreline recreational activities, particularly in developed parks.

Preserve and enhance views of the water.

Protect developed residential and commercial areas in a manner consistent with adopted land use policies. Union Bay

Protect fragile natural environments.

Provide opportunities for the public to enjoy the natural environment.

The Ship Canal (The Ship Canal area includes the Lake Washington Ship Canal from the Chittenden Locks to the Fremont Bridge.)

Retain and encourage the important role that the Ship Canal plays in state, regional and local fisheries by reserving the Ship Canal primarily for water-dependent and water-related uses. Non-water-dependent uses shall be restricted, prohibited or allowed only on a limited basis by the selection of shoreline environments that favor water-dependent uses.

Encourage the development of non-water-dependent commercial, institutional and manufacturing uses on those areas of the Fremont Cut that do not have water access.

Lake Union and Portage Bay (The Lake Union area is all of Lake Union from the Fremont Bridge to the Montlake Bridge, and all of Portage Bay, from the I-5 Bridge to the Montlake Bridge.)

Maintain and encourage a diversity of uses around Lake Union and Portage Bay by designating different areas of the shoreline with different shoreline environments.

Retain the working character of Lake Union by reserving those areas of the lake’s shorelines that are suitable for water-dependent uses for the use of marine businesses. Prohibit new residential uses on industrial shorelines.

Allow a greater mix of uses, including non-water-dependent uses providing public access, in those areas that are not being preserved for water-dependent uses.

Preserve the existing floating home community.

Provide a maximum amount of public access in locations that do not conflict with water-dependent manufacturing uses.

Provide for some open water and protect views of the Lake and Bay in all environments in Lake Union and Portage Bay.

Restore and enhance and Lake’s natural environment.

Green Lake (The Green Lake area includes the lake, the park and its 200 foot-wide shoreline.)

Encourage and enhance the shoreline recreational activities and opportunities in the area as a unique urban park.

Explore restoration options for improving water quality, reducing algae and other plant growth and enhancing sports fishing.

L201 The 35-foot height limit of the Shoreline Management Act shall be the standard for maximum height in the Seattle Shoreline District. Exceptions in the development standards of a shoreline environment may be made consistent with the Act and with the underlying zoning where:

1. A greater height will not obstruct views of a substantial number of residences and the public interest will be served; and
2. Greater height is necessary for bridges or the operational needs of water dependent or water-related uses or manufacturing uses; or
3. A reduced height is warranted because of the underlying residential zone; or
4. A reduced height is warranted because public views or the views of a substantial number of residences could be blocked.

G99 Maintain and enhance Seattle’s urban forest as a healthy and dynamic natural resource--a system of trees and understory that thrives and grows within the context of a changing urban environment.

G100 Achieve a net increase of healthy, diverse tree cover throughout the city.

G101 Protect and retain trees and groups of trees of significant historical, cultural, horticultural, environmental, and aesthetic value in order to enhance Seattle’s character and protect Seattle’s natural heritage.

G102 Protect the habitat of native and migratory wildlife by encouraging open space conservation and providing for the growth of native species of trees.

G103 Involve citizens, community groups, and nonprofit organizations in the care and enhancement of the urban forest.

L202 Actively manage the forested areas within Seattle’s parks, acquired open spaces, and rights-of-way as the first priority in urban forest maintenance and enhancement efforts.

L203 Protect selected trees, utilize proper pruning and tree care, and improve conditions in order to achieve long-term benefits from the urban forest, cultivate an ecosytem that is diverse and therefore more resilient to insects, disease and climate changes, and adapt the forest to achieve compatibility with other urban needs.

L204 Foster cooperation between City departments to address conflicting tree-related issues on City-owned properties and rights-of-way, and coordinate with other governments and agencies in addressing the health of the urban forest within the City of Seattle.

L205 Fully consider the significant value of trees when resolving infrastructure conflicts; select and plant appropriate tree species on public rights-of-way that maximize planting potential while protecting the safety of residents.

L206 Encourage the preservation and maintenance of existing healthy tree cover in areas undergoing development, and consider tree replacement if removal is unavoidable.

L207 Maintain the health of that portion of the urban forest on private property through a combination of incentives and development review practices.

L208 Encourage stewardship practices among Seattle’s residents and City personnel through education, training, and continued volunteer participation in the care of Seattle’s urban forest.

L209 Recognize and expand public/private partnerships currently underway in the City to more effectively involve citizens and non-governmental organizations in urban forestry care and enhancement.

L210 Encourage the planting and maintenance of native species of trees, shrubs and other vegetation in order to encourage native wildlife.