Form revised May 5, 2009

FISCAL NOTE FOR NON-CAPITAL PROJECTS

Department:	Contact Person/Phone:	DOF Analyst/Phone:
Planning and Development	John Skelton/233-3883	Karen Grove/684-5805

Legislation Title:

An ordinance related to land use and zoning; amending Section 23.40.006 of the Seattle Municipal Code, to allow issuance of a permit for demolition of a residential use in a Single Family zone without first establishing a new use for a lot.

Summary of the Legislation: This legislation would exempt property owners in Single Family zones from needing to establish a new use by permit for a property before receiving a permit to demolish a residential structure.

Background:

Over the years, provisions have been enacted to control the unintended consequences land use actions may have on housing affordability.  One regulation in particular was established to limit demolition of a structure containing one or more dwelling units until a permit decision was made authorizing a new use permitted on the site.  The goal of this regulation was to prevent a reduction in the city’s housing stock.

Disallowing the demolition of a structure until a new use is approved may suffice to deter untimely demolition of housing in most zones; however, in Single Family zones it may place a disproportionate burden on a property owner because of the more limited uses that could replace the existing house.  Property where owners were not permitted to demolish the structures as desired by the neighborhood deteriorate and attract undesirable activities to the neighborhood.

Therefore, with limitations, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is recommending amendments to the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) Section  23.40.006 to allow demolition of a single family structure in a Single Family zone without needing to first secure a permit for a new structure or use on the lot. 

_X_ This legislation does not have any financial implications.