Seattle City Council Bills and Ordinances
Information modified on February 23, 1999; retrieved on July 16, 2025 11:30 PM
Ordinance 119370
Introduced as Council Bill 112553
Title | |
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AN ORDINANCE relating to land use and zoning amending height and rooftop features provisons in downtown, commercial and industrial zones by amending the following Sections in Title 23, Seattle Land Use Code, of the Seattle Municipal Code: 23.41.012; 23.47.012; 23.49.008; 23.49.008; 23.49.048; 23.49.068; 23.49.098; 23.49.124; 23.49.150; 23.49.210; 23.49.328; 23.49.342; 23.50.012; 23.50.020; 23.50.022; 23.50.027; 23.50.028; 23.66.140; and 23.66.332. |
Description and Background | |
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Current Status: | Passed |
Index Terms: | LAND-USE-CODE, LAND-USE-REGULATIONS |
References: | Amending: Ord 118362, 117430, 118672, 117954, 116513, 112303, 113279, 119238, 116596, 113658, 117570, 116744, 112134 |
Legislative History | |
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Sponsor: | DRAGO | tr>
Date Introduced: | January 25, 1999 |
Committee Referral: | Business, Economic and Community Development |
City Council Action Date: | February 8, 1999 |
City Council Action: | Passed |
City Council Vote: | 9-0 |
Date Delivered to Mayor: | February 8, 1999 |
Date Signed by Mayor: (About the signature date) | February 16, 1999 |
Date Filed with Clerk: | February 16, 1999 |
Signed Copy: | PDF scan of Ordinance No. 119370 |
Text | |
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AN ORDINANCE relating to land use and zoning amending height and rooftop features provisions in downtown, commercial and industrial zones by amending the following Sections in Title 23, Seattle Land Use Code, of the Seattle Municipal Code: 23.41.012; 23.47.012; 23.49.008; 23.49.048; 23.49.068; 23.49.098; 23.49.124; 23.49.150; 23.49.210; 23.49.328; 23.49.342; 23.50.012; 23.50.020; 23.50.022; 23.50.027; 23.50.028; 23.66.140; and 23.66.332. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Subsection B of Section 23.41.012 of the Seattle Municipal Code, which Section was last amended by Ordinance 118362, is amended as follows: 23.41.012 Development standard departures. * * * B. The following development standard departures may be permitted through design review: 1. Structure width and depth limits; 2. Setback requirements; 3. Modulation requirements; 4. SCM zone facade requirements, including transparency and blank facade provisions; 5. Design, location and access to parking requirements; 6. Open space or common recreation area requirements; 7. Lot coverage limits; 8. Screening and landscaping requirements; 9. Standards for the location and design of nonresidential uses in mixed-use buildings; 10. Within Urban Centers, in L-3 zones only, the pitched roof of a structure, as provided in Section 23.45.009C, may incorporate additional height of up to twenty (20) percent of the maximum height permitted, as provided in Section 23.45.009A, subject to the following limitations: a. A pitched roof may not incorporate the additional height if the structure is on a site abutting or across a street or alley from a single-family residential zone, b. The proposed structure must be compatible with the general development potential anticipated within the zone, c. The additional height must not substantially interfere with views from up-slope properties, and d. No more than one (1) project on one (1) site within each Urban Center may incorporate additional height in the pitched roofs of its structures pursuant to this subsection unless development regulations enacted pursuant to a neighborhood planning process allow other projects to incorporate such additional height; 11. Downtown street facade requirements;
12. Downtown upper-level development standards; 13. Downtown maximum wall dimensions; and 14 Combined coverage of all rooftop features in downtown zones subject to the limitations in subsection 23.49.008C2. Section 2. Subsection G of Section 23.47.012 of the Seattle Municipal Code, which Section was last amended by Ordinance 117430, is amended as follows: 23.47.012 Structure height and floor area ratio. G. Rooftop Features. 1. Radio and television receiving antennas excluding dish antennas; ham radio towers; smokestacks, chimneys; flagpoles; and spires for religious institutions are exempt from height controls, except as regulated in Chapter 23.64, Airport Height District, provided they are a minimum of ten feet (10') from any side or rear lot line. 2. Open railings, planters, skylights, clerestories, greenhouses, parapets and firewalls may extend up to four feet (4') above the maximum height limit with unlimited rooftop coverage. 3. Solar Collectors. a. In zones with height limits of thirty feet (30') or forty feet (40'), solar collectors may extend up to four feet (4') above the maximum height limit, with unlimited rooftop coverage. b. In zones with height limits of sixty-five feet (65') or more, solar collectors may extend up to seven feet (7') above the maximum height limit, with unlimited rooftop coverage. 4. The following rooftop features may extend up to fifteen feet (15')above the maximum height limit, so long as the combined total coverage of all features listed in this subsection does not exceed twenty percent (20%)of the roof area or twenty-five percent (25%) of the roof area if the total includes stair or elevator penthouses or screened mechanical equipment: a. Solar collectors; b. Stair and elevator penthouses; c. Mechanical equipment; d. Play equipment and open-mesh fencing which encloses it, so long as the fencing is at least fifteen feet (15') from the roof edge; and e. Dish antennas, according to the provisions of Chapter 23.57. 5. In order to protect solar access for property to the north, the applicant shall either locate the rooftop features listed in this subdivision at least ten feet (10') from the north edge of the roof, or provide shadow diagrams to demonstrate that the proposed location of such rooftop features would shade property to the north on January 21st at noon no more than would a structure built to maximum permitted bulk: a. Solar collectors; b. Planters; c. Clerestories; d. Greenhouses; e. Dish antennas, according to the provisions of Chapter 23.57; f. Non-firewall parapets; g. Play equipment. 6. Structures existing prior to May 10, 1986 may add new or replace existing mechanical equipment up to fifteen (15) feet above the roof elevation of the structure and shall comply with the noise standards of Section 23.47.018. Section 3. Subsection C of Section 23.49.008 of the Seattle Municipal Code, which Section was last amended by Ordinance 118672, is amended as follows: 23.49.008 Structure height. The following provisions regulating structure height shall apply to all property in downtown zones except the DH1, PSM, IDM, and IDR zones. C. Rooftop Features.
2. Solar collectors may extend up to seven (7) feet above the maximum height limit with unlimited rooftop coverage.
3. The following rooftop features may extend up to fifteen (15) feet above the maximum height limit, as long as the combined coverage of all features listed in this subsection does not exceed twenty (20) percent of the roof area, or twenty-five (25)
percent if the total includes stair or elevator penthouses or screened mechanical equipment:
a. Solar collectors;
b. Stair and elevator penthouses;
c. Mechanical equipment; and
d. Play equipment and open-mesh fencing, as long as the fencing is at least fifteen (15) feet from the roof edge.
4. Major or minor communication utilities; religious symbols and that portion of the roof which supports them, such as belfries or spires; smokestacks; and flagpoles may extend up to fifty (50) feet above the roof of the structure on which they are
located or fifty (50) feet above the maximum height limit, whichever is less, except as regulated in Chapter 23.64, Airport Height Overlay District. They shall be located a minimum of ten (10) feet from all lot lines.
5. Administrative Conditional Use for Rooftop Features. The rooftop features listed in subsection C4 may exceed a height of fifty (50) feet above the roof of the structure on which they are located if authorized by the Director through an
administrative conditional use, Chapter 23.76. The request for additional height shall be evaluated on the basis of public benefits provided, the possible impacts of the additional height, consistency with the City's land use policies, and the following
specific criteria:
a. The feature shall be compatible with and not adversely affect the downtown skyline.
b. The feature shall not have a significant adverse effect upon the light, air, solar and visual access of properties within a three hundred (300) foot radius.
c. The feature, supporting structure and structure below shall be compatible in design elements such as bulk, profile, color and materials.
d. The feature shall not adversely affect the function of existing transmission or receiving equipment within a five (5) mile radius.
e. The increased size is necessary for the successful physical function of the feature, except for religious symbols. 1. The following rooftop features are permitted with unlimited rooftop coverage and may not exceed the height limits as indicated: a. Open railings, planters, clerestories, skylights, play equipment, parapets and firewalls up to four (4) feet above the maximum height limit; b. Solar collectors up to seven (7) feet above the maximum height limit; and c. The rooftop features listed below may extend up to fifty (50) feet above the roof of the structure on which they are located or fifty (50) feet above the maximum height limit, whichever is less, except as regulated in Chapter 23.64, Airport Height Overlay District: (1) Major or minor communication utilities; (2) Religious symbols and that portion of the roof which supports them, such as belfries or spires; (3) Smokestacks; and (4) Flagpoles They shall be located a minimum of ten (10) feet from all lot lines. 2. The following rooftop features are permitted as long as the combined coverage of all features does not exceed twenty (20) percent of the roof area, or twenty-five (25) percent if the total includes stair or elevator penthouses or screened mechanical equipment. Except in the PMM zone, additional combined coverage of all rooftop features, not to exceed thirtyfive (35) percent of the roof area, may be permitted through the Design Review process for Development Standard Departures in Section 23.41.012 . a. The following rooftop features are permitted to extend up to fifteen (15) feet above the maximum height limit: (1) Solar collectors; (2) Stair penthouses; (3) Play equipment and open-mesh fencing, as long as the fencing is at least fifteen (15) feet from the roof edge; (4) Mechanical equipment; and (5) Mechanical equipment, whether new or replacement, may be allowed up to fifteen (15) feet above the roof elevation of a structure existing prior to June 1, 1998. b. Elevator penthouses are permitted to extend beyond the maximum height limit as follows: (1) In the PMM zone, up to fifteen (15) feet above the maximum height limit for the zone. (2) Except in the PMM zone, up to twenty (20) feet above the maximum height limit for a penthouse designed for an elevator cab up to eight (8) feet high; or (3) Except in the PMM zone, up to twenty-two (22) feet above the maximum height limit for a penthouse designed for an elevator cab more than eight (8) feet high. 3. Screening of Rooftop Features. a. Measures may be taken to screen rooftop features from public view through the Design Review process or, if located within the Pike Place Market Historical District, by the Market Historical Commission. b. Except in the PMM zone, the amount of roof area enclosed by rooftop screening may exceed the maximum percentage of the combined coverage of all rooftop features as provided in subsection C2 above. c. Except in the PMM zone, in no circumstances shall the height of rooftop screening exceed ten (10) percent of the maximum height of the zone in which the structure is located, or fifteen (15) feet, whichever is greater. In the PMM zone, the height of the screening shall not exceed the height of the rooftop feature being screened, or such greater height necessary for effective screening as determined by the Pike Place Market Historical Commission. 4. Administrative Conditional Use for Rooftop Features. The rooftop features listed in subsection C1c may exceed a height of fifty (50) feet above the roof of the structure on which they are located if authorized by the Director through an administrative conditional use, Chapter 23.76. The request for additional height shall be evaluated on the basis of public benefits provided, the possible impacts of the additional height, consistency with the City's land use policies, and the following specific criteria: a. The feature shall be compatible with and not adversely affect the downtown skyline. b. The feature shall not have a substantial adverse effect upon the light, air, solar and visual access of properties within a three hundred (300) foot radius. c. The feature, supporting structure and structure below shall be compatible in design elements such as bulk, profile, color and materials. d. The feature shall not adversely affect the function of existing transmission or receiving equipment within a five (5) mile radius. e. The increased size is necessary for the successful physical function of the feature, except for religious symbols. Section 4. Subsection C of Section 23.49.048 of the Seattle Municipal Code, which Section was last amended by Ordinance 117954, is amended as follows: 23.49.048 Downtown Office Core 1, floor area ratio (FAR). C. Exemptions from FAR Calculations. 1. The following areas shall be exempt from base and maximum FAR calculations: a. All floor area below grade; b. All gross floor area located above grade which is used for principal or accessory short-term parking, or for parking accessory to residential uses, up to one (1) space per dwelling unit; c. The gross floor area of public benefit features which satisfy the requirements of Section 23.49.050, Ratios for public benefit features, and satisfy the Public Benefit Features Rule. For all features except housing, the exemption shall apply whether the feature is granted a floor area bonus or not, regardless of maximum bonusable area limitations. 2. As an allowance for mechanical equipment, three and one-half percent (3 1/2%) of the gross floor area of a structure shall not be counted in gross floor area calculations. The allowance shall be calculated on the gross floor area after all exempt space permitted under subsection C1 has been deducted. Mechanical equipment located on the roof of a structure, whether enclosed or not, shall be calculated as part of the total gross floor area of the structure, except that for structures existing prior to June 1, 1989, new or replacement mechanical equipment may be placed on the roof and will not be counted in gross floor area calculations. Section 5. Subsection C of Section 23.49.068 of the Seattle Municipal Code, which Section was last amended by Ordinance 117954, is amended as follows: 23.49.068 Downtown Office Core 2, floor area ratio (FAR). C. Exemptions from FAR Calculations. 1. The following areas shall be exempt from base and maximum FAR calculations: a. All gross floor area in residential use, except that on sending lots from which development rights are transferred according to Section 23.49.072 C the only exempt residential space shall be low-income housing on landmark theater/housing TDR sites that satisfies all requirements for a bonus under the Public Benefit Features Rule; b. All gross floor area below grade; c. All gross floor area located above grade which is used for principal or accessory short-term parking, or for parking accessory to residential uses, up to one (1) space per dwelling unit; d. The gross floor area of public benefit features, other than housing, that satisfy the requirements of Section 23.49.070, Ratios for public benefit features, and the Public Benefit Features Rule, whether granted a floor area bonus or not, regardless of maximum bonusable area limitations. 2. As an allowance for mechanical equipment, three and one-half (3 1/2) percent of the gross floor area of a structure shall not be counted in gross floor area calculations. The allowance shall be calculated on the gross floor area after all exempt space permitted under subsection C1 has been deducted. Mechanical equipment located on the roof of a structure, whether enclosed or not, shall be calculated as part of the total gross floor area of the structure, except that for structures existing prior to June 1, 1989, new or replacement mechanical equipment may be placed on the roof and will not be counted in gross floor area calculations. Section 6. Subsection C of Section 23.49.098 of the Seattle Municipal Code, which Section was last amended by Ordinance 117954, is amended as follows: 23.49.098 Downtown Retail Core, floor area ratio (FAR). C. Exemptions From FAR Calculations. 1. The following areas shall be exempt from base and maximum FAR calculations: a. All gross floor area in residential use, except that on sending lots from which development rights are transferred according to Section 23.49.102 the only residential space exempted shall be low-income housing on landmark theater/housing TDR sites satisfying all requirements for a bonus under the Public Benefit Features Rule; b. All gross floor area below grade; c. All gross floor area located above grade which is used for principal or accessory short-term parking, or for parking accessory to residential uses, up to one (1) space per dwelling unit; d. The gross floor area of public benefit features (including a performing arts theater but excluding a major retail store) which satisfy the requirements of Section 23.49.100, Ratios for public benefit features, and satisfy the Public Benefit Features Rule, whether granted a floor area bonus or not, regardless of maximum bonusable area limitations; e. The sum of the gross floor area of the following uses, up to a maximum FAR of one and one-half (1 through): (1) Retail sales and services uses, including major retail stores, except lodging, (2) Human service uses and child care centers, (3) Customer service offices, (4) Entertainment uses, such as theaters, and (5) Museums. The exemption for the uses listed in this subsection C1e shall be increased to a maximum FAR of two (2) when a performing arts theater or three (3) when a major retail store is given a bonus as part of a project pursuant to Section 23.49.096. 2. As an allowance for mechanical equipment, three and one-half (3 through) percent of the gross floor area of a structure shall not be counted in gross floor area calculations. The allowance shall be calculated on the gross floor area after all exempt space permitted under subsection C1 of this section has been deducted. Mechanical equipment located on the roof of a structure, whether enclosed or not, shall be calculated as part of the total gross floor area of the structure, except that for structures existing prior to June 1, 1989, new or replacement mechanical equipment may be placed on the roof and will not be counted in gross floor area calculations. Section 7. Subsection C of Section 23.49.124 of the Seattle Municipal Code, which Section was last amended by Ordinance 116513, is amended as follows: 23.49.124 Downtown Mixed Commercial, floor area ratio (FAR). C. Exemptions from FAR Calculations. 1. The following areas shall be exempt from base and maximum FAR calculations: a. All gross floor area in residential use, except that on sending lots from which development rights are transferred, according to Section 23.49.128 the only exempt residential space shall be low-income housing on landmark theater/housing TDR sites satisfying all of the requirements for a bonus under the Public Benefit Features Rule; b. All gross floor area below grade; c. All gross floor area used for accessory parking; d. The gross floor area of public benefit features, other than housing, which satisfy the requirements of Section 23.49.126, Ratios for public benefit features, or which satisfy the requirements for an FAR bonus amenity allowable to a structure in DOC1 or DOC2 for an off-site public benefit feature, and, in either case, satisfy the Public Benefit Features Rule, whether granted a floor area bonus or not, regardless of the maximum bonusable area limitation. 2. As an allowance for mechanical equipment, three and one-half percent (3 1/2%) of the gross floor area of a structure shall not be counted in gross floor area calculations. The allowance shall be calculated on the gross floor area after all exempt space permitted under subsection C1 has been deducted. Mechanical equipment located on the roof of a structure, whether enclosed or not, shall be calculated as part of the total gross floor area of the structure, except that for structures existing prior to June 1, 1989, new or replacement mechanical equipment may be placed on the roof and will not be counted in gross floor area calculations. Section 8. Subsection C of Section 23.49.150 of the Seattle Municipal Code, as adopted by Ordinance 112303, is amended as follows: 23.49.150 Downtown Mixed Residential, floor area ratio (FAR). C. Exemptions From FAR Calculations. 1. The following areas shall be exempt from base and maximum FAR calculations: a. All gross floor area in residential use, except on sending lots from which development rights are transferred, according to Section 23.49.154; b. All gross floor area below grade; c. All gross floor area used for accessory parking located above grade;
d. The gross floor area of public benefit features which satisfy the requirements of Section 23.49.152, Downtown Mixed Residential, 2. As an allowance for mechanical equipment, three and one-half (3 through) percent of the gross floor area of a structure shall not be counted in gross floor area calculations. The allowance shall be calculated on the gross floor area after all exempt space permitted under subsection C1 has been deducted. Mechanical equipment located on the roof of a structure, whether enclosed or not, shall be calculated as part of the total gross floor area of the structure, except that for structures existing prior to June 1, 1989, new or replacement mechanical equipment may be placed on the roof and will not be counted in gross floor area calculations. Section 9. Subsection C of Section 23.49.210 of the Seattle Municipal Code, which Section was last amended by Ordinance 113279, is amended as follows: 23.49.210 International District Mixed, floor area ratio (FAR). C. Exemptions from FAR Calculations. 1. The following areas shall be exempt from base and maximum FAR calculations: a. All gross floor area in residential use, except on sending lots from which development rights are transferred according to Section 23.49.212. b. All gross floor area below grade. c. All gross floor area used for accessory parking. d. When required by the regulations of the International District Special Review District, Chapter 23.66, required streetlevel uses shall be exempt to a maximum of one-half (1/2) the area of the lot, not to exceed fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet. 2. As an allowance for mechanical equipment, three and one-half percent (3 1/2%) of the gross floor area of a structure shall not be counted in gross floor area calculations. The allowance shall be calculated on the gross floor area after all exempt space permitted under subsection C1 has been deducted. Mechanical equipment located on the roof of a structure, whether enclosed or not, shall be calculated as part of the total gross floor area of the structure, except that for structures existing prior to June 1, 1989, new or replacement mechanical equipment may be placed on the roof and will not be counted in gross floor area calculations. Section 10. Subsection C of Section 23.49.328 of the Seattle Municipal Code, as adopted by Ordinance 112303, is amended as follows: 23.49.328 Downtown Harborfront 2, floor area ratio (FAR). C. Exemptions from FAR Calculations. 1. The following areas shall be exempted from base and maximum FAR calculations: a. All gross floor area below grade; b. All gross floor area used for accessory parking located above grade. 2. As an allowance for mechanical equipment, three and one-half (3 through) percent of the gross floor area of a structure shall not be counted in gross floor area calculations. The allowance shall be calculated on the gross floor area after all exempt space permitted under subsection C1 has been deducted. Mechanical equipment located on the roof of a structure, whether enclosed or not, shall be calculated as part of the total gross floor area of the structure, except that for structures existing prior to June 1, 1989, new or replacement mechanical equipment may be placed on the roof and will not be counted in gross floor area calculations. Section 11. Subsection C of Section 23.49.342 of the Seattle Municipal Code, as adopted by Ordinance 112303, is amended as follows: 23.49.342 Pike Market Mixed, floor area ratio. C. Exemptions from FAR Calculations. 1. All gross floor area below grade shall be exempt from FAR calculations. 2. New and/or replacement of existing mechanical equipment located on the roof of structures existing prior to June 1, 1989. Section 12. A new subsection D of Section 23.50.012 of the Seattle Municipal Code, which Section was last amended by Ordinance 119238, is added as follows: 23.50.012 Permitted and prohibited uses. D. Rooftop Recreational Space in IG1 and IG2 Zones. Recreational space may be located on the rooftop of a building (including the rooftop of an attached parking structure) existing as of December 31, 1998. Rooftop recreational space shall be used only for the purposes of active recreational uses and/or passive open spaces accessory to office uses of at least one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet that are located in the same building or within an attached structure(s) and that are established on or before December 31, 1998. When any portion of the rooftop recreational space is covered by a structure, the following standards shall apply: 1. The height of the structure shall not exceed thirty (30) feet as measured from the existing rooftop elevation and be limited to only one-story; 2. The height shall not exceed the height of the highest portion or feature of the building or attached structure(s); 3. The footprint of the structure shall not exceed thirty (30) percent of the total roof area on which the structure is located; and 4. The structure shall be designed to include a minimum of thirty (30) percent transparent and/or translucent exterior building materials. Rooftop recreational space meeting the above standards shall not be subject to the limits on maximum size of non-industrial uses, and the gross floor area of the rooftop recreational space shall be exempt from FAR calculations. The rooftop recreational space permitted under this subsection 23.50.012D shall be used only for active or passive recreational uses and cannot be used or converted to office or other non-recreational uses. Section 13. A new subsection C is added to Section 23.50.020 of the Seattle Municipal Code, which Section was last amended by Ordinance 116596, as follows: 23.50.020. All Industrial zones -Structure height exceptions and additional restrictions. C. Structures existing prior to October 8, 1987 which exceed the height limit of the zone may add the rooftop features listed as conditioned in subsection A above. The existing roof elevation of the structure shall be considered the maximum height limit for the purpose of adding rooftop features. Section 14. Subsection B is amended and a new subsection C is added to Section 23.50.022 of the Seattle Municipal Code, as adopted by Ordinance 113658, as follows: 1. Retail sales and services; 2. Nonhousehold sales and services; 3. Offices; 4. Entertainment uses, except spectator sports facilities; 5. Research and development laboratories; and 6. Institutions. C. Covered rooftop recreational space of a building existing as of December 31, 1998, when complying with the provisions of subsection 23.50.012D, shall not be subject to the limits on maximum structure heights contained in subsection B above. Section 15. Subsection A is amended and a new subsection D is added to Section 23.50.027 of the Seattle Municipal Code, which Section was last amended by Ordinance 117570, as follows: 23.50.027 Maximum size of non-industrial use. A. Applicability. 1. Except as provided in subsections B and D below, the maximum size of use limits specified in Chart A of this section shall apply to uses on a lot, and the total gross floor area occupied by uses limited under Chart A of this section shall not exceed an area equal to the area of the lot in an IG1 zone, or two and onehalf (2.5) times the area of the lot in an IG2, IB or IC zone, or three (3) times the lot area in IC zones in the South Lake Union Planning Area, as identified in Exhibit 23.50.028A, with sixtyfive-foot (65') or eighty-five-foot (85') height limits. The size of use limits apply to principal and accessory uses on a lot. The limits shall be applied separately to the two (2) categories of use listed in Chart A of this section. 2. The maximum size of use limits shall not apply to the area identified in Exhibit 23.50.027 A, provided that no single retail establishment shall exceed fifty thousand (50,000) square feet in size. CHART A Categories of Uses Subject to Size of IG2 Use Limits IG1 and IB IC Retail sales and service or Entertainment except spectator sports facilities 30,000 75,000 75,000 sq. ft. sq.ft. sq. ft. Office 50,000 100,000 N.M.S.L. sq. ft. sq. ft. __________ N.M.S.L. = No Maximum Size Limits D. Covered rooftop recreational space of a building existing as of December 31, 1998, when complying with the provisions of subsection 23.50.012D, shall not be subject to the limits on maximum size of non-industrial uses contained in subsection A above. Section 16. Subsection E of Section 23.50.028 of the Seattle Municipal Code, which Section was last amended by Ordinance 117430, is amended as follows: 23.50.028 Floor area ratio. The floor area ratio (FAR), as provided below, shall determine the gross square footage permitted. * * * E. All Industrial Zones, Exemptions from FAR Calculations. The following areas shall be exempt from FAR calculations: 1. All gross floor area below grade; 2. All gross floor area used for accessory parking; Municipal Code, which Section was last amended by Ordinance 117430, is amended as follows: 23.50.028 Floor area ratio. The floor area ratio (FAR), as provided below, shall determine the gross square footage permitted. * * * E. All Industrial Zones, Exemptions from FAR Calculations. The following areas shall be exempt from FAR calculations: 1. All gross floor area below grade; 2. All gross floor area used for accessory parking; 3. All gross floor area used for mechanical equipment, stair and elevator penthouses and communication equipment and antennas located on the rooftop of structures; 4. All gross floor area uses for covered rooftop recreational space of a building existing as of December 31, 1998, when complying with the provisions of subsection 23.50.012D. Section 17. Subsection C of Section 23.66.140 of the Seattle Municipal Code, which Section was last amended by Ordinance 116744, is amended as follows: 23.66.140 Height. C. Rooftop Features. The height limits established for the rooftop features described in this subsection may be increased by the average height of the existing street parapet or a historically substantiated reconstructed parapet on the building on which the rooftop feature is proposed. The setbacks required for rooftop features may be modified by the Department of Neighborhoods Director, after a sight line review by the Preservation Board to ensure that the features are minimally visible from public streets and parks within three hundred feet (300') of the structure. 1. Radio and television receiving antennas excluding dishes, religious symbols such as belfries or spires and that portion of the roof which supports them, smokestacks and flagpoles may extend up to fifty feet (50') above the roof of the structure or the maximum height limit, whichever is less, except as regulated in Chapter 23.64 of this Land Use Code, provided that they are a minimum of ten feet (10') from all lot lines. 2. Open railings, planters, clerestories, skylights, play equipment, parapets and firewalls may extend up to four feet (4') above the roof of the structure or the maximum height limit, whichever is less, with unlimited rooftop coverage. 3. Solar collectors, excluding greenhouses, may extend up to seven feet(7') above the roof of the structure or the maximum height limit, whichever is less, with unlimited rooftop coverage, provided they are a minimum often feet (10') from all lot lines. 4. The following rooftop features may extend up to eight feet (8') above the roof or maximum height limit, whichever is less, when they are set back a minimum of fifteen feet (15') from the street and three feet (3') from an alley. They may extend up to twelve feet (12') above the roof when set back a minimum of thirty feet (30') from the street. A setback may not be required at common wall lines subject to review by the Preservation Board and approval by the Department of Neighborhoods Director. The combined coverage of the following listed rooftop features shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the roof area: Solar collectors, excluding greenhouses; Stair and elevator penthouses; Mechanical equipment; Dish antennas. Additional combined coverage of these rooftop features, not to exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the roof area, may be permitted subject to review by the Preservation Board and approval by the Department of Neighborhoods Director. 5. Structures existing prior to June 1, 1989 may add new or replace existing mechanical equipment up to eight feet (8') above the existing roof elevation when they are set back a minimum of fifteen feet (15') from the street and three feet (3') from an alley; or may extend up to twelve feet (12') above the existing roof elevation when they are set back a minimum of thirty feet (30') from the street, subject to review by the Preservation Board and approval by the Department of Neighborhoods Director. 6. Residential and Office Penthouses. a. Residential penthouses may cover a maximum of fifty percent (50%)of the total roof surface and may extend up to eight feet (8') above the roof when set back a minimum of fifteen feet (15') from the street property line, or twelve feet (12') above the roof when set back a minimum of thirty feet (30') from the street property line. b. Office penthouses shall be permitted only when the footprint of the existing structure is greater than ten thousand (10,000) square feet and the structure is at least sixty feet (60') in height. When permitted, office penthouses shall be set back a minimum of fifteen feet (15') from all property lines and may cover a maximum of fifty percent (50%) of the total roof surface. Office penthouses may extend up to twelve feet (12')above the roof of the structure and shall be functionally integrated into the existing structure. c. The combined height of the structure and a residential penthouse or office penthouse, where permitted, shall not exceed the maximum height limit for that area of the District in which the structure is located. 7. Screening of Rooftop Features. Measures may be taken to screen rooftop features from public view subject to review by the Preservation Board and approval by the Department of Neighborhoods Director. The amount of roof area enclosed by rooftop screening may exceed the maximum percentage of the combined coverage of rooftop features listed in subsection C4 above. In no circumstances shall the height of rooftop screening exceed fifteen feet (15') above the maximum height limit. Section 18. Subsection C of Section 23.66.332 of the Seattle Municipal Code, as adopted by Ordinance 112134, is amended as follows: 23.66.332 Height. C. Rooftop Features. 1. The Special Review Board and the Director shall review rooftop features to preserve views from Kobe Terrace Park. 2. Radio and television receiving aerials excluding dishes, religious symbols such as belfries or spires and that portion of the roof which supports them, smokestacks and flagpoles are exempt from height controls, except as regulated in Chapter 23.64 of this Land Use Code, provided they are at least ten feet (10') from all lot lines 3. Open railings, planters, clerestories, skylights, dish antennae, play equipment, parapets and fire walls may extend up to four feet (4') above the maximum height limit and may have unlimited rooftop coverage. 4. Solar collectors excluding greenhouses may extend up to seven feet(7' ) above the maximum height limit and may have unlimited rooftop coverage.
5. The following rooftop features may extend up to fifteen feet (15') above the maximum height limit provided that the combined coverage of all features listed Solar collectors, excluding greenhouses; Stair and elevator penthouses; Mechanical equipment that is set back at least fifteen feet (15') from the roof edge. Additional combined coverage of these rooftop features, not to exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the roof area, may be permitted subject to review by the Special Review Board and approval by the Department of Neighborhoods Director. 6. Structures existing prior to June 1, 1989 may add new or replace existing mechanical equipment up to fifteen (15) feet above the existing roof elevation of the structure as long as it is set back at least fifteen feet (15') from the roof edge subject to review by the Special Review Board and approval by the Department of Neighborhoods Director. 7. Screening of Rooftop Features. Measures may be taken to screen rooftop features from public view subject to review by the Special Review Board and approval by the Department of Neighborhoods Director. The amount of roof area enclosed by rooftop screening may exceed the maximum percentage of the combined coverage of rooftop features listed in subsection C5 above. In no circumstances shall the height of rooftop screening exceed fifteen feet (15') above the maximum height limit. Section 19. The provisions of this ordinance are declared to be separate and severable. The invalidity of any particular provision shall not affect the validity of any other provision. Section 20. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days from and after its approval by the Mayor, but if not approved and returned by the Mayor within ten (10) days after presentation, it shall take effect as provided by Municipal Code Section 1.04.020. Passed by the City Council the _____ day of ____________, 1999, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its passage this _____ day of _________________, 1999. ___________________________________ President of the City Council Approved by me this _____ day of _________________, 1999. ___________________________________ Paul Schell, Mayor Filed by me this _____ day of ____________________, 1999. __________________________________ City Clerk 2/4/99 v3 |
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