U DISTRICT

 URBAN DESIGN

Final recommendations: zoning, development standards, affordable housing requirements, and amenitiesOctober 6, 2016

www.seattle.gov/dpd/udistrict

 

Director’s ReportV1

 

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Director’s ReportV1October 6, 2016

Introduction

Dear Community Members:Since 2011, the City of Seattle has worked closely with residents, businesses, institutions, and community organizations in the U District to plan for growth. This report provides a summary of the planning process, an overview of City investments and partnerships in the neighborhood, and a detailed explanation of new proposed land use regulations.As one of the six urban centers designated in Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan, the U District is a priority area for job growth, housing growth, and public investment. Private development and University of Washington growth are already reshaping the neighborhood, and a new light rail station opening in 2021 will likely intensify redevelopment.In the face of these changes, we’ve heard a wide range of opinions from people in the neighborhood. Some are excited for new investment and activity in the neighborhood, others hope that new development can help address long-standing neighborhood challenges, and many are concerned about losing qualities that make the U District special, including its diversity, eclectic character, and affordability.The legislation summarized in this report has four main pieces:

1. Zoning changes

 allowing greater height and density in the core of the neighborhood near light rail and campus.

2. New design

 standards to help development better fit the U District context - requirements including setbacks, landscaping standards, and tower spacing would shape future buildings.

3. Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) requirements

would require all new development to provide or contribute to affordable housing, to ensure that the neighborhood continues to offer housing options for a wide range of residents.

4. New requirements and incentives for amenities

 including open space, historic preservation, family-sized housing, childcare.The U District is already growing, and significant change will continue over the next decade with or without zoning changes. Many in the community are urging us to advance a plan that will help align future growth with local priorities, including affordability, public space, diverse and attractive architecture, and preserving character buildings. After extensive analysis, dialogue, and public review, we believe this proposal offers the best policy tools to help achieve the shared vision.I extend my thanks to all those who have participated in the planning process, whatever your perspective. Good planning work can’t happen without local insights and a healthy back-and-forth between different points of view. We look forward to continuing the dialogue in this and related projects. Sincerely,Director Samuel AssefaCity of Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development