The Seattle City Council passed an ordinance amending the city's construction codes, specifically Section 311 of the Seattle Existing Building Code. The legislation limits substantial alteration requirements to spaces or buildings greater than 7,000 square feet in gross area, thereby exempting smaller properties. It also clarifies that substantial alteration requirements will not apply if a change of occupancy affects 20 percent or less of the overall building area and removes a vacancy of over 24 months as a standalone trigger for substantial alteration. These changes aim to reduce costs for small businesses, accelerate retail occupancy, and support economic recovery by reactivating vacant commercial storefronts.