Zoning Page

Zoning Code Amendment for Downtown Seattle: Revising Structure Heights and Development Standards Across Multiple Zones Approved

  • When: 2025/10/14
  • Address: Citywide, Seattle, WA
  • City: Seattle
  • State: WA
  • Category: Zoning Code Modification
  • Subcategory: Process Updates
  • Asset Class: Mixed-Use
  • Property Type: High-Rise
  • New Zoning: DMC, DOC1, DOC2, DRC, PSM, IDM, C1, C2 (Modified Standards)
  • New Zoning Description: Revised maximum structure heights and amended development standards for Downtown Mixed-Use (DMC), Downtown Office Core (DOC1, DOC2), Downtown Retail Core (DRC), Pioneer Square (PSM), International District (IDM), and Commercial (C1/C2) zones.

This ordinance introduces significant amendments to the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) concerning land use and zoning regulations, primarily focused on the Downtown Mixed-Use (DMC) zone and other specified downtown zones. Key changes include revisions to maximum structure heights, aiming to promote more intensive development and increase housing capacity in the downtown core. Additionally, various development standards are updated across zones such as Downtown Office Core (DOC1, DOC2), Downtown Retail Core (DRC), Pioneer Square (PSM), International District (IDM), and Commercial (C1/C2). These updates are designed to streamline the development review process, encourage mixed-use developments, and adapt to evolving urban planning objectives. The amendments reflect a comprehensive effort to foster economic growth, enhance urban density, and provide a more flexible regulatory framework for future development projects within Seattle's central business district and surrounding key areas. The overall goal is to support a vibrant, livable, and economically robust downtown.

Source

Applicant - City of Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI)


City Representative - John Smith