The City is planning for future population growth and housing for existing residents. Assuming increasing the housing supply will lower costs, it is proposed to increase the number of living units on each property, especially in areas called Neighborhood Residential (formerly known as Single Family). These homes in our neighborhood are mostly single family, interspersed with classic three-story brick apartment buildings and some increasingly taller modern buildings along the main arterial as well as side streets. In recent years the number of living units have increased to three units per lot and the height limit is now 30 feet or 3 stories.
The Phinney Ridge Community Council and Greenwood Community Council will be co-hosting an informational Zoom meeting on Monday, November 18th starting at 7pm. The City is also holding several Open Houses about the Seattle Comp Plan:
- 5:30 pm, Wednesday November 13th at Nathan Hale High School
- 5:30 pm, Tuesday November 19th at Magnuson Park Hangar 30
Last year our state legislature passed legislation for only residential lots allowing for a minimum of four units per 5,000sf lot, (adjusted for smaller and larger lots accordingly) and up to six units if located within a 1/4 mile from a major transit stop or if the property provides Affordable Housing. In addition, an extra 10 feet or one story can be added for affordable housing.
Along Greenwood and sections of Phinney another zone used is Neighborhood Commercial (55 feet/5 stories). An extra story or 10 feet can be added for Affordable Housing or for a “Living Building”, which adheres to strict environmental standards. The City also proposes Neighborhood Centers which replace blocks of Neighborhood Residential, single and double story houses with large residential buildings along the main street extending along many blocks of side streets. This zone is called “Lowrise 3” with buildings up to 50 feet or 5 stories, and “Lowrise 2” with buildings up to 40 feet or 4 stories.
There are two areas proposed in our immediate neighborhood:
- Phinney (@N 65th) Map which extends to Evanston to the east and 1st Ave to the west.
- West Green Lake NC Map at “West Green Lake” (from, N 61st along Linden/Winona/ crossing Aurora/Winona to the east and along the lake West Green Lake Drive).
This meeting will explain this information and the boundaries for different sized buildings so that you may more easily understand the implications of what is being proposed. Your questions are welcome in order to help you articulate comments to the City.
Draft Comprehensive Plan and Rezoning Seattle Neighborhoods
Monday, Nov 18, 7:00 pm via Zoom
Passcode: 880467; Meeting ID: 853 2662 5085
For an evaluation of the proposed Neighborhood Center sites, you can visit the PRCC website.
