Beginning Dec. 4, 2009, backyard cottages will be allowed citywide. Since 2006 backyard cottages, also known as detached accessory dwelling units or DADUs, have been permitted in southeast Seattle. There has been a tremendous amount of interest in backyard cottages for many reasons. For seniors, a backyard cottage offers a way to downsize while living next to their families and staying in their neighborhood. Others want flexibility for their extended families or friends, a place for their children, or an opportunity to invest in their property while providing affordable housing for singles and couples.
\nCAMs that will be updated by Dec. 4 as a result of the ordinance include:
\nFor more information about backyard cottages, please visit: http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/Planning/BackyardCottages/Overview/default.asp
\n" }, "wfw:commentRss": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2009/11/20/council-unanimously-approves-code-revisions-on-backyard-cottages/feed/", "slash:comments": "0" }, { "title": "Seattle 2030 & Beyond", "link": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2009/11/03/meeting-today%e2%80%99s-needs-%e2%80%a6discovering-tomorrow%e2%80%99s-aspirations/", "comments": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2009/11/03/meeting-today%e2%80%99s-needs-%e2%80%a6discovering-tomorrow%e2%80%99s-aspirations/#comments", "pubDate": "Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:49:58 +0000", "dc:creator": "CallisM", "category": [ { "#cdata-section": "Building Connections" }, { "#cdata-section": "Planning" }, { "#cdata-section": "comp plan" }, { "#cdata-section": "comprehensive plan" }, { "#cdata-section": "Norm Rice" }, { "#cdata-section": "public meeting" }, { "#cdata-section": "Seattle's Future" } ], "guid": { "@isPermaLink": "false", "#text": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/?p=74" }, "description": { "#cdata-section": "Join former Mayor Norm Rice for the kick-off of a major update of Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan – “Seattle 2030 & Beyond.” Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 1994, sets policies and goals for a full range of elements that affect how a city will grow, including land use, transportation, housing, capital facilities, utilities, economic development, neighborhood planning, human development, cultural resources and the environment. " }, "content:encoded": { "#cdata-section": "—Join former Mayor Norm Rice for the kick-off of a major update of Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan – “Seattle 2030 & Beyond”
\nSeattle 2030 & Beyond … meeting the challenges and opportunities of a new world
\nSeattle’s Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 1994, sets policies and goals for a full range of elements that affect how a city will grow, including land use, transportation, housing, capital facilities, utilities, economic development, neighborhood planning, human development, cultural resources and the environment.
\nHelp shape Seattle’s future – join us as we take these important steps to guide Seattle through the 21st century.
\nHow will we meet the growing climate challenges? How can we retain and improve our truly great neighborhoods? How can we accommodate new residential and employment growth? How will we continue to be inclusive and caring? How do we stay competitive and entrepreneurial in the world marketplace?
\nOur challenge to you — In 150 words or less, describe your Seattle 2030 or Seattle 2050. Send your comments to DPD_CompPlan2030Vision@seattle.gov.
\nThe best place for you to learn more and get involved is through DPD’s web page www.seattle.gov/dpd/Planning/compplan.
\nYou may also contact Tom Hauger (206-684-8380) or Kristian Kofoed (206-233-7191).
\nMeeting Details
\nWhen:
\nTuesday, November 17, 2009
\n6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
\nPresentation at 6:30 p.m.
Where:
\nMiller Community Center
\n330 19th Ave E
\n(Served by Metro Routes 12 and 43)
As you have probably heard, many in the City will be taking furlough days due to the City’s current financial situation. This will include DPD.
\nIn an effort to continue to meet our customer service objectives and recognize the range of resources needed on any given day, DPD’s offices will be closed 10 days in 2010, rather than having partial resources available each day.
\nThe dates, listed below, fall on Fridays except Thursday, December 23.
\n• January 15
\n• February 12
\n• March 12
\n• April 9
\n• May 28
\n• July 2
\n• August 6
\n• September 3
\n• October 8
\n• December 23
In addition to the furloughs, DPD has experienced significant layoffs as well as cuts to non-personnel costs. We are committed to providing good service to our customers, but may need to adjust some practices due to the layoffs and reduced staff hours.
\nIf we do alter how we deliver our services, we will make that information available to you as soon as we know, so you can plan your time with DPD effectively. Thank you for your understanding.
\n" }, "wfw:commentRss": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2009/11/02/dpd-closures-in-2010/feed/", "slash:comments": "0" }, { "title": "Protect Yourself and Your Property From Landslides", "link": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2009/10/30/protect-yourself-and-your-property-from-landslides/", "comments": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2009/10/30/protect-yourself-and-your-property-from-landslides/#comments", "pubDate": "Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:21:57 +0000", "dc:creator": "DPDweb", "category": { "#cdata-section": "Building Connections" }, "guid": { "@isPermaLink": "false", "#text": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/?p=60" }, "description": { "#cdata-section": "The start of the wet season has begun in Seattle and heavy rain can increase the chance of landslides due to soil saturation, which reduces slope stability. Property owners of landslide-prone sites are advised to clear drains and take other simple measures, such as: checking downspouts, to make sure they are functioning and routed to a safe location; and inspecting sloping areas of their property for indications of slope movement (such as cracks in the ground, and newly tilting trees) and erosion.\r\n" }, "content:encoded": { "#cdata-section": "SEATTLE — The start of the wet season has begun in Seattle and heavy rain can increase the chance of landslides due to soil saturation, which reduces slope stability. Property owners of landslide-prone sites are advised to clear drains and take other simple measures, such as: checking downspouts, to make sure they are functioning and routed to a safe location; and inspecting sloping areas of their property for indications of slope movement (such as cracks in the ground, and newly tilting trees) and erosion.
\nTo help residents understand how they can better manage their landslide-prone property, the City of Seattle has setup two free public landslide awareness meetings. The meeting presentation will include a discussion of the causes of landslides, proper drainage for sloping sites, and vegetation maintenance on slopes. This will be followed by a question and answer session and time for one-on-one discussions with professionals in the field, including the City of Seattle, The American Society for Civil Engineers, The Association of Engineering Geologists, The International Society of Arboriculture, and Associated Building Contractors.
\nLandslide Awareness Meeting Details
\nNov. 7 – 10:00 a.m. to Noon
\nSouth Seattle Community College
\nJudge Warren & Nobie Chan Education Center
\n6000 16th Ave. SW (On the north side of the north parking lot)
Nov. 21 – 10:00 a.m. to Noon
\nNorthgate Community Center Multipurpose Room
\n10510 5th Ave. NE (across from Northgate Mall).
The landslide record that was documented in the Seattle Landslide Study indicates that 86 percent of landslides that have occurred in the city have some human influence such as excavating and filling on steep slopes, broken pipes and uncontrolled storm water.
\nSince the devastating landslide season of 1996/1997, which involved over 300 reported landslides, the city has taken steps to prepare to respond to slides and construct mitigation projects to reduce the potential for slides to occur. It has also been presenting these public landslide awareness meetings for owners of landslide prone property.
\nIf a landslide damages your property and you have an immediate concern for your safety, leave the premises and call 9-1-1. Seattle property owners with structures that may be affected by or endangered by a landslide should contact a Geotechnical professional for structural evaluation.
\nFor more information about Seattle landslides or the City of Seattle free landslide awareness meetings, please visit: www.seattle.gov/dpd/emergency/landslides.
\n" }, "wfw:commentRss": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2009/10/30/protect-yourself-and-your-property-from-landslides/feed/", "slash:comments": "0" }, { "title": "Neighborhood Status Reports… on to the Finish Line!", "link": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2009/10/20/neighborhood-status-reports%e2%80%a6-on-to-the-finish-line/", "comments": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2009/10/20/neighborhood-status-reports%e2%80%a6-on-to-the-finish-line/#comments", "pubDate": "Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:46:59 +0000", "dc:creator": "CallisM", "category": [ { "#cdata-section": "Building Connections" }, { "#cdata-section": "Planning" }, { "#cdata-section": "neighborhood planning" }, { "#cdata-section": "neighborhoods" }, { "#cdata-section": "planning commission" }, { "#cdata-section": "public meeting" }, { "#cdata-section": "status reports" } ], "guid": { "@isPermaLink": "false", "#text": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/?p=55" }, "description": { "#cdata-section": "During June and July, many neighbors joined in meetings and many other hundreds participated in on line questionnaires to review the Draft Neighborhood Status Reports and comment on changes— good, bad, and unexpected —that have occurred since Seattle’s Neighborhood Plans were written in the late 90's. ... The Neighborhood Plan Advisory Committee (NPAC) and the Seattle Planning Commission want to report back to you on the trends that emerged so far and to get your help to identify the continuing priorities and new issues that should be emphasized in the final Status Reports and a State of the Neighborhood Report that will be presented to the City Council and Mayor. " }, "content:encoded": { "#cdata-section": "During June and July, many neighbors joined in meetings and many other hundreds participated in on line questionnaires to review the Draft Neighborhood Status Reports and comment on changes— good, bad, and unexpected —that have occurred since Seattle’s Neighborhood Plans were written in the late 90’s. We explored growth, transportation, housing, economic development, utilities, neighborhood character, open space and parks, public services, public safety. The Planning Commission’s reports on comments can be reviewed at http://www.seattle.gov/planningcommission/
\nSo, what did we hear?
\nCome to the November meeting in your area and find out.
The Neighborhood Plan Advisory Committee (NPAC) and the Seattle Planning Commission want to report back to you on the trends that emerged so far and to get your help to identify the continuing priorities and new issues that should be emphasized in the final Status Reports and a State of the Neighborhood Report that will be presented to the City Council and Mayor. These reports will contribute to policy decisions including decisions about whether or how to updates neighborhood plans. Your input will also be important as NPAC shapes its recommendations on conducting, prioritizing and funding updates to the neighborhood plans listed below.
\nFind the Location for Your Neighborhood Meeting and Join Us
\n| \n All Meetings at 6-8 pm. \n\n Thursday, November 5th Mercer Middle School, 1600 S. Columbian Way – Cafeteria \n | \n
DIRECTIONS
\nMercer Middle School: Cafeteria (across from the Main Office in the main foyer)
Mercer Middle School Google Maps: http://www.seattleschools.org/schools/mercer/home/map.htm
\nParking: Campus parking in the back of the school is most accessible to the cafeteria.
\n
\nAdmiral
West Seattle Junction
\nDelridge
\nGeorgetown
\nMorgan Junction
\nWestwood-Highland Park
\nColumbia City – Hillman City – Genesee
\nRainier Beach
\n\n
Tuesday, November 10th Seattle Central Community College, 1701 Broadway – Room BE 1110/11
\nDIRECTIONS
\nSeattle Central Community College: BE1110/11 (first floor of the main building off of Broadway on the south end of the building)
SCCC Directions to Campus: http://seattlecentral.edu/maps/
\nParking: Harvard Garage, 1609 Harvard Avenue
\n
Queen Anne / Uptown
\nBelltown
\nPike/Pine
\nFirst Hill
\nEastlake
\nCapitol Hill
\nCentral Area
\n\n
Thursday, November 12th North Seattle Community College, 9600 College Way N – Cafeteria
\nDIRECTIONS
\nNorth Seattle Community College: Cafeteria (first floor of the College Center (CC), East wing, Southeast section)
\nNSCC Directions to Campus: http://www.northseattle.edu/maps/directions.htm
\nParking: South Visitor Lot (Permit required) corner of N. 95 St. and College Way N.
\n
\nBroadview-Bitter Lake-
\nHaller Lake
Aurora – Licton Springs
\nCrown Hill / Ballard
\nGreenwood/Phinney Ridge
\nWallingford
\nFremont
\nGreen Lake
\nLake City
\nUniversity Community
\nFor More Information about these meetings contact David Goldberg at davidw.goldberg@seattle.gov or (206) 615-1447
\nHosts: Neighborhood Plan Advisory Committee and the Seattle Planning Commission
\n· NPAC http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/npi/npac.htm
\n· Seattle Planning Commission http://www.seattle.gov/planningcommission/
More info on Status Reports and Neighborhood Planning can be found at:
\nhttp://www.seattle.gov/dpd/Planning/Neighborhood_Planning/Overview/
\n
Draft 2009 Seattle Building, Existing Building, Mechanical, and Fuel Gas Codes Available
\nPublic review drafts of the 2009 editions of the Seattle Building Code, Seattle Existing Building, Seattle Mechanical Code and Seattle Fuel Gas Code will be available in mid-October or early November. The drafts will be distributed as pdf files. If you would like a copy, contact Maureen Traxler at maureen.traxler@seattle.gov, and be sure to specify which of the draft codes you would like to receive. The drafts will be complete except for Building Code Chapters 9, 29 and 30. Those chapters will be distributed as soon as they are complete.
\nWhat Will the 2009 Codes Add to the Cost of Construction?
\nAs DPD is reviewing the draft 2009 building, residential, mechanical, fuel gas, and energy codes, we would like to hear from you if you have concerns about the cost of any of the new code provisions. Contact Maureen Traxler at maureen.traxler@seattle.gov with your comments.
\nElevator Code Committee Members Needed
\nDPD is forming a public review committee to review Chapter 30 (Elevators and Conveying Systems) of the draft 2009 Seattle Building Code. We anticipate that the Committee will meet 3-4 times during November and December for approximately 2 hours per meeting. If you are interested, contact:
\n Maureen Traxler
\n(206) 233-3892
\nmaureen.traxler@seattle.gov
Subarea 1
\nThe area around Leary Ave. NW, between 15th Ave. NW and 20th Ave. NW, currently zoned IB-65, IG2-65 and C1-65.
\nIn addition to the rezone recommendations, DPD is also proposing that Design Review and Green Factor would apply to projects in Industrial Commercial (IC) zones within Urban Villages. Specific to the Ballard HUV, a restrictive covenant is proposed for the subarea 2 to help address noise issues that might arise from the adjacent Industrial General 1 properties to the south.
\nWhile to date DPD has primarily focused on developing recommendations for the Ballard HUV, staff has begun meeting with a similar working group in Fremont.
\nFor further information on the Ballard rezone, please visit the project web site www.seattle.gov/dpd/BallardHUVrezone, or contact :
\nAndrea Petzel, DPD Planner
\n(206) 615-1256
\nandrea.petzel@seattle.gov
\n" }, "wfw:commentRss": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2009/10/01/proposed-rezone-in-ballard-hub-urban-village/feed/", "slash:comments": "0" }, { "title": "City Launches Expedited Permitting for Green Projects", "link": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2009/09/30/city-launches-expedited-permitting-for-green-projects/", "comments": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2009/09/30/city-launches-expedited-permitting-for-green-projects/#comments", "pubDate": "Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:35:17 +0000", "dc:creator": "DPDweb", "category": [ { "#cdata-section": "Green Building" }, { "#cdata-section": "Permits" }, { "#cdata-section": "Green Q" } ], "guid": { "@isPermaLink": "false", "#text": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/?p=31" }, "description": { "#cdata-section": "The City of Seattle announced today the start of a new expedited permitting process for highly energy efficient development projects. On September 30 the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) launched the Green Q permitting program for single family and other small residential projects." }, "content:encoded": { "#cdata-section": "
Seattle – The City of Seattle announced today the start of a new expedited permitting process for highly energy efficient development projects. On September 30 the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) launched the Green Q permitting program for single family and other small residential projects. A second phase for larger and more complex projects will begin in early 2010. This implements a recommendation from the Green Building Task Force.
\nThe program offers the following benefits:
\n• Priority Intake Appointments
\n• 50% Faster Initial Plan review
\n• Application and Review assistance from staff with green building expertise
\n• Green Building/ Energy Efficiency Recognition.
“I’m excited to offer this new, expedited permitting process for sustainable development projects,” said Diane Sugimura, DPD Director. “This program recognizes those who are creating energy, water, and resource efficient buildings, and encourages others to do the same. The Green Q is a very important step in the effort to raise the sustainability bar in Seattle.”
\nTo qualify for Green Q, applicants must: recycle construction waste; limit dwelling unit size to no more than 2,400 square feet; meet existing code requirements; and design the project to meet one of the following sustainability standards:
\n• LEED Silver, Gold or Platinum
\n• Built Green 4 or 5 star
\n• DPD’s Green Q Alternative Path
The LEED and Built Green programs include broad green building strategies and require third party verification. DPD’s Alternative Path focuses on energy efficiency and provides an option for applicants who choose not to pursue third party verification. The Green Q Alternative Path requirements closely align with the anticipated 2009 Washington State Energy Code, scheduled to be applicable in summer 2010.
\n
\nThe Green Q will further Seattle’s leadership role in climate change initiatives and support DPD’s efforts to make sustainable design the standard rather than the exception. Faster permit reviews will encourage the construction of more energy efficient buildings, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing jobs for green building designers and contractors.
Other Green Building assistance available at DPD for sustainable development includes:
\n• Priority Green – an integrated review process for projects pushing the envelope of green building. Facilitated permitting support by DPD is provided for highly innovative projects that will serve as visible models of high performance and sustainability. Projects must meet stringent environmental criteria, including adherence to the 2030 Challenge. Launched in 2008.
\n• Deconstruction Permits – code change to allow residential builders the additional time needed to deconstruct buildings for re-use and re-cycling that would otherwise be slated for the landfill. Adopted by City Council in 2009.
\n• The Innovation Review Board – a new advisory board created to provide objective, technical input from members of the community and development industry, assisting developers seeking to use innovative new technology not currently recognized by technical code standards. To convene fall 2009.
\n• Living Building Challenge – working with developers seeking to meet the advanced sustainability standards set by Cascadia Green Building Council’s Living Building Challenge. Living buildings generate all their own energy, process their own waste, and meet a number of other requirements, thus presenting the most challenge to design, permit and construct. Legislation to City Council in fall of 2009.
\nDPD is working to advance Seattle’s Action Agenda by improving the regulatory climate for sustainable development.
\nTo learn more about Green Q go to: www.seattle.gov/dpd/GreenQ
\n" }, "wfw:commentRss": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2009/09/30/city-launches-expedited-permitting-for-green-projects/feed/", "slash:comments": "0" }, { "title": "Neighborhood Plan Update Community Open House", "link": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2009/09/08/neighborhood-plan-update-community-open-house/", "comments": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2009/09/08/neighborhood-plan-update-community-open-house/#comments", "pubDate": "Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:24:49 +0000", "dc:creator": "CallisM", "category": [ { "#cdata-section": "Building Connections" }, { "#cdata-section": "Planning" }, { "#cdata-section": "neighborhood planning" }, { "#cdata-section": "open house" } ], "guid": { "@isPermaLink": "false", "#text": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/?p=24" }, "description": { "#cdata-section": "Come help us shape the future of your neighborhood by commenting on proposed strategies to address your community's growth, transportation, and quality of life. " }, "content:encoded": { "#cdata-section": "You’re invited to attend a Neighborhood Plan Update Community Open House for MLK @ Holly Street (Othello), North Rainier, and North Beacon Hill.
\nWhen:
\nSun. September 27, 2009 (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
\nor, Wed. September 30, 2009 (6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
\n
\nThere will be additional meetings in the three neighborhoods this fall.
Where:
\nAsian Counseling and Referral Service
\n3639 Martin Luther King Jr Way S.
Come help us shape the future of your neighborhood by commenting on proposed strategies to address your community’s growth, transportation, and quality of life. Please join us for this important community open house. Drop in at anytime!
\nInterpreters will be available:
\nACRS is an accessible facility. Please contact us for special accommodations.
\nAdditional information will be posted online by Sept. 21st at www.seattle.gov/dpd/planning/neighborhood_planning or, contact Kerry Wade, Planning Outreach Specialist, (206) 733-9088, kerry.wade@seattle.gov.
\nRead the complete news release.
\n" }, "wfw:commentRss": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2009/09/08/neighborhood-plan-update-community-open-house/feed/", "slash:comments": "0" }, { "title": "2009 Seattle Mechanical Code Review Begins", "link": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2009/09/03/2009-seattle-mechanical-code-review-begins/", "comments": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2009/09/03/2009-seattle-mechanical-code-review-begins/#comments", "pubDate": "Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:45:44 +0000", "dc:creator": "DPDweb", "category": [ { "#cdata-section": "Building Connections" }, { "#cdata-section": "Codes" }, { "#cdata-section": "code" }, { "#cdata-section": "mechanical" } ], "guid": { "@isPermaLink": "false", "#text": "http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/?p=20" }, "description": { "#cdata-section": "DPD is beginning to review the draft 2009 Seattle Mechanical Code. A committee of the Construction Codes Advisory Board (CCAB) will be formed this fall to review the draft. " }, "content:encoded": { "#cdata-section": "DPD is beginning to review the draft 2009 Seattle Mechanical Code. A committee of the Construction Codes Advisory Board (CCAB) will be formed this fall to review the draft. DPD expects the 2009 Seattle Mechanical Code to take effect in the summer or fall of 2010, close to the July 1, 2010 effective date of the state codes. Meetings of CCAB and CCAB committees are open to the public—everyone is invited to attend. If you would like to be a member of the review committee, or if you would like to review the draft 2009 Seattle Mechanical Code, contact:
\nMaureen Traxler
\n(206) 233-3892
\nmaureen.traxler@seattle.gov