The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is proposing to amend the City’s Land Use Code to address structural additions to existing historic buildings that exceed the maximum height limit.  The amendments would accommodate infill additions to existing buildings in Pioneer Square when street-facing facades are not altered.  The amendments would allow for life safety system improvements and improved protection against earthquake damage, and would also encourage economic investment in the reuse and adaptation of historic buildings.  

PUBLIC HEARING

The City Council’s Urban Development and Planning Committee will hold a public hearing to take comments on the proposal on May 23, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in the Council’s Chamber, 2^nd floor, Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue. The entrances to City Hall are located on the west side of Fifth Avenue, and the east side of Fourth Avenue, between James and Cherry Streets.  For those who wish to testify, a sign-up sheet will be available outside the Council Chamber one-half hour before the public hearing.

Questions concerning the public hearing may be directed to Neil Powers in Councilmember Steinbrueck’s office, by calling 684-8804 or via e-mail at: neil.powers@seattle.gov. 

The City Council Chamber is accessible. Print and communications access is provided on prior request. Please contact Neil Powers at 684-8804 as soon as possible to request accommodations for a disability.

Written Comments

For those unable to attend the public hearing, written comments may be sent to:

Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck

Legislative Department

600 Fourth Avenue Floor 2

PO Box 34025

Seattle, WA  98124-4025

or by email to peter.steinbrueck@seattle.gov

Written comments should be received by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2007.

INFORMATION AVAILABLE

Documents that describe the proposed amendments may be viewed and/or downloaded on DPD’s website, at http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/Planning/Projects/default.asp.  Computer access to DPD’s website is available at Seattle Public Library branches and Neighborhood Service Centers.

The documents are also available from the Department of Planning and Development’s (DPD) Public Resource Center, 700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2000 in the Seattle Municipal Tower, (206) 684-8467.  The Public Resource Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; and from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Questions concerning the proposed amendments may be directed to Michael Jenkins of the Council’s Central Staff at 615-1674, or to Gordon Clowers, DPD, at 684-8375.