Seattle City Council weighs ending some environmental appeals as growth plan stalls

Haven’t heard about Seattle’s comprehensive plan recently? 

Well, the city council is supposed to be working on it, but the process is on hold because of appeals. 
 
Just to catch you up: The comprehensive plan is a set of zoning changes that are supposed to be a blueprint for future growth. It’s required by state law. It usually means allowing more housing density. One thing this iteration of the plan would do is change zoning laws to allow for six story buildings in neighborhood centers across the city. 

The appeals that are currently putting the plan on hold are based on the State Environmental Policy Act or SEPA. 

City Councilmember Eddie Lin, who chairs the Land Use and Sustainability Committee, said that the current phase of the Comprehensive Plan will be delayed into late 2026 or possibly next year. 

He’s proposing a change that’s working its way through city council. It would limit these types of appeals.

Guest: 

Seattle City Councilmember Eddie Lin

Relevant Links:

Seattle Times: This change will let Seattle address climate change, housing shortage 

KOMO: Residents and activists clash over plan to curb SEPA appeals at Seattle hearing

Seattle Times: Seattle’s history shows why zoning appeal process matters 

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