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Design Review Program
Applicant's Toolbox: Design Guidelines

Multifamily and Commercial Buildings | Downtown Development | Neighborhood-Specific Design Guidelines

Design Review Guidelines for Multifamily and Commercial Buildings


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A-2  Streetscape Compatibility

 
A-1: Responding to Site Characteristics

The siting of buildings should respond to specific site conditions and opportunities such as non-rectangular lots, location on prominent intersections, unusual topography, significant vegetataion and views or other natural features.


Explanations and Examples
Site charcteristics to consider in project design include:

Topography

  • Reflect, rather than obscure, natural topography. For instance, buildings should be designed to "step up" hillsides to accomodate significant changes in elevation.
  • Where neighboring buildings have responded to similar topographic conditions in their sites in a consistent and positive way, consider similar treatment for the new structure.
  • Designing the building in relation to topography may help to reduce the visibility of parking garages.

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A-2  Streetscape Compatibility

 

 

Last Updated: July 15, 2005
Upcoming Project Reviews
11/24/2008
1760 NW 56th St
11/25/2008
1520 Utah Ave S
1200 Stewart St
12/1/2008
See details for all upcoming reviews.


Archive

Search the archive to find design proposals and reports of project reviews.

Design Guidelines

Thirty design review guidelines for multifamily and commercial buildings--along with neighborhood-specific supplements--form the backbone of the City's Design Review Program in Seattle's neighborhoods. Separate guidelines govern downtown development.

Gallery of Great Examples

5th and Bell
See the 5th and Bell project and other great examples of projects that were developed through the Design Review process.

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