DPD’s programs and services educate and provide technical assistance and incentives to produce long-term, environmentally sustainable benefits to the city and region. Through these and other programs that govern development on Seattle’s approximately 100 miles of shorelines, and that protect streams, wildlife habitat, wetlands, and steep slopes, DPD has a broad responsibility for balancing the health of our physical environment, economic prosperity, and quality of life.
Green Factor
As of Jan. 20, 2007, permit applicants must meet a new landscaping requirement in Seattle’s commercial areas. Known as the Seattle Green Factor, this program requires new development in neighborhood business districts to meet a landscaping target using a menu of landscaping strategies. The Green Factor is designed to improve the extent and quality of landscapes, while allowing greater flexibility for developers and designers to meet open space requirements.
Greenhouse Gas Assesment
On December 3, 2007, the City Council, adopted Ordinance 122574 that requires City departments that perform environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) to evaluate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions when reviewing permit applications for development. King County already started to do this evaluation in October 2007, becoming the first local government in the nation to officially add GHG emissions to the environmental review of construction projects. Seattle will be one of the first cities in the country to require such a review.
Residential Deconstruction
DPD is proposing amendments to the Land Use Code to encourage builders and developers to salvage reusable materials from structures containing dwelling units.
SEPA Environmental Review
DPD is proposing to change the City’s environmental review thresholds, which determine when new development is subject to environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
Shoreline Alternative Mitigation Plan
The Seattle Shoreline Alternative Mitigation Plan will change the way that the city implements its Shoreline Master Program for the shoreline between the Hiram Chittenden Locks and the Montlake Cut.
Shoreline Master Program Update
The City of Seattle’s Shoreline Master Program (SMP) is being comprehensively updated for the first time since 1987. The SMP constitutes the policies and regulations governing development and uses on and adjacent to marine and freshwater shorelines.
Stormwater, Grading and Drainage Code Revisions
The Stormwater, Grading and Drainage Control Code and associated Directors’ Rules are being revised to account for advances in urban stormwater runoff management practices.
Sustainable Infrastructure Initiative - Seattle spends more than $650 million each year to build, renew, and repair infrastructure. This money is divided up between numerous departments, each with its own mission and priorities. An interdepartmental team at the City is suggesting that some portion of our capital spending might be more effective if it were directed at integrated, sustainable outcomes—outcomes that not only address expected levels of service, but also add value to the community, the environment, and the economy.
Trees Regulations Update
Trees are valued in Seattle and legally protected in a variety of ways. Among their benefits, trees and landscaping add aesthetic value to the landscape, provide shade to cool structures, reduce stormwater runoff and aid in climate protection.