Zoning
DPD is responsible for the body of regulations that govern the use and development of land in Seattle.  Zoning districts specify a category of uses (e.g., single-family residential, multifamily residential, commercial, industrial, etc.) and are applied by ordinance, geographically on the City's official land use map.

Alternative Housing Choices 
On Aug. 15, 2006, Mayor Greg Nickels signed Ordinance 122190 that allows detached accessory dwelling units  in single family zones in Southeast Seattle.

Dravus Commercial Area 
Dravus Commercial Area Zoning Study Underway, July 19, 2006

Downtown Code Amendment to Allow Additional Height as an Incentive for Open Space 
The legislation applies only to the Downtown Mixed Commercial 340/290-400 (DMC 340/290-400) zone in Downtown Seattle. The recommended changes would provide an incentive for open space by allowing additional height for structures in the DMC 340/290-400 zone on full-block lots located on blocks that abut the Downtown Office Core 1 (DOC1) zone. The open space must be accessible to all occupants of the development on the lot, and, to offset the impact of the added height, must be approximately at street level and visible to the general public from abutting sidewalks. (PDF) View the Director's Report.

Multifamily Zoning Update 
The Multifamily Zoning Update is part of the Mayor's commitment to a comprehensive re-evaluation of Seattle’s Land Use Code.

Workforce Housing Incentive
Mayor Nickels is proposing amendments to the Land Use Code to expand the use of incentive zoning programs beyond their current application in Downtown. The Workforce Housing Incentive has the potential to allow increased development capacity, in the form of additional height or floor area beyond that permitted outright on a lot.