Seattle ready to relax substantial alteration requirements to make it easier to revive long-empty storefronts

The Seattle City Council is set to approve legislation designed to facilitate the reopening of empty storefronts by relaxing "substantial alteration" requirements for small businesses. The proposed changes would exempt commercial spaces under 7,000 square feet from the extensive renovations often required when a building's use is altered. This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on new business owners, allowing them to activate spaces without incurring significant costs. The current two-year vacancy rule that triggers substantial alteration permits will also be dropped. Mayor Bruce Harrell's office projects that nearly half of the 180 substantial alteration permits issued in the past eight years would be eliminated under this new legislation.

However, the city council's analysis warns that these changes may hinder necessary environmental and seismic upgrades. Officials believe the benefits of revitalizing storefronts and attracting new businesses outweigh the potential risks. The changes could lead to the reactivation of over 50 small commercial storefronts by 2030.