Seattle considers reining in SEPA until citywide planned-for growth is achieved

The Seattle City Council is considering a bill that would exempt specific residential developments from the State’s Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) reviews to expedite housing production. Sponsored by Council Member Mark Solomon, the legislation aims to align city regulations with state guidelines while facilitating transit-oriented development. The proposed exemptions would apply to “infill” projects, with exceptions for areas near shorelines and critical environmental zones, remaining in effect until citywide growth targets are met. Current review processes have been criticized for being expensive and time-consuming, leading to delays in housing projects. If the growth metrics are achieved, developments with 200 or more residential units or 30,000 square feet of non-residential space would again be subject to SEPA reviews.

Additionally, the legislation includes updates to archaeological assessments to ensure compliance with state standards. This initiative is part of a broader 20-year growth plan aiming to diversify residential development across the city. Advocates argue that the current SEPA framework is outdated and hampers necessary housing growth amid rising demand.