Seattle makes deadline for state Middle Housing law but still has big 20-year growth plan questions to solve

Seattle City Council approved interim Middle Housing legislation on Tuesday, meeting a crucial statewide deadline for expanded zoning. The bill aims to promote a wider range of housing types in various city neighborhoods and was shaped by the comprehensive code update committee led by District 3 representative Joy Hollingsworth. This legislation comes after legal challenges had delayed the planning process, including Mayor Bruce Harrell’s original 20-year proposal. Opposition from neighborhood groups has focused on the creation of 30 new Neighborhood Centers, which could allow for taller mixed-use buildings. The council plans to address the significant questions remaining about the comprehensive 20-year growth plan later this year.

Hollingsworth stated that the next phase will require a more rigorous timeline for review and implementation. The interim legislation's real-world implications for development remain uncertain as the council works through unresolved issues. Public debate over the draft plan and zoning maps has persisted for months, indicating ongoing community engagement in the planning process.