New Proposed Center Boundaries Seattle re-starts process of pounding out new 20-year growth plan with compromises in Montlake, Madison Park, and Madrona

The Seattle City Council’s code update committee, under the leadership of District 3 representative Joy Hollingsworth, is set to resume discussions on the zoning boundaries for Neighborhood Centers. This meeting follows the passage of an interim bill aimed at aligning with Washington state's Middle Housing laws, designed to broaden zoning and support a variety of housing types throughout the city. In response to significant opposition from affluent neighborhoods, city planners have revised the proposed borders of nine out of thirty Neighborhood Centers. The updated zoning plans could allow for residential and mixed-use buildings up to six stories in central areas and between four and five stories toward the edges. These changes come after delays and legal challenges that hindered the initial 20-year growth plan proposal, which was introduced by Mayor Bruce Harrell.

The committee's Thursday meeting will be pivotal as it seeks to finalize permanent legislation on zoning and growth strategy. The proposed expansions also include revisions for Urban Centers, with a focus on areas near light rail stations. This comprehensive planning effort reflects years of outreach and public debate over Seattle's future growth.