Seattle's urban landscape is on the cusp of a significant transformation as the City Council gears up for a pivotal public hearing on September 12 to finalize amendments to the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan. This 20-year roadmap outlines the city's strategy for growth, equity, and land use, with profound implications for neighborhoods across the city.

Residents will have their chance to offer public comment on the proposed amendments during sessions scheduled for 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM on September 12. Following this, a council vote is anticipated between September 17 and 19, unless amendments are withdrawn.

Among the most impactful changes are the introduction of "Neighborhood Center" designations. These new mixed-use hubs are designed to foster denser housing, support local businesses, and enhance transit access. Notable proposed additions include:

• Alki (West Seattle): A renewed proposal aims to designate approximately 95 acres near Alki Beach as a Neighborhood Center. This area will blend single-family homes, low-rise multifamily zones, and commercial strips along Alki Ave SW. However, this proposed center faces scrutiny due to limited transit frequency.

• Loyal Heights (Ballard): A roughly 110-acre zone, stretching from NW 85th to NW 75th Street, is slated for expanded commercial and multifamily zoning, particularly near Loyal Heights Elementary and Playfield.

• Additional proposed centers are planned for Broadview, South Wedgwood, and other areas within Districts 1 and 6.

Beyond these specific hubs, Seattle is also aligning with Washington’s HB 1110 "middle housing" bill. This state mandate requires cities to permit a wider array of housing types, such as duplexes, triplexes, and cottage clusters, within areas traditionally zoned for single-family homes. This legislation is expected to affect residential areas citywide. In May, the Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan unanimously approved amended interim HB 1110 legislation, which broadens allowed housing types beyond single-family homes to include multiplexes, townhouses, and cottage housing.

Furthermore, areas near frequent transit routes are being prioritized for increased density under the new plan.

The path to these changes has not been without its challenges. Earlier this year, the proposed plan encountered six separate legal challenges, which temporarily delayed the adoption process. However, all six challenges were dismissed by the Seattle Hearing Examiner in April, clearing the way for the City Council to proceed with both the Comprehensive Plan and permanent HB 1110 legislation. Despite this, the dismissals did not allow the city enough time to meet a June deadline.

You have a chance to review the latest amendments to the proposed Comprehensive Plan and you are encouraged to do so before the upcoming public hearing.