Information from District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka

Mayor Bruce Harrell recently introduced his Seattle One plan that calls for changes in zoning, height restrictions, density and more. Councilmember Rob Saka shared his explanation of the potential impacts within District 1 with his constituents in his weekly newsletter.

The above map shows the approximate area of District 1 and preliminary, proposed new zoning areas with descriptions below.   

To understand what type of density is proposed for each of the new zoning areas, please refer to the Plan starting on Growth Strategy, page 14.     

Regional Centers 

According to the Plan, Regional Centers were previously referred to as Urban Centers in the Seattle 2035 Comprehensive Plan.  They are the densest Seattle neighborhoods and are places of regional importance due to the presence of substantial housing, office, retail, and/or cultural and entertainment uses along with access to regional transit.  

The dark blocks on the above map show Regional Centers which will include District 1 neighborhoods of Pioneer Square and a small portion of SODO. 

Urban Centers  

Urban Centers, previously called Urban Villages in Seattle 2035, are walkable mixed-use areas that play an important citywide role. They are destinations for residents in different districts of Seattle with a high concentration of shops, restaurants, and businesses.  

There are five proposed Urban Center areas in District 1 noted by blue blocks in the above map.   

Neighborhood Centers 

Neighborhood Centers are places with a variety of housing options centered around a local commercial district and/or major transit stop (such as RapidRide). They typically serve as focal points within neighborhoods, offering shops, services, grocery stores, restaurants, and more.  

There are District 1 Neighborhood Centers captured in fuzzy blue circles in the above map.   

Urban Neighborhoods 

Urban Neighborhoods are places outside centers that are appropriate for primarily residential development. They typically include various housing types within a three-story scale, such as detached homes, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and cottage housing.  

Much of District 1 is in pale cream on the above map.   

Manufacturing and Industrial Centers  

MICs are concentrated industrial areas with limited retail, office, and residential functions. They are places of regional importance due to the presence of industrial businesses in a range of sizes and transportation infrastructure such as container ports, marinas, and rail facilities. 

The grey areas in the above map are the MIC areas in District 1.   

An Open House in District 1 will be April 3, 6 pm-7:30 pm at West Seattle’s Chief Sealth International High School, 2600 SW Thistle Street, Seattle, WA 98126. 

You may attend Open Houses held in other neighborhoods, at City Hall, or virtual.

 Click for more information.