Council adopts 20‑foot setback to protect Queen Anne Boulevard tree canopy

The Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan voted to adopt an amendment that requires a minimum 20‑foot setback from landmarked parts of Queen Anne Boulevard for neighborhood residential and low‑rise zones. Council member Kettle introduced the amendment and urged members to support preserving the boulevard’s mature tree canyons, historic vistas and pedestrian amenities.

Central staff explained the amendment would add the 20‑foot setback requirement to some low‑rise zoned segments as well as neighborhood residential zones; the change extends protections beyond the neighborhood residential zones that earlier drafts addressed. Kettle said the amendment is about “protecting those large trees” that create the boulevard’s character and asked colleagues to support it.

Vote: the clerk recorded 7 in favor, 1 abstention and the motion carried. Committee members said the setback is a first step and they planned to coordinate with SDOT and Parks for future improvements to the boulevard.

What it means: the adoption directs staff to carry the setback language in council bill 120993 and signals council support for preserving the boulevard’s tree canopy and public viewshed. Further design and park work will be coordinated with city departments.

Speakers quoted appeared at the Sept. 18 Select Committee meeting.