Committee reviews code amendments to speed permitting, add construction and tree plans for light-rail stations

Seattle’s Special Land Use Committee on May 12 heard presentations on Council Bill 120975, a proposed amendment to the Seattle Municipal Code that would create light-rail–specific development standards and require a preliminary construction management plan and a project-level tree and vegetation management plan for Sound Transit 3 (ST3) stations. The presentation and subsequent committee discussion focused on permitting efficiency, community engagement, tree preservation and replacement, and relocation assistance for people and businesses affected by property acquisition.

The proposal would bundle several process and design changes intended to reduce redundant permit steps while adding public-facing engagement earlier in the permitting sequence. “It is the largest infrastructure project in the city's history,” said Sarah Maxana, Sound Transit program director at the Office of Waterfront Civic Projects and Sound Transit, describing the West Seattle and Ballard Link extensions and why the city is pursuing tailored code language. Maxana also said the code package “will put in place new community engagement requirements that do not exist today.”

Presenters said the amendments split into three process improvements—streamlining master use permits and appeals, requiring a preliminary construction management plan, and establishing a project-level tree and vegetation management plan (TVMP)—and several design improvements, including station-specific development standards, bicycle-parking typologies and use of the Seattle…