Seattle committee advances interim zoning changes to meet state housing law, adopts tree and setback provisions

Seattle — The select committee on the comprehensive plan voted unanimously May 21 to recommend passage of council bill 120969, interim zoning legislation the committee said is intended to bring the city into compliance with state House Bill 11‑10 and to set a work plan for permanent code changes.

Chair Joy Hollingsworth, chair of the Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan, opened the session saying, “We are nearing the finish line of our interim legislation for house bill 11 10,” and the committee proceeded to consider eight amendments before forwarding the package to the full City Council for the May 27 meeting.

Why it matters: The interim bill and its amendments change how Seattle will regulate middle housing and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the near term to meet a state implementation deadline of June 30, 2025. The committee adopted technical clarifications, protections for certain trees and historic boulevards, and a council work plan that lays out issues to be resolved in permanent legislation.

Most important decisions

- The committee recommended passage of council bill 120969 as amended by a series of votes (final committee roll call: 9 in favor, none opposed). The committee’s recommendation will go to full council on May 27, 2025.

- Amendment 1 reconciled the interim bill with earlier ADU code changes enacted by the council in council bill 120949 and updated legislative findings. Council member Solomon, sponsor of the amendment, said the change “responds to the ADU legislation that we passed earlier this year,” which the amendment was intended to align with state law on ADUs enacted in 2023.

- Amendment 2 added a work plan for the permanent legislation, including items to consider such as adjustments to…