Seattle committee hears divided public comment on interim zoning ordinance tied to HB 1110

Summary

At a May 19 public hearing on Council Bill 120969 implementing House Bill 1110, about 68 registered speakers split between urging quick passage to increase housing supply and warning the interim rules would reduce tree canopy, narrow setbacks and risk displacement. No votes were taken; the committee recessed until an in‑person session at 4 p.m.

The Seattle City Council Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan opened a public hearing on Monday, May 19, 2025, on Council Bill 120969, interim zoning legislation to implement House Bill 1110. Chair Joy Hollingsworth said the session would take remote testimony first and that 68 speakers had registered for the morning session. The committee recessed the remote session and will resume in person at 4 p.m.

The hearing drew repeated appeals from housing advocates and real‑estate groups asking the council to pass the interim ordinance quickly to allow more “middle housing” across Seattle, and equally frequent objections from neighborhood and environmental speakers who said the interim bill goes well beyond the state mandate and would harm the city’s tree canopy, increase lot coverage and reduce setbacks.

Proponents said the interim ordinance is a necessary step to increase housing supply and curb sprawl. Deepa Saverajan, local policy manager at Climate Solutions, told the committee, “Climate Solutions strongly supports the recommendations of the Complete Communities Coalition, and we call on council to pass the interim voting ordinance without delay.” Representatives of the Seattle King County Realtors and Washington Realtors urged passage, saying…

Seattle committee hears divided public comment on interim zoning ordinance tied to HB 1110

Summary

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