Seattle Mayor Signs Law to Support Georgetown Workforce Housing

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell signed legislation increasing the height limit to allow new workforce housing and community spaces to be built in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood. The land use code amendment legislation was unanimously passed by the City Council last week.

“Just minutes away from our downtown core, Georgetown is a treasured and historic part of Seattle,” said Mayor Harrell. “New housing and workspaces will enhance the unique spirit of this neighborhood and create more economic opportunities for our city’s artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives. I’m pleased that this new legislation will create a more complete, vibrant, and affordable neighborhood with a variety of housing options, small businesses, artisan workspaces, and other amenities.”

The amendment provides a ten-foot height limit exception – from a 75-foot limit to a proposed 85-foot limit – in a continuous 9.7 acres along 4th Avenue South between S. Fidalgo Street and S. Dawson Street that has been zoned commercial since the 1970s. The area is surrounded by industrial zones, which already have a height limit of 85 feet. The legislation responds to the unique geographic circumstances in the area to allow more housing and mixed-use development.