Advocacy Update - April 2025
This Month in Advocacy: City Council receives interim missing middle housing legislation to comply with state law HB 1110.
City Council Receives Interim Legislation to Comply with HB 1110
On March 26th, Seattle City Council received interim legislation from the Office of Planning and Community Development. This legislation is necessary to meet the minimum housing requirements laid out by the state and is expected to be voted on by Council May 27th. If the City fails to adopt compliant legislation, state model ordinance will take effect directly on June 30, overriding local zoning regulations.
What’s in the Interim Plan?
- The interim plan applies to all residential zones currently designated Neighborhood Residential.
- Minimum fourplexes allowed citywide, with sixplexes permitted near frequent transit stops—mirroring HB 1110 requirements.
- Setbacks, lot coverage, and FAR (Floor Area Ratio) are kept aligned with the state standards.
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) count toward the unit limit—meaning, for example, a duplex plus two ADUs would max out the four-unit threshold.
- No additional local restrictions or fees (e.g. design review or displacement risk mitigations) are layered on in the interim proposal.
How is AIA Seattle Responding to Interim Legislation?
Meeting with Councilmembers
AIA Seattle members have met with all City Councilmembers to discuss the interim legislation and broader Comprehensive Plan issues. These conversations have focused on the importance of timely passage of both HB1110 interim legislation and Comprehensive Plan legislation and the need to avoid additional regulatory barriers that would limit middle housing development.
Coordinating with City Staff
AIA Seattle is in ongoing dialogue with staff at the Office of Planning and Community Development to track the details of the interim proposal, offer professional input, and stay informed on the evolving timeline.
Developing Formal Input
We are preparing a set of recommendations to submit through official channels. These will highlight AIA Seattle’s support for simple, predictable implementation of HB1110 that maintains design flexibility and promotes sustainable, equitable growth.
Supporting Member Engagement
We are equipping members with information, talking points, and opportunities to testify or submit public comment. Our goal is to amplify the voices of architects who bring real-world design expertise to the housing conversation.
Creating Resources
Check out our FAQ + Facts Doc: Information to Address Misconceptions About the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan
How to get involved
There’s an opportunity to provide written comment at any of the comp plan committee meetings and May 21st is an opportunity for in person testimony. Information on how to provide written or public comment.
AIA Seattle is committed to supporting members in their advocacy efforts. We will offer guidance on crafting impactful testimonies and navigating the participation process. Engaging in these opportunities ensures that the architectural community’s voice is influential in decisions affecting Seattle’s housing policies.
Sign up to Testify at the next hearing. There are multiple dates in the months ahead. We’ll help support you! Reach out to Nathan Winch to join future Comp Plan Work Group conversations.
