Chockablock Report

Final 12/8/2010

Chock-a-block Townhouses Undeterred by Massive Rewrite of Seattle's Multifamily Redevelopment Code

Early 2008—Multifamily Update issued Declaration of Non-Significance (DNS) with Christmas Eve appeal deadline

prompts request for “emergency interim ordinance” to 1) halt rampant construction of ill-sited townhouses that reimpose risk

of community-wide fires and 2) to inform code improvements that truly advance Seattle's Comprehensive Plan.

Mid 2009—“Multifamily Code Update” arrives at City Council little changed.

Citizens ask anew: is the source of the townhouse problem the code, its application, or both?

Early 2010—City Council begins deliberation of Lowrise Multifamily Amendments.

Particulars in LR MF Compared files below

April 22. 2010—City Council issues review draft and Declaration of Non-Significance: chock-a-block townhouses remain undeterred

October 18, 2010 City Council issues second review draft: many changes, but chock-a-block townhouse remain undeterred.

December, 2010 City Council passes Lowrise Multifamily Amendments, chock-a-block townhouse construction continues.

Report prepared by

Anna Nissen, Nissen/Nissen Architect

Seattle, Washington

March 18, 2010, revised May and June, 20 , UPDATED December 8, 2010