Eco-blocks in Seattle

Methodology

To map the blocks, we created a sector map of Georgetown to help us in our data collection. We drove down every street in Georgetown and logged every illegal eco block via a survey tool that we created in ArcGIS Survey123. We counted the number of blocks and took pictures of each location. Using Survey123 allowed us to collect the geospatial location of each entered data point. We conducted our data collection across three dates (2/20/2026, 2/27/2026, 3/4/2026), and our map reflects the state of blocks on Georgetown as of those dates.

During the data collection process we recorded blocks that were clearly obstructing parking. Blocks that were obviously on a property or in a place that would not be reasonable for a vehicle to park (such as a hill) were not counted. We also noticed that in addition to the traditional eco blocks there are instances of barriers made of plastic and large rocks being used to block parking. We included these in our data collection since they serve the same purpose as the traditional concrete eco blocks.

Each data point on our map represents a cluster of eco blocks spanning each street block. Many of our photos do not feature all the eco blocks in a given cluster but rather capture the general area. To map the blocks we uploaded the data we had collected into Google My Maps. To create a clearer reflection of the number of blocks, the markers of the map are color coded to reflect the density of blocks recorded at that location.

Zoning

Another element that we decided to incorporate into our map is the zoning areas in the Georgetown neighborhood. Polygons reflecting the current state of City of Seattle zoning were drawn onto the map. These polygons were then color coded based on the type of zone they represent in order to provide a better visual reference point.

By doing this we are able to see that the more residential areas, especially in southern Georgetown, have significantly fewer blocks. Residential areas are marked as LR2 (multifamily residential zone), LR 1 (multifamily residential zone), and NR (neighborhood residential) zones. Having this visualization indicates that the issue of eco block installation happens in areas zoned for industrial use.

City of Seattle. (2026). Current Land Use Zoning Detail (January 30, 2026). [Data set]. City of Seattle. https://data-seattlecitygis.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/SeattleCityGIS::current-land-use-zoning-detail/about