The Urbanist: “Harrell Proposes Design Review Exemption for Downtown Housing Projects”

Last week, the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections issued a draft ordinance exempting certain new developments from design review in a large subsection of the city. If approved, the exemptions would remain in effect for three years and apply to several projects, including those that are either fully residential or mixed-use with >50% of floor area dedicated to housing. This reform has long been a priority for local housing advocates. — The Urbanist