Introduction

What is the future of housing in Seattle? The Seattle real estate landscape is continuously evolving, and 2024 has brought significant changes with the release of the One Seattle Plan draft. In this post, we’ll dive into the implications of this new zoning plan and how it might affect you, whether you currently own a home or are considering buying one in Seattle.

The One Seattle Plan: An Overview

Seattle’s last comprehensive housing plan was introduced nearly 20 years ago. The new One Seattle Plan, released in draft form in March 2024, aims to address the city’s growth and the challenges that come with it. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Goals of the One Seattle Plan

  • Expand Housing Opportunities: Increase housing availability across the city.

  • Promote Equity: Ensure growth benefits all residents, regardless of race, wealth, or other socioeconomic factors.

  • Invest in Walkable Communities: Focus on creating complete communities with access to transit and local amenities.

  • Address Climate Change: Incorporate strategies to create a resilient future in the face of climate challenges.

The Impact of Zoning on Seattle’s Growth

Zoning in Seattle has traditionally focused on the Urban Village strategy, concentrating housing and jobs in specific neighborhoods. The new One Seattle Plan builds on this by introducing several new concepts:

1. Regional Centers

  • Definition: Areas with the highest density, playing a crucial role in housing, office, retail, and entertainment.

  • Examples: Shoreline Light Rail Stop, Ballard, University of Washington, and downtown Seattle.

2. Urban Centers

  • Definition: Previously known as Urban Villages, these are walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods with a focus on residential and commercial development.

  • Examples: Green Lake, Ballard, Capitol Hill, and parts of West Seattle.

3. Neighborhood Centers

  • Definition: Smaller, localized centers with a variety of housing options and close proximity to transit hubs like rapid ride buses.

  • Examples: Phinney Ridge, Magnolia, Madison Valley, and parts of West Seattle.

4. Urban Neighborhoods

  • Definition: Primarily residential areas outside of the main centers, appropriate for various housing types like duplexes, triplexes, and cottage houses.

  • Implication: If you own a home in an urban neighborhood, changes in zoning might be slower or less impactful compared to more densely populated areas.

The Future of Seattle’s Housing Landscape

As Seattle’s population is expected to approach 1 million over the next 20 years, the One Seattle Plan will play a critical role in shaping the city’s future. This plan not only aims to address the need for more housing but also ensures that growth is equitable, sustainable, and connected to essential services.

Conclusion

The One Seattle Plan represents a significant shift in how Seattle will manage growth and development in the coming years. Whether you are a current homeowner or looking to invest in the Seattle real estate market, understanding these zoning changes is crucial.