DCLU is proposing to amend the Land Use Code to incorporate the Northgate Urban Center and Overlay District Design Guidelines. These neighborhood-specific guidelines, along with the existing Citywide Design Guidelines, would form the basis for design review in the Northgate area.

The guidelines will carry out key implementation strategies of the 1993 Northgate Area Comprehensive Plan by:

• creating a vibrant pedestrian center and enhance pedestrian mobility, including passage through and among characteristically large sites;
• encouraging the strategic location of landscaping and open space to enhance the pedestrian environment and absorb run-off; and
• responding to existing positive characteristics of the built environment in the Northgate area.

Public Hearing October 1
Legislation that would adopt the proposed guidelines will be considered by Seattle City Council at a public hearing during its Committee of the Whole meeting at 5:30 p.m. on October 1, 2003. For information on testifiying at the hearing and hearing location, see public notice.

For those unable to attend the public hearing, comments may be submitted through Wednesday, October 1, 2003 via email to neil.powers@seattle.gov or by mail to:

Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck
Chair, Committee of the Whole
City Hall, Floor 2
600 Fourth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104

Background
Seattle's existing neighborhood-specific design guidelines address specific design concerns that have historical, cultural and architectural significance and offer many suggestions for how new developments can enhance the public realm by being sensitive to these issues.

Public comment on the draft Northgate design guidelines was accepted earlier in 2003 (see news story).