SEATTLE — Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell introduced new legislation Thursday to remove barriers to converting office spaces into new housing units.
According to the mayor’s office, the legislation would "establish clear guidelines for determining what qualifies as a residential conversion." It would also provide broad exemptions from "design development standards any time an existing structure is converted."
Harrell proposed the legislation as part of his Downtown Activation Plan, although the legislation is broader to include all parts of the city.
The proposal would apply to all areas where non-residential structures, like offices or retail, exist and where residential uses are allowed. This includes all downtown zones, the city's commercial and neighborhood commercial, mixed zones and midrise and highrise zones.
The Land Use Committee will hear the proposal before a full council vote.
“We must pursue every opportunity to build vibrant neighborhoods and increase housing throughout our city. This is particularly true of downtown. I am excited to work toward making our downtown affordable to more families and workers and look forward to reviewing this legislation,” said Councilmember Tammy Morales, who chairs the Land Use Committee.
The proposal comes on the heels of state legislation to create additional housing.
Last year, Gov. Inslee signed into law legislation that removes certain restrictions on adding dwelling units to existing structures. A senate bill passed this past legislative session created a sales tax exemption for construction projects that convert nonresidential spaces into housing.
The mayor’s office said the downtown Seattle office vacancy rate is just over 20% at a time when Seattle has a “pressing need” for more housing options.
“While we know there remains a need for office space, this effort will give us flexibility," Harrell said. "These changes are a critical step in moving the idea of office conversion to a reality."
