Seattle's Land Use Code amendment process is designed to ensure that changes to existing regulations benefit the public while also fulfilling the City's design standards. DPD's Land Use Policy Unit works to achieve this balance, creating a process that citizens can navigate, that at the same time considers all aspects and implications of the proposed amendment.

Code amendments are governed by procedures that may mandate public notice and review, environmental review, public hearings, and other important milestones in the legislative process.  Codes may only be amended after modification proposals are thoroughly reviewed and analyzed, a public hearing has been held, and a decision has been made by the Seattle City Council.

Substantial effort goes into working with Seattle's elected officials to determine what the City's priorities are for a given year and what our codes can specifically do to implement the City's goals and ensure consistency with Seattle's Comprehensive Plan.  Due to changing economics, workloads, and priorities, some code amendments may not be possible. 

Request a Code Amendment
To learn how to request a code amendment, please read DPD Client Assistance Memo #110, " Requesting a Code Amendment."