SDCI Customer Service Options

Most services are available online through our Virtual Applicant Services Center. For customers who need language assistance or technical assistance accessing the Virtual ASC, we have an SDCI information desk on the 4th floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower. We offer limited access to our offices for scheduled public meetings.

Urban Center College Housing - What & Why

What's Happening Now?

This code amendment relating to housing and community colleges was passed and is now in effect. It may be part of future deliberations for new student housing construction approvals at Seattle Central College.

SDCI delivered this bill to the City Council in April 2022, where it was reviewed by the Land Use Committee in June and July 2022. It was passed with amendments as Ordinance 126626 and went into effect in late August 2022. For more information, see Seattle City Council's legislation and enter the bill number 120313 or ordinance number 126626 in the search box.

What is in this bill?

SDCI wrote legislation to support the building of new affordable housing resources, especially in our Urban Centers. This now makes it easier to permit new housing to serve students that need more affordable housing choices.

Community colleges can be allowed to add one unanticipated housing development to its master plan. The master plans are approved by the City and have a 15-20 year lifespan.

The new housing is allowed as a "minor" amendment to the master plan rather than a "major" amendment. The minor amendment process includes community review steps and can be approved within about one year instead of the 2-3 years it takes for a new master plan or a more complicated amendment process.

Project Benefits

Capitol Hill is an urban center neighborhood with many residents and active uses. Seattle Central College (SCC) provides education and training that helps our residents prepare to enter the workforce or advance their careers. Making it possible for SCC to start building new housing soon will benefit many students, letting them live near school, saving housing and transportation costs.

This completed code change now will encourage housing that:

Supports community college students
Expands housing availability in the neighborhood
Promotes efficient living and travel patterns
Promotes the continued vitality of Capitol Hill

The End Result

This 2022 code update is helping to support more affordable housing choices in Capitol Hill more quickly, and support the college's interest in providing a well-rounded campus setting.