Background

In order to further the purposes of the Pioneer Square Special Review District ("District"), development standards for the District have been codified. Included among the development standards is a minimum structure height provision found at SMC 23.66.140.B. This Rule clarifies whether that provision applies to elevated streets, bridges or pedestrian walkways.

Rule

The minimum structure height limit of section 23.66.140.B of the Seattle Municipal Code does not apply to elevated streets, bridges or pedestrian walkways.

Rationale

The Pioneer Square Special Review District ("District") was created, in part, "to preserve, protect, and enhance the historic character of the Pioneer Square area," and "to improve visual and urban relationships between existing and future buildings and structures." (SMC 23.66.100) The requirement that there be a minimum structure height above average street grade for much of the Pioneer Square area is a product of these stated purposes. Minimum as well as maximum height limits are utilized to help preserve and improve the particular urban character of the District. This minimum height limit does not further these purposes when applied to streets that are elevated structures. Nor when applied to other elements of infrastructure such as pedestrian bridges across railroad tracks, or extensions, reconstruction or expansions of the street systems. Such developments are not intended to be regulated by the minimum structure height limit.