Upzoning isn’t a new topic. However upzoning South Lake Union & Downtown Seattle Neighborhoods is in the works! Downtown Seattle and South Lake Union are next in line to be targeted as part of the latest wave of upzoned neighborhoods. This is part of Mayor Ed Murray’s vision to allow for taller buildings in exchange for affordable housing.
The upzone is part of Seattle’s new Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) plan. The plan is to require developers to set aside units for affordable housing which would be available to lower-income households, or make payment-in-lieu so that new growth contributes to the supply of affordable housing nearby.
As part of the Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA), developers will need to set aside up to 5 percent of their units or pay fees of $5.50 to $13 per square foot. Commercial developers would need to allocate up to 10.6 percent of their gross floor area to rent controlled units or pay fees up to $17.50 per square foot.
Just last month the Seattle City Council unanimously passed the proposal to upzone the University District (U-District) neighborhood, and there are many more to come!