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Seattle Design Review: What Homeowners and Developers Need to Know
Seattle’s Design Review process can seem intimidating, especially for first-time applicants. Here are practical tips for homeowners and small developers to navigate it successfully.
What Is Seattle Design Review?
Design Review is a public process administered by SDCI that evaluates whether proposed development meets Seattle’s design guidelines, covering everything from massing and setbacks to materials and street activation. Residential projects over certain size thresholds trigger Design Review; commercial projects have lower thresholds.
Tip 1: Know Which Type You Are In
Seattle has several Design Review tracks: Administrative Design Review (ADR, staff-only review), Early Design Guidance (EDG, public meeting before design is set), and Full Design Review. Knowing which track applies determines your timeline and how much community engagement is required.
Planning a project?
Working out what your lot will allow, and what it will cost?
Send David the address and a few lines about what you want. The first feasibility check is free and usually takes about a day: what the site and the code are likely to allow, and what to check first.
Architect since 1996, member of the AIA and NCARB. Three Masonry Excellence Awards for commercial projects; the Carr residence was featured in Above The Lake and Lux magazines.
Tip 2: Study the Design Guidelines for Your District
Seattle has citywide design guidelines AND neighborhood-specific guidelines. Projects in Capitol Hill, South Lake Union, or the University District each have their own overlay guidelines that take precedence. Read them before designing.
Tip 3: Show Design Intent Early
Reviewers respond better to drawings that clearly show design thinking, why materials were chosen, how the building relates to its neighbors, how pedestrian experience was considered. Explain the “why” behind each decision.
Tip 4: Engage Early and Often
Request a pre-application meeting with SDCI before submitting. Submit complete, well-organized materials. Respond thoroughly to reviewer comments.
Piper Cole Architects has guided numerous projects through Seattle Design Review. free feasibility check, call 425-753-6452.
Authoritative sources
Regulatory requirements referenced in this guide are set by the official agencies below. Rules change, always confirm current requirements with the source:
