Hello Neighbors,

Summer’s here, and hopefully you’re taking advantage of the glorious June weather and spending time outdoors!

Thank you for your continued support through membership renewals, meeting attendance, the May Election, and Waterway events. Since November, we’ve tracked zoning legislation in our newsletters. Our focus has been educating residents on the city’s zoning proposals, including zoning categories, maps, and differences between the state’s zoning mandate (HB1110) “ Middle Housing” and the Mayor’s Plan (30 neighborhood centers with proposed up zones along “frequent transit” arterials).

Zoning & Land Use – Updates

How will you weigh in with the Council on plans for future growth in Wallingford and the city as a whole this summer?

This summer, the City Council is prioritizing major decisions on future growth, particularly in Wallingford and citywide. A significant focus is on passing CB120993, legislation to comply with the state mandate (HB1110) allowing 4-6 units per lot on all 5,000 square foot lots across all neighborhoods. This will substantially increase housing capacity and density.

Between June and September, the Council will review, debate, and legislate the Comprehensive Plan CB120985, featuring new policies and Future Land Use Maps. This includes rezoning and converting all single-family lots to multi-family, completing Phase 1 of this process. The Full Council and select Committee Meetings will primarily focus on HB1110 and the Comprehensive Plan legislation, aiming for a final vote in September.

The Council will have a two-week break from August 16-30, then shift to budget work in October-November. They will resume Phase II of the Comprehensive Plan in December-January. The path forward is clear due to the dismissal of six EIS appeals in April, allowing the Council to concentrate on these key housing initiatives.

Mark your calendar for Monday June 23, the ONLY public hearing for HB1110 CB120993. 
Session I 9:30 remote, 
Session II 3:00 pm in person
Agenda Information
Public Comment Forms

Key Meeting This Friday, June 13th at 9:30 AM: An important meeting is scheduled featuring OPCD discussing the Mayor’s office proposal for CB120993. This proposal aims to enact permanent legislation for state compliance with HB1110. A recording will be available on seattlechannel.org for those who cannot attend live. The revised HB1110 will satisfy state regulations, permitting 4-6 units per lot, but it also introduces numerous additions not found in the initial state model. These supplementary components have lacked public clarity. Therefore, attending or viewing the June 13th meeting is essential to understand OPCD’s presentation to the council and gain specific details regarding these changes and additions.

Below is an updated full schedule for the May- September Select Committee Meetings. Any past meetings are recorded on seattlechannel.org filed under Select Committee Comprehensive Plans.  The Comprehensive Plan website has an overview, meeting timelines, and information how to sign up for public hearings. 

May: 

• Monday, May 19: Public Hearing on HB1110 Temporary legislation that then passed on May 21 Review the recordings of public comments made at the May 19 Public Hearing sessions on HB1110 here.
• Seattle Times article: Seattle City Council committee advances housing plan with more density
• Petition · Change One Seattle Permanent HB1110 Ordinance to Grow Housing Responsibly. (This petition is a reminder of what matters in planning for growth)
• Keep in mind that HB1110 / CB120933 on Permanent Middle Housing bill for state compliance replaces and supersedes the temporary bill CB120969 passed May 21.

June:

• Thursday, June 5 at 9:30: OPCD introduced to council their HB1110 permanent proposal for development standards (setbacks, height, FAR) over and above state requirements including both NR(neighborhood residential) zones and Lowrise zones. Michael Hubner, Comp Plan lead, showed slides on a previous Comp Plan presentation as a refresher. June 5 agenda with Comp Plan legislation and proposed center boundary maps.
• Friday June 13 at 9:30:  Continued discussion of changes to NR, RSL (elimination) and LR zones (formerly single family) decisions to comply with the state mandate and add or change or amend.
• Monday, June 23: Public Hearing: Public Comment & Registration, Agenda. We recommend you write, call or participate at this Public Hearing. See the City Council contact list below.

July-September: A focus on the Comprehensive Plan

Comprehensive Plan plan policies with Future Land Use Maps for ALL the types of centers ( regional, urban and neighborhood centers) boundaries

July: 

• Friday, July 11 2pm: The council is set to finalize the boundaries for new neighborhood centers, a key component of the Mayor’s Plan. This includes the establishment of future land use map boundaries for urban and regional centers, alongside 30 newly designated neighborhood centers.
• A contentious element of the Mayor’s plan is its “one size fits all” aspect.  There is significant debate surrounding this.  Will its scope remain unchanged? Will it be reduced? Will it be broadened? Or will it be eliminated entirely?  The ultimate result is yet to be determined.

August:

• Monday, August 4, 9:30: Phase 1 Amendments to Comp Plan
• August 16-30: No zoning meetings. Two week full council break.

A public hearing date for the Comprehensive Plan is currently unannounced. (Stay tuned for updates.)

September: 

• Wednesday September 17th, 2:00 pm: TBD
• Thursday September 18th, 9:30 am: TBD
• Friday, September 19th, 2:00 pm: TBD, The Final Vote on Comp Plan is subject to change

October- November:

• Council Meetings will be limited to Budget (No zoning meetings)

December-January 2026:

• Phase II Zoning meetings for Council will then restart in December/January 2026

The Mayor’s Phase II Zoning proposal will soon unveil maps illustrating which arterial roads are slated for upzoning as part of the “frequent transit” initiative. This plan aims to increase density by permitting building heights of up to five stories or fifty feet along citywide streetscapes. In contrast, it also proposes a maximum height of thirty feet or three stories in areas previously designated for single-family housing near these arterials. However, the plan has faced criticism, particularly regarding the implementation of a uniform approach of Lowrise 3/five-story/fifty-foot heights.

In Wallingford, bus routes 31 and 32 are targeted to trigger 5-story upzones for lots next to arterials. This includes 40th Street (from I-5 to Wallingford, below 40th to Wallingford, and 35th to Stoneway). Additionally, the 62 bus route could potentially trigger 5-story upzones on Meridian Avenue from 50th to 56th Streets.

Background: In April, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) analyzed capacity for 80,000 to 120,000 new housing units. Subsequently, the Mayor’s Plan suggested 330,000 units, which included establishing 30 new and expanded neighborhood centers and increasing zoning along arterials with frequent transit. This upzoning would permit buildings up to 5 stories or 50 feet, replacing the previous 3-story or 30-foot limit in areas formerly designated for single-family homes. Furthermore, House Bill 1110 is expected to boost city-wide housing potential and density by allowing 4-6 units per lot, potentially offering sufficient capacity for 10-20 years, a scenario already examined by the EIS independently.

References for Council Contacts on Summer Legislation 

• Email City Council Members: council@seattle.gov 
• OneSeattlePlan.zoning@seattle.gov 

Or contact them directly:

• Bruce.Harrell@seattle.gov
• Joy Hollingsworth D3 Chair Select Committee Joy.Hollingsworth@seattle.gov 206 684 8803
• Dan Strauss D6 Vice Chair N. of 50th Wallingford/Tangletown Dan.Strauss@seattle.gov 206 684 8806
• Maritza Rivera D4 N.E Seattle Wallingford Maritza.Rivera@seattle.gov 206 684 8804
• Sara Nelson At Large Sara.Nelson@seattle.gov 206 684 8809
• Alexis Mercedez Rinck At Large AlexisMercedez.Rink@seattle.gov 206 684 8808
• Robert Kettle D7 Robert.Kettle@seattle.gov 206 684 8807
• Cathy Moore D5 Cathy.Moore@seattle.gov 206 684 8805
• Rob Saka D1 Rob.Saka@seattle.gov 206 684 8801 
• Mark Soloman D2  Mark.Soloman@seattle.gov 

Wallingford Calls to Action can be accessed  with this link:
https://www.wallingfordcc.org/category/calls-to-action/

Wallingford Community Council (WCCC) Annual Meeting and Officer Elections 

The WCC held its Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on May 14, 2025, at 7 PM at Good Shepherd.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all board volunteers for their continued service, dedication, and commitment to the WCC for the 2025-2026 term.

Bonnie Williams – President)  
Jen Ring Perez – Vice President (New but a returning past president, thank you!)
Ted Hunter – Secretary
Mark JoHahnson – Treasurer (2 year term)
Margaret Holt – Board Member-At Large
Mary Hodder – Board Member-At Large
Matt Hallett – Board Member-At Large
Miranda Berner – Past President

Standing Committee Chairpersons:
Ted Hunter – Shorelines
Bonnie Williams – Land Use (With board assistance on zoning proposals)
Miranda Berner – Volunteer Coordinator 

Waterway Walk May 31 hosted by WCC

The annual Waterway Walk, held on May 31st, invites neighbors to discover public access points to Lake Union. This year’s event, led by Shorelines Committee Chair Ted Hunter, was fortunate to be rain-free. Planners Miranda Berner and Margaret Holt also participated, joining attendees in exploring these access locations firsthand.

Council member Dan Strauss hosts a Town Hall Wednesday, June 18th 

Wallingford has two district representatives. Dan Strauss above 50th and Maritza Rivera D4 below 50th.

Dan Strauss will host a District 6 town hall on Wednesday, June 18, offering residents the opportunity to connect directly and discuss neighborhood priorities, city initiatives, and community concerns.

The event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Magnolia Branch of the Seattle Public Library, located at 2801 34th Ave. W.

Community members are encouraged to attend and bring their questions or feedback on topics affecting District 6, which includes Ballard, Fremont, Green Lake, and surrounding neighborhoods. You can rsvp here. Please send questions ahead of time and sign up.

Thank you and have a great June & July!

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to making Wallingford a thriving community. 

Warm regards,
The Wallingford Community Council

Hello!

There will be no WCC General Meeting on Wednesday June 4th.

Thank you!

The Wallingford Community Council has been reporting monthly via newsletters and meetings on the progress of major land use changes impacting our neighborhood. We continue to actively monitor the state’s HB1110 “Middle Housing” legislation, which increases allowable density to 4-6 units on formerly single-family lots.

This is a special post to focus on this one “Land Use” topic. 

Why This Matters: The HB1110 legislation will significantly increase allowable building heights, lot coverage, and housing density citywide, including Wallingford’s traditional single-family areas. MHA fees, changes to Lowrise 1, 2, 3 and affordable housing provisions, and environmental impacts remain critical areas of concern.

Update on the city’s “Select Committee” review of HB1110 Interim Legislation (Council Bill 120969)

Initial opposition to the Mayor’s rezone proposals led to six appeals being filed against the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) in February 2025, which paused the review of the neighborhood map rezones and use March through  May meetings to finalize HB1110 by June. The City’s Hearing Examiner dismissed the six appeals this April on technicalities.

Upcoming “Select Committee” Meetings & Public Hearing on May 19th:

• May 7, 2:00 PM: Discussion of Council member proposed amendments on HB1110
• Monday, May 19, 9:30 AM Session I, 4:00 PM – City Hall, 600 4th Avenue
  • Session I: 9:30 AM, Session II: 4:00 PM. 
    • Public Hearing on HB1110 Interim Legislation 120969. Watch live at https://www.seattlechannel.org. Titled “Select Committee Comprehensive Plan”, by date.
    • Public Hearing agenda link. Reference Presentation: April 16 Select Committee Agenda and Meeting Slides.  Slides #22-27 compare current and proposed changes to development standards for NR zones within HB1110  legislation. Click this link for public commenting: Public Comment – Council | seattle.gov
• Wednesday, May 21, 2:00 PM: Select Committee Votes to finalize details of HB1110 development standards
• Tuesday, May 27, 2:00 PM: Full Council Vote on HB1110 interim legislation 120969

Recent “Select Committee” Meetings:

• March 19: Introduction to HB1110 requirements
• March 28: Debate on Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) fees — the Mayor’s office proposed no MHA fees for developers in Neighborhood Residential zones.
• April 16: Presentation on proposed development standards for setbacks, heights, and Floor Area Ratio (FAR).
• April 30: Urban Forestry Commission presentation ( Mayor’s Office) 

Looking Ahead: What’s Next 

After the passage of Interim Legislation 120969, the Council will begin summer 2025:

• Replace Interim Legislation with Permanent HB1110 Final Legislation (Phase 1)
• Review and update Comprehensive Plan policies, growth strategies, and Future Land Use Maps
• Address zoning map  changes in Neighborhood Centers, Urban Centers, and transit corridors (Phase 2)

Want to Share Your Voice with the City Council? 

We encourage you to continue to write, call, or sign up to make comments remotely at any Select Committee meeting in the next few months.

• Email City Council Members: council@seattle.gov 
• OneSeattlePlan.zoning@seattle.gov 

Or contact them directly:

• Bruce.Harrell@seattle.gov
• Joy Hollingsworth D3 Chair Select Committee Joy.Hollingsworth@seattle.gov 206 684 8803
• Dan Strauss D6 Vice Chair N. of 50th Wallingford/Tangletown Dan.Strauss@seattle.gov 206 684 8806
• Maritza Rivera D4 N.E Seattle Wallingford Maritza.Rivera@seattle.gov 206 684 8804
• Sara Nelson At Large Sara.Nelson@seattle.gov 206 684 8809
• Alexis Mercedez Rinck At Large AlexisMercedez.Rink@seattle.gov 206 684 8808
• Robert Kettle D7 Robert.Kettle@seattle.gov 206 684 8807
• Cathy Moore D5 Cathy.Moore@seattle.gov 206 684 8805
• Rob Saka D1 Rob.Saka@seattle.gov 206 684 8801 
• Mark Soloman D2  Mark.Soloman@seattle.gov 

Stay engaged! The next several months will be critical for shaping Wallingford’s future. We encourage residents to get involved! Please visit wallingfordcc.org/contact to send us your information. We will follow up with ways to get involved.

The next several months will be critical for shaping Wallingford’s future. We encourage residents to get involved! Please visit wallingfordcc.org/contact to send us your information. We will follow up with ways to get involved.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to making Wallingford a thriving community. 

Dear Wallingford Neighbors, Spring is here, and with it comes renewed opportunities for civic engagement and neighborhood advocacy. We’d like to invite you to stay informed and get involved as Seattle continues its planning process for housing and zoning changes that will shape Wallingford for years to come. Below are key updates and Save the Dates for our upcoming WCC general meeting and May Board Election meeting.

SAVE THE DATE: The Next WCC Meeting is April 2, from 7-9 PMWallingford Community Council – General Meeting  Date: Wednesday. April 2, 2025  Time: 7:00 PM- 9:00 PM Location: Good Shepherd Center Room 202 at 4649 Sunnyside Avenue North (Free parking on site) Join us for an informative session on the state-mandated HB1110, the “Middle Housing” legislation. We’ll delve into its direct impact on Wallingford and its surrounding neighborhoods. The meeting will feature a presentation and an open Q&A session, where we’ll explore the legislation’s requirements for the city to permit 4-6 units on previously single-family lots outside the urban village in NR or neighborhood residential zones. The city has a June deadline to comply in passing the HB1110 state-mandated legislation. We will present some key slides from the Select Committee/City Council’s March 19 and 28 presentations. We will highlight information property owners need to know. We will have  Wallingford Maps to check to see if your formerly single-family lot outside the urban village is designated NR and where HB1110 will be applied.  There are three categories of NR zoning: * NR3 = 5,000 square foot lots * NR2 = 7,200 square foot lots * NR1 = 9,600 square foot lots. RSL Residential Small lot designations west of Stoneway are being replaced by Lowrise 1 zones for several blocks. WHAT’S NEW “Select Committee” shifts focus from the 2044 Comprehensive Plan ( Mayor’s rezone plans) to the State’s HB1110 legislation through late May The recent filing of the six appeals challenging the validity of the FEIS ( Final Environmental Impact Study) forced City Council to postpone working on the Comprehensive Plan policies and Mayor Harrel’s plan on citywide rezones until the appeals are resolved in hearings before the city’s hearing examiner from April 28 to late May. The Wallingford CC did not file an appeal.  Here is the link to look at details of the appeals challenging the FEIS by appeal sponsors: https://web6.seattle.gov/Examiner/casesearch?fid=0&sval=w-25  All Select Committee meeting times listed are during the day so if you miss watching live use the link www.seattlechannel.org to find the recording of any Select Committee meeting listed below. Pre-register to be able to make public comments either in person or remotely by signing up here. Revised Select Committee Schedule: * Wednesday, March 19 2:00 pm HB1110 meeting state requirements. Link to recorded meeting: https://www.seattlechannel.org/mayor-and-council/city-council/select-committee-on-the-comprehensive-plan * Friday, March 28 9:30 am: Proposed interim legislation and Mayor’s office on HB1110 (no public comment today) * Wednesday, April 16th 2:00 pm: HB 1110 an interim legislation * Wednesday, April 30th – 2:00 pm: Discussion of key issues * Wednesday, May 7th – 2:00 pm: Possible amendments  * TBA date for May public hearing on HB1110 and interim legislation * Wednesday, May 21st – 2:00 pm: Committee vote on legislation * (Tentative date) May 27th – 2:00 pm: Council vote on legislation  All the meetings will be located in City Council Chambers 600 4th Avenue Seattle, 98104.  We encourage you to continue to write, call, or sign up to make comments remotely at any Select Committee meeting in the next few months.  Email all city council: at council@seattle.gov or contact them directly by phone with your concerns. * Bruce.Harrell@seattle.gov * OneSeattlePlan.zoning@seattle.gov * Joy Hollingsworth D3 Chair Select Committee Joy.Hollingsworth@seattle.gov 206 684 8803 * Dan Strauss D6 Vice Chair N. of 50th Wallingford/Tangletown Dan.Strauss@seattle.gov 206 684 8806 * Maritza Rivera D4 N.E Seattle Wallingford Maritza.Rivera@seattle.gov 206 684 8804 * Sara Nelson At Large Sara.Nelson@seattle.gov 206 684 8809 * Alexis Mercedez Rinck At Large AlexisMercedez.Rink@seattle.gov 206 684 8808 * Robert Kettle D7 Robert.Kettle@seattle.gov 206 684 8807 * Cathy Moore D5 Cathy.Moore@seattle.gov 206 684 8805 * Rob Saka D1 Rob.Saka@seattle.gov 206 684 8801 * Mark Soloman D2  Mark.Soloman@seattle.gov  OTHER RESOURCES * June to Sept – The Timeline for the council to resume review of Comp Plan legislation/Mayor’s Plan and release of revised zoning maps is postponed through at least the end of May * Zoning Proposal Maps: https://one-seattle-plan-zoning-implementation-seattlecitygis.hub.arcgis.com/ * OPCD Project Documents / Mayor’s Recommended Growth Strategy (2024). This contains the Draft Plan and other key related documents. The FEIS (Final Environmental Impact Study) was just released on Jan 30, 2025. FEIS ( Final Environmental Impact Study. This document released in late January is 1,300 pages. If you are interested in downloading it, here is the link: https://www.seattle.gov/opcd/one-seattle-plan?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govde

Join or renew your Wallingford Community Council Membership for 2025 online at wallingfordcc.org SAVE THE DATE Wallingford Community Council Annual Membership Meeting for Election of Board Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 Time: 7:00-9:00 PM (Member check-in for voting eligibility will be at 6:30 PM Location: Chapel (The top floor of the Good Shepherd at 4649 Sunnyside Avenue North) Featured Speaker: Jorge Baron D4 representative on the King County Regional Council. (About Jorge Baron) If you would like to be considered for nomination to a board member position, please send a message describing your interest and past level of involvement with the neighborhood and WCC to communications@wallingfordcc.org by April 20. Elected officers are President, Vice President, Secretary, and three board members “at large”. The current Treasurer is serving one more year of a two-year term. Here is a chance to show your support of the work of the Wallingford Community Council and their advocacy for the neighborhood by joining or renewing your WCC membership online today at wallingfordcc.org. You must reside in Wallingford, own a property, or manage a business within the boundary of the neighborhood to be a member to vote in May for the board renew by April 30. Annual dues are as follows:  * Family Membership: $25.00 * Individual Membership: $15.00 * Senior Member: $10.00 * Business: $100 Your annual membership fee runs from January to December each year. The Wallingford Community Council meetings and newsletters from September to the present have kept you informed about important issues. Topics have included the transportation levy, the relationship between property taxes and rezoning, and citywide rezoning plans, specifically for Wallingford. Join or Renew Today!

RECAP: February 12 Wallingford CC meeting Residents were able to be heard and many voiced concerns and recommendations about rezone proposals for Wallingford directly to Maritza Rivera D4 City Council person, Michael Hubner Long Range Planning Manager Comp Plan and Rico Quinindongo Director OPCD. It was a full house and a great opportunity to provide feedback on rezoning proposals.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to making Wallingford a thriving community.