In Seattle, Feelings are Mixed on Extra Perks for "Ultra-Green" Building Standards

Under the "living building" pilot program, a handful of developments get to bypass the usual zoning for sticking to some of the most stringent building standards in the world. But one developer wants an additional 10 feet of height for it.

1 minute read

October 21, 2011, 5:00 AM PDT

By Judy Chang

Eric Pyne asks: "How much flexibility is too much?"

"[Lee] Raaen, the Wallingford Community Council president...says he's as concerned by the process the city is following as by the proposed building's size.

The city's Department of Planning and Development has drafted an amendment to the pilot program allowing planners to award qualifying projects another 10 feet of height - but only on sites zoned like Skanska's.

That change in the program still must be approved by the City Council. Meanwhile, the department announced last month that the amendment doesn't warrant an environmental-impact statement."

FULL STORY: Ultra-green Seattle office project draws corporate HQ, complaints

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 in The Seattle Times

Architecture Community / Economic Development Energy Environment Government / Politics Urban Development Washington Green Building Seattle Incentives View More

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