Seattle Design Review Outreach

Seattle, WA / 2025

Seva is conducting community engagement to help Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) learn how their Design Review program can be more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to community needs. Outreach is focused on engaging Seattle’s Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities through one-on-one interviews, small group discussions, and tabling at cultural events. A broadly advertised community survey is available to anyone interested in providing feedback on the Design Review program and Design Guidelines. What we learn from the community will inform legislation SDCI is drafting to revise Seattle’s Design Review Program and Design Guidelines. This update will also meet the requirements of HB 1293 and incorporate recommendations from the Design Review Statement of Legislative Intent.

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Not familiar with Design Review? The goal of the program is to ensure that new commercial and apartment buildings fit well into their neighborhoods, and to encourage good design across Seattle. The program uses Design Guidelines and public process to allow the community to have a say in how new buildings look.