As part of the One Seattle Plan and proposed rezoning to increase housing supply and affordability, every lot in Montlake is affected. Learn more here, then get involved.
Significant zoning changes are coming to Montlake
- This is the biggest change to Montlake in its 100+ year history.
- New Washington State law HB1110 requires new zoning for 3- and 4-story multi-unit housing on almost every residential lot in Seattle.
- The Mayor’s One Seattle Plan proposes zoning for 4- and 5-story apartments on 24 blocks in Montlake as a newly proposed Neighborhood Center.
- The One Seattle Plan is under review by City Council and open to changes and improvements with community input.
Major concerns with plan and process
- Lack of direct notice to residents from the City of Seattle and so far no opportunity for true community involvement to create a plan that works for all.
- A proposal vastly out of scale with the neighborhood and our small business district particularly relative to other proposed Neighborhood Centers.
- A plan that appears oblivious to the Montlake neighborhood’s inclusion on the Department of the Interiors National Registry of Historic Places.
- Zoning that will likely result in incongruous and haphazard implementation entirely inconsistent with the thoughtful, human-scaled urban redevelopment Seattle was once known for.
- A reduction in tree canopy, landscape and natural habitat combined with an increase in hardscape, impervious surfaces, and summer temperatures.
Map of Proposed Zoning for Montlake
Map Key
NR: Neighborhood Residential
3-story or 4-story multi-unit housing, applies outside the proposed Neighborhood Center (LR2, LR3, NC2-55) More information on Zone NR is found on the Background and Process page.
LR2: Lowrise Residential 2
40-foot height limit, 4-story apartments or townhouses
LR3: Lowrise Residential 3
50-foot height limit, 5-story apartments or townhouses
All residential zones
Increased lot coverage, increased density, reduced setbacks, reduced off-street parking
NC2-55 – Neighborhood Commercial
55-foot height limit, mixed-use commercial and residential
Proposed Project Timeline for 2025
The One Seattle Plan, including the designation of Neighborhood Centers, is scheduled to be adopted by the end of May 2025. There are still opportunities and time for public feedback. Dates are subject to change.
- January 30 Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was released
- Feb 5, 5:00pm City Council meeting with Public Hearing on the One Seattle Plan
- March 12 City Council amendments to the One Seattle Plan are due
- April Phase 1 Zoning proposal to City Council from Mayor’s Office
- April 30 City Council meeting with Public Hearing on the One Seattle Plan amendments
- May 16 City Council meeting with Public Hearing on the Phase 1 Zoning
- May 29 City Council vote on the One Seattle Plan
- June 30 State Law HB1110 deadline for “Middle Housing” (Phase 1) Zoning
- June-Sept City Council work through Phase 2 Zoning legislation
For more details, see 2025 Comprehensive Plan (“One Seattle Plan”) Renewal Process.
Send your feedback
The City Council is currently accepting feedback. Here are three ways you can provide your feedback:
- Send your feedback directly to City leaders:
- Our District 3 Council Representative: Joy Hollingsworth (most important)
- All nine City Council members: council@seattle.gov
- Mayor Harrell: bruce.harrell@seattle.gov
- Speak at one of the three City Council public hearings, currently scheduled for February 5, 2025, April 30, 2025, and May 16, 2025.
- Send a copy of your feedback to the Montlake Community Club: zoning@montlake.net. The MCC Board represents the entire Montlake community, so they would like to know what’s on your mind.
Learn more
The contents of this webpage were assembled by a small group of Montlake Community Club members to help educate the neighborhood about upcoming zoning changes proposed by Mayor Harrell. Any opinions expressed are not necessarily representative of the greater Montlake community.
