About Friends of Whittier Heights
We are a coalition of residents concerned about the City of Seattle's proposed changes to zoning laws that would dramatically alter the character of our beloved Whittier Heights neighborhood. We support thoughtful, community-driven development that preserves the unique qualities that make our neighborhood special while addressing legitimate housing needs.
Our neighborhood is characterized by its mix of single-family homes, mature tree canopy, family-friendly streets, and strong sense of community. The current upzoning proposal threatens these qualities without adequately addressing infrastructure, affordability, or environmental concerns.
Our Concerns
Infrastructure Impact
The proposed upzoning doesn't adequately address the strain on existing infrastructure including roads, parking, drainage, sewers, utilities, and public services. These systems are already at capacity and require significant investment before adding density.
Environmental Concerns
Increased density without proper planning threatens our neighborhood's tree canopy and green spaces. The proposal lacks sufficient environmental impact studies and doesn't include provisions to protect our urban forest or manage increased stormwater runoff.
Affordability Issues
While presented as a solution to housing affordability, there's little evidence the proposed changes would create truly affordable housing. Instead, they may accelerate gentrification and displacement of long-time residents while primarily benefiting developers.
Community Character
Whittier Heights has a unique architectural and community character that could be lost with rapid, unplanned redevelopment. Historic homes and established community spaces may be replaced with generic, high-density housing that doesn't reflect our neighborhood's identity.
The Upzoning Proposal
The City of Seattle is considering significant changes to zoning in Whittier Heights as part of its Comprehensive Plan update. These changes would allow:
- Increased building heights (up to 5 stories) and density throughout the neighborhood
- Conversion of single-family zones to higher-density designations
- Reduced requirements for parking, setbacks, and open space
- Faster permitting processes with less community input
Proposed Whittier Neighborhood Center Boundaries
The Whittier Neighborhood Center Proposal
Seattle is proposing to designate this area (blue boundary) as a future "Neighborhood Center" where developers could build 3-5 story multifamily complexes with reduced parking and faster permitting. This revised boundary is larger than what the city originally proposed in Fall 2024 (dashed lines), affecting more residential streets.
While the city has not yet released detailed zoning maps for the revised boundaries, the zoning changes are expected to be similar to those shown in the original zoning proposal, with areas closest to 15th Ave NW likely zoned for the highest density development (LR3 - up to 5 stories) and surrounding areas designated for moderate density increases (LR1/LR2 - up to 3-4 stories).
Examples of LR3 Development Allowed Under This Proposal
These photos show the type of multi-story residential buildings (LR3 zoning) that would be permitted throughout much of Whittier Heights under the current proposal:
Take Action
There are several ways you can help protect our neighborhood:
Contact Officials
Reach out to Councilmember Dan Strauss and other city officials to share your concerns about the proposal's impacts on Whittier Heights.
Get Contact InfoAttend Meetings
Show up at public hearings, community forums, and council meetings to make your voice heard. Numbers matter!
See CalendarSign Our Petition
Add your name to our community petition expressing concerns about the current upzoning proposal and calling for a more balanced approach.
Sign NowSpread the Word
Share this website and our petition with your neighbors and on social media to help build community awareness and involvement.
Meetings & Process Timeline
Upcoming Meetings & Key Dates
City Council Process Timeline
- June 23, 2025 - 🚨 CRITICAL PUBLIC HEARING on Comprehensive Plan including Whittier Neighborhood Center boundaries
- Remote comments: 9:30 a.m. (sign up 8:30-10 a.m.)
- In-person comments: 3:00 p.m. (sign up 2:30-6:30 p.m.)
- See full participation details below
- Summer 2025 - City Council considers Comprehensive Plan and HB 1110 legislation simultaneously
- Mid-September 2025 - Final Vote on Comprehensive Plan, including Neighborhood Center boundaries
- October/November 2025 - Pause for council budget process
- December 2025 - Begin "Phase 2" legislation consideration, including zoning changes within Neighborhood Centers
- Early 2026 - Centers and Corridors Legislation adoption (zoning map changes and upzones)
Stay informed about specific meeting dates: Check the Seattle City Council Comprehensive Plan page for the most current meeting schedules and how to participate.
🚨 URGENT: June 23, 2025 - Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing
This is a critical opportunity to speak up about Whittier's future! The City Council Select Committee will hear public comments on both the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan (including the Whittier Neighborhood Center proposal) and permanent HB 1110 legislation.
Two Ways to Participate:
📱 Remote Comments - Session 1
- Time: Starting at 9:30 a.m.
- Sign up: 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Link: seattle.gov/council/committees/public-comment
🏛️ In-Person Comments - Session 2
- Time: Starting at 3:00 p.m.
- Sign up: 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers
- Location: City Hall, 600 4th Ave, Council Chambers
✉️ Email Comments (Anytime Before June 23)
Send your thoughts to: council@seattle.gov and dan.strauss@seattle.gov
Your comments don't need to be long - just express your concerns about the neighborhood's future!
Past Community Meetings
May 22, 2025 - Community Meeting at Whittier Elementary
Over 100 neighbors attended our community meeting to discuss the One Seattle Plan and its impact on Whittier Heights. Michael Hubner from the Office of Planning & Community Development presented an overview of the plan, and Councilmember Dan Strauss attended to hear community concerns.
Resources
Key City Resources
- Seattle City Council Page on Comprehensive Plan - Official city status updates, meeting dates, and information on how to participate in the council process
- One Seattle Plan - City's Official Page
- Development Standards in Lowrise Zones LR1-LR3 - Shows building requirements for different zones
Community Resources
- Our Petition - Whittier Neighbors Against Seattle Upzoning Proposal
- Trees and People Coalition - Information on the Comprehensive Plan's impact on urban forests
- Seattle Fair Growth Organization
Official City Documents
News Articles
- Seattle City Council committee advances housing plan with more density - Seattle Times
- More concrete, less green: A cautionary tale about upzoning from South Park - Seattle Times
- More paving, fewer trees. So much for a green 'One Seattle' - Seattle Times
- King County Metro Continues to Face Labor Pinch - The Urbanist
Contact Information
City Officials
Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6)
Email: dan.strauss@seattle.gov
Phone: (206) 684-8801
Chair of City Council Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan
Email: joy.hollingsworth@seattle.gov
Councilmembers at large (represent all of city)
Email: sara.nelson@seattle.gov
Email: alexismercedes.rinck@seattle.gov
All City Councilmembers
Email: council@seattle.gov
Mayor's Office
Email: mayor@seattle.gov
Phone: (206) 684-4000
One Seattle Plan Zoning Team
Email: oneseattleplan.zoning@seattle.gov
Friends of Whittier Heights
Email: whittierzoning@gmail.com