The Upzoning Proposal
In January 2026, the City of Seattle released updated legislation to allow more apartments and condos in centers and corridors newly designated in the One Seattle Plan last year. This "Centers and Corridors" legislation includes rezones in Neighborhood Centers such as Whittier.
As shown on the map below, all residential streets within the designated Whittier Neighborhood Center boundaries are proposed to be rezoned to LR3, which allows buildings up to five stories (approximately 52 feet, possibly higher if certain conditions are met). This would also reduce requirements for parking, setbacks, and open space, and create faster permitting processes with less community input.
Proposed Whittier Neighborhood Center Rezoning
What This Means for Our Streets
The proposed boundary (shown on the map) designates Whittier as a "Neighborhood Center," triggering LR3 zoning on all residential streets within it. Note that this boundary is larger than what the city originally proposed in Fall 2024, affecting more residential streets — see the original zoning proposal map for comparison.
This legislation is now under consideration by the Seattle City Council and the process is moving quickly. A decision is expected in late June. The window for public input is very short — it is important to contact Dan Strauss and other city elected officials now.
There may be an opportunity to reduce impacts on residential streets by directing more of the increased density to 15th Ave NW — potentially allowing somewhat taller buildings there in exchange for a lower zoning designation on local streets. This appears to be the main, and possibly only, option to reach a compromise to protect our Whittier neighborhood.
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:
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.
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 CalendarOur Petition (Now Closed)
Thank you to the nearly 1,000 neighbors who signed our petition. Signing it will no longer have an impact — the most important action you can take now is to directly contact Dan Strauss and other city officials with your input.
Contact OfficialsSpread the Word
The decision window is short. Share this website with neighbors so more people know what's at stake and reach out to city officials directly. Every voice counts.
Meetings & Process Timeline
Upcoming Meetings & Key Dates
Upcoming Select Committee on Comprehensive Plan Meetings
- April 6, 2026 — 9:30 a.m. virtual public hearing; 3:00 p.m. in-person public hearing
- May 29, 2026 — 9:30 a.m. public hearing
- June 4, 2026 — 1:00 p.m.
- June 18, 2026 — 1:00 p.m. (Possible council committee vote on rezoning)
A decision is expected in late June. The window for public input is very short — it is important to contact Dan Strauss and other city elected officials now.
Seattle City Council Comprehensive Plan page — for the most current meeting schedules and how to participate.
Past Community Action
Fall 2025 — Letter to Councilmember Strauss
We sent a comprehensive letter to Councilmember Strauss outlining why Whittier Heights should be removed from the proposed Neighborhood Centers list. The letter details our concerns about infrastructure, environmental impact, and community character — and emphasizes that nearly 1,000 neighbors signed our petition opposing this designation.
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.
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.
Resources
Key City Resources
- Seattle City Council Page on Comprehensive Plan - Official city status updates on rezoning and related legislation, meeting dates, and information on how to participate in the council process
- Rezoning Maps (PDF) for District 6, Northwest Seattle - Scroll down for the Whittier map
- Adopted One Seattle Plan — City's Official Page
Community Resources
- Seattle Residents for Thoughtful Growth - Over 23 Seattle organizations and neighborhood groups agree: Seattle can do better.
- Our Petition — Whittier Neighbors Against Seattle Upzoning Proposal (now closed — kept for historical reference)
- Trees and People Coalition - Information on the Comprehensive Plan's impact on urban forests
News Articles
- Seattle City Council reviewing plan for more housing density - Seattle Times
- Seattle City Council signs off on new growth plan, zoning changes - Seattle Times
- 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
- Environmental advocates want more scrutiny of Seattle's development plan - KNKX Public Radio
- Washington's Missing Middle Housing Bill Misses the Mark - The Green Urbanist
- Seattle growth plan lacks creativity, coherence: How to repair it - Seattle Times
- Make it One Seattle, full of trees, in Comprehensive Plan - Seattle Times
- Ezra Klein puts an asterisk on abundance, notes new luxury housing overcrowding intended affordable housing (7 min video)
Contact Information
City Officials
Dan Strauss — District 6 (Northwest Seattle)
Phone: (206) 684-8806
Email: dan.strauss@seattle.gov
Eddie Lin — Chair, City Council Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan
Phone: (206) 684-8802
Email: eddie.lin@seattle.gov
Alexis Mercedes Rinck — Position 8 (Citywide)
Phone: (206) 684-8808
Email: AlexisMercedes.Rinck@seattle.gov
Dionne Foster — Position 9 (Citywide)
Phone: (206) 684-8809
Email: dionne.foster@seattle.gov
Mayor Katie Wilson
Phone: (206) 684-4000
Email: mayor.wilson@seattle.gov
Michael Hubner — Long Range Planning Manager, Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development
Phone: (206) 684-8380
Email: michael.hubner@seattle.gov
Friends of Whittier Heights
Email: whittierzoning@gmail.com