23.74.002

A. Purpose and intent. The purpose of this Chapter 23.74 is to implement the City's Comprehensive Plan, including the subarea plan for the Greater Duwamish Manufacturing and Industrial Center, by establishing a Stadium Transition Area Overlay District for the area shown on Map A for 23.74.004. The Stadium Transition Area centers on large sports facilities and allows uses complementary to them. It is intended to contribute to a safer pedestrian environment for those attending events and permits a mix of uses, supporting the pedestrian-oriented character of the area as well as the surrounding industrial zone, while minimizing conflicts with industrial uses. Within the Overlay District, use provisions and development standards are designed to: create a pedestrian connection with downtown; discourage encroachment on nearby industrial uses to the south; and create a pedestrian-friendly streetscape. Allowing a mix of uses, including office development, restaurants, lodging, and maker uses and arts, is intended to encourage redevelopment and to maintain the health and vibrancy of the area during times when the sports facilities are not in operation. B. Relationship to surrounding activity of areas located within the District. The District is an area where stadiums and similar major, regional attractions are located, in which transportation and other infrastructure can support additional development. It is an area surrounded by land with widely varying development patterns and land use characteristics including the mixed use urban development of south Downtown, Pioneer Square, the working waterfront, and the industrial area. The desired relationship of the Stadium Transition Area is with Pioneer Square and First Avenue, permitting strong pedestrian and transit links to the north. There should be well-defined edges between the pedestrian activity of the Stadium Transition Area and industrial activity surrounding it. The portion of Fourth Avenue South that is north of Royal Brougham and the main line railroad tracks create a strong edge to the east and should be the eastern boundary. South Holgate Street, the first major cross street to the south of the professional baseball stadium, should be the southern boundary. Boundaries should not be shifted farther into the industrial area. C. Rezones resulting in boundary changes to the Stadium Transition Overlay Area District. A rezone pursuant to Chapter 23.34 shall be required to change the established boundaries of the Stadium Transition Area Overlay District. A rezone shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 23.76 . Areas to be included within the District boundaries shall be compatible with the purpose and intent as stated in this Section 23.74.002 , and shall either be areas developed as major spectator sports facilities, or areas that meet the criteria for Industrial Commercial or Urban Industrial zoning and are along preferred pedestrian routes that can provide safe and attractive passage for pedestrians between the stadiums and retail areas and transit service. (Ord. 127375 , § 103, 2025; Ord. 127191 , § 1, 2025; Ord. 126862 , § 15, 2023; Ord. 119972, § 10, 2000.)