Lot area limits in SM-SLU/R 65/95
Seattle Mun. Code § 23.48.232
in effectA. Development with non-residential uses only, except hotels with 100 rooms/suites or fewer, is limited to a lot area of 21,600 square feet or less. B. Development on lots greater than 21,600 square feet in area shall include residential use in an amount of gross floor area equal to 60 percent or more of the gross floor area in non-residential use, except for development that is an elementary or secondary school, or a hotel with 100 rooms/suites or fewer. C. Two lots of up to 21,600 square feet each, separated by an alley and connected above grade by a skybridge or other similar means shall be considered two separate lots for the purposes of this Section 23.48.232 . Such a connection above grade and across the alley may be allowed pursuant to the City Council's approval of an aerial alley vacation or temporary use permit. D. Non-residential structures on adjacent lots not separated by an alley, subject to this Section 23.48.232 , shall not be internally connected. E. Non-residential uses existing prior to November 6, 1996, that do not meet the requirements of this Section 23.48.232 are allowed to expand by an amount of gross floor area not to exceed 20 percent of the existing gross floor area, without meeting the requirements of this Section 23.48.232 . This provision may only be used once for an individual use. F. Non-residential use exception. A non-residential structure may be permitted where a residential or mixed-use structure would otherwise be required, subject to the following: 1. The project is comprised of two or more lots within a SM-SLU/R 65/95 zone; and 2. The amount of gross floor area in residential use in the structures on both lots is equal to at least 60 percent of the total gross floor area of the total combined development on the lots included in the project; and 3. The non-residential structure is subject to design review to ensure compatibility with the residential character of the surrounding area; and 4. The project meets one or more of the following: a. The project includes the rehabilitation of a Landmark structure or incorporates structures or elements of structures of architectural or historical significance as identified in the Seattle Comprehensive Plan or design guidelines; or b. The project includes general sales and service uses, eating and drinking establishments, major durables retail sales uses, entertainment uses, human service uses, or child care centers at the street level in an amount equal to 50 percent of the structure's footprint; or c. On the lot(s) accommodating the required amount of gross floor area in residential use, as specified in subsection 23.48.232.F.2, a minimum of ten percent of all new units in the project are either provided as moderate-income units or townhouses. (Ord. 126855 , § 23, 2023; Ord. 125291 , § 9, 2017; Ord. 124883 , § 13, 2015.)
Source: Seattle Municipal Code (Municode library)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_codeFetched: 7/25/2026