Maximum facade length measurement
Seattle Mun. Code § 23.86.015
in effectA. In Lowrise zones, the length of certain facades is limited by development standards. Facade length is measured as follows: 1. Draw a line parallel to, and 15 feet from, the lot line along which the length of a facade is limited. 2. For each portion of a structure that is located between the line drawn in subsection 23.86.015.A.1 and the lot line, mark the points at which that portion of the structure crosses the line drawn in subsection 23.86.015.A.1, and measure the distance between those points. 3. The facade length limit applies to the sum of the lengths of the portions of structure(s) measured in subsection 23.86.015.A.2 (see Exhibit A and Exhibit B for 23.86.015 ). Exhibit A for 23.86.015 : Façade Length Exhibit B for 23.86.015 : Façade Length B. Portions of a structure that are included in facade length measurement include: 1. Carports and garages attached to the principal structure, unless they are attached by a structural feature not counted in structure width under subsection 23.86.015.C; 2. Accessory structures, other than carports and garages, that are not listed in subsection 23.86.014.C, if they are less than 3 feet from the principal structure at any point; 3. Exterior corridors, hallways, and open, above-grade walkways; 4. Projecting segments of a facade unless they are not counted in structure width in subsection 23.86.014.C; 5. Enclosed porches, decks, balconies and other enclosed projections; and 6. Projecting segments of a facade unless excluded in subsection 23.86.015.C. C. Portions of a structure that are not included in facade length measurement include: 1. Cornices, eaves, gutters, roofs, and other forms of weather protection; 2. The first 18 inches of chimneys that project from an exterior wall; 3. Attached solar greenhouses meeting minimum energy standards administered by the Director; 4. The first 4 feet of unenclosed decks, balconies, and porches, unless located on the roof of an attached garage or carport included in structure width in subsection 23.86.014.B.1; 5. Arbors, trellises, and similar features; 6. Detached accessory structures used exclusively for bike parking, even when they are less than 3 feet from the principal structure at any point; and 7. In LR zones, portions of a structure that are exempt from FAR limits pursuant to subsection 23.45.510.D.5. (Ord. 126682 , § 14, 2022; Ord. 125791 , § 114, 2019; Ord. 123495, § 98, 2011)
Source: Seattle Municipal Code (Municode library)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_codeFetched: 7/25/2026