Height nonconformity
Seattle Mun. Code § 23.42.122
in effectA. Neighborhood residential and multifamily zones. 1. In neighborhood residential zones, a principal structure nonconforming as to height may be expanded or extended to add eaves, dormers and/or clerestories to an existing pitched roof if the additions are constructed below the highest point of the roof. An existing pitched roof that is above the height limit may not be converted into a flat roof, nor shall the slope of the roof be reduced to less than a 4:12 pitch. 2. In multifamily zones, a structure nonconforming as to height may be expanded or extended to add eaves, dormers and/or clerestories to an existing pitched roof if the additions are constructed below the highest point of the roof, pursuant to Section 23.45.514 . An existing pitched roof that is above the height limit may not be converted into a flat roof, nor shall the slope of the roof be reduced to less than a 6:12 pitch. B. Structures originally constructed in manufacturing zones, under Seattle Municipal Code Title 24 , that exceed the permitted height in zones with height limits of thirty (30) feet, forty (40) feet, or sixty-five (65) feet shall be limited to an FAR (floor area ratio) of two and one-half (2½). Structures that exceed the permitted height in zones allowing heights greater than sixty-five (65) feet shall be limited to the FAR permitted in the respective zones. (Ord. 126509 , § 34, 2022 [zone name change]; Ord. 123649, § 11, 2011; Ord. 123495, § 18, 2011; Ord. 120293 , § 1, 2001.)
Source: Seattle Municipal Code (Municode library)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_codeFetched: 7/25/2026