Early Design Review is changing to require developer outreach on new multi-family, mixed-use or commercial projects in neighborhoods. Here’s details and the workshops to explain the new process, from Seattle Department of Neighborhoods:

North End Information Session at Good Shepherd Center Thurs., Oct 25, 2018, 6-8 pm

The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods would like to let you know about a new way for neighbors to learn about and weigh-in on new development in your neighborhood. The Early Community Outreach for Design Review program came into effect on July 1st, 2018 and requires developers to notify residents and businesses of new multi-family, mixed-use or commercial projects in your neighborhoods and elicit community input early in the design and permitting process.

How does this new process affect me and my neighbors? Developers are now required to reach out to nearby neighbors, community organizations, and small businesses of new projects by at least one printed, one digital and one in-person outreach method. This gives you an opportunity to learn about new developments and give input very early on in the process. You can learn more about these new requirements by reviewing the Early Outreach for Design Review website.

How do I find out about events and projects happening in my neighborhood? You can find out about projects by visiting the Early Outreach for Design Review Projects Blog. You can search by region or neighborhood to find basic project information and the developer’s contact info. You can also find out about nearby in-person meetings that developers are holding on the Early Community Outreach for Design Review Calendar.

How do the developers know to contact us? The Department of Neighborhoods has developed new tools that list local community groups, the Community Connector and Neighborhood Snapshots. If you would like to be included on these lists, please  email Danielle.Friedman@seattle.gov with that request.

 Want to learn more? Join us at one of our upcoming information sessions:Please contact DRearlyoutreach@seattle.gov if you have any questions or would like more information.

Have you already been contacted by a developer conducting this new type of outreach? We are working to evaluate how this process is going by asking developers and community members to fill out this evaluation survey. Please take a few minutes to let us know how the process is working for you.

Best,

Danielle Friedman Strategic Initiatives Advisor DRearlyoutreach@seattle.gov Office: 206-256-5973 seattle.gov/neighborhoods