Seattle’s housing landscape is on the cusp of a significant transformation as discussions surrounding building code amendments gain momentum.
City officials have an opportunity to expand housing options and improve affordability by revisiting and updating building regulations, particularly those relating to multifamily residences.
Historically, building codes have acted as both facilitators and barriers to housing development in Seattle.
In 1973, Mayor Wes Uhlman initiated a critical examination of the Seattle building code with the hope of rejuvenating city living.
The subsequent recommendations led to the 1977 amendments that allowed taller apartment buildings to be served by a single staircase, a move that laid the groundwork for innovative designs yet to come.
Fast forward to the present, the city has further opportunities to modernize these codes in light of new research and housing demands that have surfaced over the years.
One of the significant milestones in this journey came in 2009 when a Seattle Planning Commission study highlighted restrictive building codes that contributed to the high costs associated with constructing highrises.
The study pointed to the success of cities like Vancouver, B.C., where scissor-stair configurations have allowed for efficient, less expensive highrise multifamily housing.
Decades of evolution in building regulations led to a pivotal change in 2018, allowing six floors of wood construction over a concrete base in Seattle.
This amendment emerged from feedback provided by architects and developers who recognized the critical need for maximizing available building heights.
The proposed series of amendments aims to foster the construction of more desirable, accessible multifamily housing in Seattle, as outlined in a recent research report authored by an advocate for change.
Among the key proposed changes is the increase in height allowance for single-stair buildings.
Currently, Seattle allows a maximum of six stories for these structures, a restriction that limits development potential.
Advocates suggest raising this limit to eight stories, with an option to construct up to 15 stories under higher safety standards.
Another innovative proposal is the introduction of scissor stairs, which offer an efficient alternative to traditional stair configurations.
By allowing for interlocking stairways within a single fire-protected stairwell, scissor stairs maximize usable living space while ensuring safety.
The report emphasizes that the construction of residential highrises in Vancouver, which often utilize scissor stairs, demonstrates a viable path that Seattle could adopt.
Additionally, a ‘right-sizing’ of elevator dimensions has been proposed.
U.S. elevator codes currently mandate larger elevator sizes than those typically required in many European and Asian countries, thereby increasing installation costs and limiting the feasibility of small multifamily projects.
Advocates believe that adopting smaller elevator dimensions could improve accessibility in buildings with fewer units, enhancing options for a diverse range of residents.
Stephen Smith, executive director of the Center for Building in North America, highlighted the disparity in elevator availability in the U.S. compared to other high-income nations.
The proposed changes aim to correct this imbalance by introducing more appropriately-sized elevators for smaller residential buildings, thus addressing a critical accessibility barrier.
The anticipated 2024 building code update cycle presents a critical window for Seattle to implement these proposed changes.
With the next significant zoning changes in the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan occurring from 2026 to 2028, it would be unwise for city officials to miss this opportunity for alignment between zoning and building codes.
To maximize new housing development, a proactive approach to adopting building code updates will be essential.
The growing body of research indicates that building codes directly impact housing supply and affordability.
The proposed changes not only align with housing goals established in the One Seattle draft plan but also echo successful practices in other cities.
If adopted, these changes could enable the construction of more compact, affordable multifamily housing that meets diverse community needs.
The appeal of taller single-stair buildings lies in their design efficiency and potential for increased unit diversity.
These structures can facilitate better cross-ventilation and natural light for residents while maximizing open space surrounding the buildings.
Encouraging small lot development can also reduce the high costs typically associated with larger, bulky structures.
As Seattle faces increasing housing pressures, it makes sense to capitalize on building styles that allow for a greater variety of living arrangements, including family-sized units.
The evolution towards single-stair buildings has already seen some success, thanks to the code changes adopted in the past.
However, to truly leverage the potential of these innovative structures, the city must consider removing the cap on the number of single-stair buildings permitted on a single lot.
Allowing architects and developers the freedom to determine the number of buildings based on lot size, zoning, and design considerations will foster a more adaptable housing market in Seattle.
Scissor stairs represent another avenue towards reducing the spatial footprint of stairwells while maximizing usable floor area.
This design approach not only saves construction costs but also supports efficient land use, which is particularly important in dense urban environments.
An increase in compact residential highrises near transit hubs can play a crucial role in achieving Seattle’s climate and transportation goals.
The strategic integration of more residential highrises in regional centers can ensure that residents have access to affordable and desirable housing options, particularly as the city prepares for an influx of light rail stations.
Right-sizing elevators complements these efforts, increasing accessibility without compromising safety or increasing costs unnecessarily.
A thorough review of safety in proposed amendments is essential, making it clear that concerns about building dangers should be weighed against the lived experiences of residents in other high-income countries.
It’s crucial to recognize that cities worldwide, including those with less wealth than Seattle, have successfully implemented building codes that promote safety and affordability.
With the right mindset, Seattle can embrace the potential for inclusive, innovative housing solutions that cater to the diverse needs of its residents.
As we stand at this crossroads, city officials should prioritize these proposed changes and seize the opportunity to guide Seattle towards a future of enhanced urban living.
In conclusion, modernizing Seattle’s building codes could unlock new possibilities for housing development, offering a range of options to meet the growing demand for urban living.
By embracing innovative designs such as taller single-stair and scissor-stair buildings and recognizing the need for space-efficient elevators, Seattle can foster a vibrant housing market that supports diversity and accessibility.
The time is ripe for city officials to take bold steps forward and reshape the city’s building landscape and housing options for generations to come.
It is a moment for action that Seattle cannot afford to miss.
image source from：https://www.theurbanist.org/2025/06/04/op-ed-building-code-changes-to-promote-better-multifamily-housing-in-seattle/
