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Land Use and Sustainability Committee

Wednesday, July 1, 2026 · 9:30 AM AM · Council Chamber, City Hall 600 4th Avenue Seattle, WA 98104

TL;DR

The Land Use and Sustainability Committee confirmed six new and reappointed members to the Seattle Planning Commission, which oversees city planning and zoning decisions. The committee also discussed two ordinances related to streamlining land use processes and temporarily modifying design review requirements for housing projects, particularly those meeting affordability requirements.

Key Decisions

  • Seattle Planning Commission appointments Passed
  • T.J. Stutman appointed to Planning Commission (term to April 2028) Passed
  • Amir Ehsaei, Hailey P. Karcher, and Patrick W. Taylor appointed to Planning Commission (terms to April 2029) Passed
  • P Xiomara Alvarez and Andrew L. Dannenberg reappointed to Planning Commission (terms to April 2029) Passed
  • Ordinance clarifying Council land use decision processes Discussed
Agenda PDF Minutes PDF

Agenda

  1. This meeting also constitutes a meeting of the City Council, provided that the meeting shall be conducted as a committee meeting under the Council Rules and Procedures, and Council action shall be limited to committee business.
  2. Please Note: Times listed are estimated
  3. Call To Order
  4. Approval of the Agenda
  5. Public Comment
  6. Items of Business
  7. 1. Appointment of T.J. Stutman as member, Seattle Planning Commission, for a term to April 15, 2028.
    Appointment (Appt)
    Action: confirm Passed

    The Committee recommends that City Council confirm the Appointment (Appt).

  8. 2. Appointment of Amir Ehsaei as member, Seattle Planning Commission, for a term to April 15, 2029.
    Appointment (Appt)
    Action: confirm Passed

    The Committee recommends that City Council confirm the Appointment (Appt).

  9. 3. Appointment of Hailey P. Karcher as member, Seattle Planning Commission, for a term to April 15, 2029.
    Appointment (Appt)
    Action: confirm Passed

    The Committee recommends that City Council confirm the Appointment (Appt).

  10. 4. Appointment of Patrick W. Taylor as member, Seattle Planning Commission, for a term to April 15, 2029.
    Appointment (Appt)
    Action: confirm Passed

    The Committee recommends that City Council confirm the Appointment (Appt).

  11. 5. Reappointment of P Xiomara Alvarez as member, Seattle Planning Commission, for a term to April 15, 2029.
    Appointment (Appt)
    Action: confirm Passed

    The Committee recommends that City Council confirm the Appointment (Appt).

  12. 6. Reappointment of Andrew L. Dannenberg as member, Seattle Planning Commission, for a term to April 15, 2029.
    Appointment (Appt)
    Action: confirm Passed

    The Committee recommends that City Council confirm the Appointment (Appt).

  13. 7. An ordinance relating to Council land use decisions; amending Sections 23.76.050, 23.76.062, and 25.05.680 of the Seattle Municipal Code to clarify processes for Council land use decisions.
    Council Bill (CB)
    Action: discussed

    The Council Bill (CB) was discussed in Committee.

  14. 8. An ordinance relating to land use and zoning; adopting temporary regulations previously in Ordinance 127309 for six months to exempt housing projects that meet Mandatory Housing Affordability requirements using on-site performance units from Design Review, and allowing permit applicants for all housing subject to Full Design Review the option of complying with Design Review pursuant to Administrative Design review; temporarily suspending mandatory, and allowing voluntary, design review of proposed development in Titles 23 and 25 of the Seattle Municipal Code, consistent with Chapter 333, Laws of 2023 and previously in Ordinance 127309; and amending Sections 23.41.002 and 23.41.004 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
    Council Bill (CB)
    Action: discussed

    The Council Bill (CB) was discussed in Committee.

  15. Adjournment