City of Seattle - Density Bonus for Green Buildings

Summary

Mayor Nickels signed downtown zoning legislation in April 2006 which established an incentive for the construction of green buildings. The incentive applies to buildings in the central office core and adjoining areas, including Denny Triangle and a portion of Belltown. Commercial and residential buildings in those portions of downtown which achieve a minimum LEED* certification at the Silver level can be built to greater heights and/or greater maximum floor areas. The Downtown Zoning Ordinance allows owners and developers to use either the LEED for New Construction (LEED–NC) or LEED for Core & Shell (LEED–CS) rating system. LEED–NC covers all building elements, including core and shell and interiors. LEED–CS covers base building elements (structure, envelope and systems).

To participate, the developer or owner must submit a letter of intent indicating their commitment to achieve at least a LEED Silver rating before issuance of the Master Use Permit. The City will then issue subsequent permits and the final Certificate of Occupancy based on this good faith commitment. Within 90 days of receiving the final Certificate of Occupancy, the applicant must submit documentation demonstrating that the building has achieved a LEED Silver Rating or higher.

*The USGBC LEED Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Click here for more information on the national LEED program.