Zoning what is a SF 9600? What is a LTD or a NC340?

Let me explain it to you...

A caveat, every rule has an exception and the zoning laws are much more complicated then a simple chart or two page pdf file can explain. Please call me if you are interested in developing a lot. I have experience with developing multifamily and single family lots. I also have a list of architects whom have the ability to quickly asses how much house or how many units you can fit on your lot.

The following information is good for property located inside the Seattle City Limits.

Single Family Zoning

A lot Zoned SF5000, simply means Single Family, one house per 5000 Square feet of land.

Single Family Zoning Chart-->

Multi Family Zoning

Multifamily Zoning Chart -->

• LDT - Lowrise Duplex/Triplex. For every 2000 square feet of lot you have you are allowed one unit. (a 6000 square foot lot would yield 3 units, a triplex)
• L1 - Lowrise one. A density of one unit per 1600 Square Feet of lot, 25 foot height limit with a 10' allowance for the roof.
• L2 - Lowrise two. A density if one unit per 1200 SF of lot, 25' height, 10' allowance for roof..
• L3 - Lowrise three. A density of one unit per 800 SF of lot, 30' height limit, 5' for roof pitch.
• L4 - Lowrise four. A density of one unit per 600 SF of lot, 37' height limit, 5' roof pitch.
• MR - Midrise. No density limit, 60 foot max with 5' for the roof pitch.
• HR - Highrise. No density limit, height does have limits, but mainly its a function of finances limit.

Commercial Zoning

Commercial Zoning Chart -->

NC is an abbreviation for Neighborhood Commercial. NC340 is Neighborhood Commercial 3 with a 40' height limit. NC385

• NC1 - A small shopping area that provides primarily convenience retail sales and services to the surrounding residential neighborhood.
• NC2 - A moderately-sized pedestrian-oriented shopping area that provides a full range of retail sales and services to the surrounding neighborhood
• NC3 - A larger pedestrian-oriented shopping district serving the surrounding neighborhood and a larger community, citywide or regional clientele; allowing comparison shopping among a range of retail businesses
• C1 - An auto-oriented, primarily retail/service commercial area that serves surrounding neighborhoods as well as a citywide or regional clientele
• C2 - An auto-oriented, primarily non-retail commercial area, characterized by larger lots, parking, and a wide range of commercial uses serving community, citywide or regional markets

Industrial Zoning

Industrial Zoning Chart -->

• IG1 - The purpose of the IG1 zone is to protect marine and rail-related industrial areas from an inappropriate level of unrelated retail and commercial uses by limiting these uses to a density or size limit lower than that allowed for industrial uses.
• IG2 - The intent of the IG2 zone is to allow a broad range of uses where the industrial function of an area is less established than in IG1 zones, and where additional commercial activity could improve employment opportunities and the physical condition of the area, without conflicting with industrial activity.
• IB - The intent of the Industrial Buffer is to provide an appropriate transition between industrial areas and adjacent
  residential zones, or commercial zones having a residential orientation and/or a pedestrian character.
• IC - The intent of the Industrial Commercial zone is to promote development of businesses which incorporate a mix of industrial and commercial activities, including light manufacturing and research and development, while accommodating a wide range of other employment activities.