Neighborhood Residential Code

See also: Land Use Code, Zoning, Environmental Codes, Accessory Dwelling Units

The City recently adopted ordinances 127211 and 127219 to boost housing supply and options in Seattle’s residential zones. The online Seattle Municipal Code may take several months to be updated. You can download consolidated versions of the Neighborhood Residential Code and the Accessory Dwelling Units for reference.

What is it?

Much of Seattle is zoned as Neighborhood Residential. This zone is characterized by moderate density housing that includes:

  • Attached units (e.g. townhouses)
  • Detached units (e.g. one unit dwelling)
  • Stacked units (e.g. apartments)
  • Accessory dwelling units

Other residential uses permitted in this zone are:

  • Adult family homes
  • Congregate residences
  • Low-income housing
  • Permanent supportive housing

The City also allows limited commercial uses in this zone.

In 2025, the City Council passed Ordinance 127376 that brought our code into compliance with state laws related to middle housing. The state laws are intended to incorporate more density across the state while still being compatible with single family development. Ordinance 127376 also updated the City’s zoning use and development standards to align with the One Seattle Plan, Seattle’s comprehensive plan.  

Development and use standards in the Neighborhood Residential zone regulate the:

  • Types of uses allowed
  • Number of dwelling units
  • Size, height, and location of structures
  • Landscaping and amenity areas
  • Parking location

You can learn more about the code in our Neighborhood Residential summary flyer.

Read the Code

Proposed Changes

For proposed changes to land use regulations, see our Changes to Code page and the Office of Planning and Community Development's Ongoing Initiatives list.

Construction and Inspections

Brooke D. Belman, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 34019, Seattle, WA, 98124-4019
Phone: (206) 684-8600
Phone Alt: Violation Complaint Line: (206) 615-0808
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SDCI issues land use, construction, and trade permits, conducts construction and housing-related inspections, ensures compliance with our codes, and regulates rental rules. SDCI is committed to an antiracist workplace and to addressing racism through our work in the community.