Visit MBAKS Connect for our full analysis of Seattle’s updated Comprehensive Plan.

On Tuesday, Dec. 16, the Seattle City Council adopted its updated Comprehensive Plan, a key requirement of the state’s Growth Management Act (GMA) that sets the city’s 20-year vision. The plan will guide local decisions related to housing, land use, and other priorities to align with Seattle’s long-term goals and community values.

A key update in the Comprehensive Plan is its alignment with House Bill 1110, enacted by the State Legislature more than two years ago. HB 1110 requires local jurisdictions to allow for a broader spectrum of housing choices, including duplexes, townhomes, stacked flats, courtyard apartments, and cottage housing. The law allows for a minimum of four housing units on all residential lots, and at least six on all residential lots within a quarter mile of major transit. By reducing barriers to housing production near jobs and transit, HB 1110 advances the core principles of GMA while maintaining protections for environmentally sensitive and open spaces.

“Seattle’s adoption of its updated Comprehensive Plan means that the city has taken a major step forward in addressing the housing shortage placing homes out of reach for so many,” said Jerry Hall, executive director of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS). “We commend Seattle for lowering many barriers to housing choices in the city even as we look ahead to persistent challenges that still exist in the work to make housing more attainable for all. MBAKS will continue to focus on offering our expertise regarding how best to facilitate more housing that is attainable for current residents, newcomers, and future generations.”

Reducing Barriers to Housing in Seattle’s Updated Comprehensive Plan

Seattle’s updated Comprehensive Plan removes several long-standing obstacles to housing production and allows for more efficient use of the city’s buildable land. Notably, the plan:

• Invests in accessory dwelling units as a popular housing option.
• Improves use of limited buildable land for housing.
• Addresses the need for housing and trees. 

Persistent Barriers to Housing Options in Seattle’s Updated Comprehensive Plan

Unfortunately, Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan preserves barriers that will continue to drive up the cost of housing for both renters and homeowners.

Under the plan, Seattle’s Department of Construction & Inspections would retain broad subjective discretion when reviewing new housing proposals related to tree canopy management. MBAKS supports the shared goal of maintaining a healthy urban tree canopy but strongly prefers a clearly defined, objective policy framework that provides transparency, predictability, and timely review for applicants.

The plan also relies on arbitrary minimum tree-per-square foot requirements, which further restrict already limited buildable land. These requirements increase the single greatest cost barrier for new housing: the price of land without demonstratable environmental benefit. Homebuilders are already subject to strict regulations that oversee new construction so that our water, air, and soil are appropriately protected. Homebuilders also routinely plant more trees during construction than are removed.

MBAKS members demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship by partnering with local jurisdictions through the association’s Planting a Better Tomorrow event.

“While other barriers to housing remain, MBAKS will continue to advocate for policies and partnerships needed to expand Seattle’s housing supply, ensuring everyone has a place to call home,” said Logan Schmidt, MBAKS’s Seattle Government Affairs Manager.

Visit MBAKS Connect for our full analysis of Seattle’s updated Comprehensive Plan.

Michell Filleau-Maas, our community stewardship manager, needs your help to make our 25th anniversary of Rampathon successful.

Volunteer

Contact:
Stephanie Giralmo, Public Relations & Media Manager
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
p 425.457.7067

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MBAKS Builds Ramps to Give Mobility Freedom to Those in Need

BELLEVUE, Wash., May 23, 2022—Since 1993 the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) has built almost 600 wheelchair access ramps for families in need. Built by MBAKS members and community volunteers, these ramps provide a much-needed benefit for those who struggle to get themselves or their loved ones safely in and out of their homes.

“As one of our signature community stewardship programs, Rampathon is something we look forward to every year,” says Jerry Hall, Executive Director at MBAKS. “I have so much gratitude for our members, who lend their free time and knowledge to provide mobility freedom to individuals and families within our community.”

MBAKS is planning to build 27 mobility ramps for deserving families across King and Snohomish Counties this year. As part of this effort, they showcased Francisco Avila-Mooney, an 8-year-old who is wheelchair-bound and has multiple equipment needs for his therapy and care. At the time of the showcase, the Avila-Mooney Family did not have a ramp, which made it difficult to get Francisco out of the house. However, thanks to the efforts of MBAKS member, Shirey Home Pro, the family now has a new ramp that aids in ease of mobility and safety, making it easier to transport Francisco to and from his appointments.

In addition to the 22 member companies that volunteered to be a part of this year’s program, long-time program sponsor Dunn Lumber supplied the lumber at no cost and BECU provided funding as the Community Sponsor.

“MBAKS has been working tirelessly since 1909 to support builders who build homes for our communities and provide attainable homes for all,” said Traci Tenhulzen, MBAKS Board President and Executive Producer at Tenhulzen Residential. “It is a pleasure to be a part of an association that provides this invaluable service of universal access to those in need. Tenhulzen Residential has been building ramps for Rampathon since the program began and we look forward to building our 33rd ramp this summer.”

About MBAKS

Founded in 1909 and headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) is the nation’s oldest and largest local homebuilders’ association. Like our founders, our members continue to take a leading role in all facets of homebuilding and support the planning for a growing region. From new technology to advances in sustainability, from collaborative public policy efforts to investing in our communities, our commitment to a thriving, inclusive and well-planned region never wavers. We are the professional homebuilders, architects, remodelers, tradespeople (carpenters, framers, roofers, plumbers, electricians), planners and engineers, suppliers, manufacturers, and sales and marketing professionals in your community who believe everyone deserves access to a healthy and productive place to call home.

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