The Land Use Committee on April 2 recommended passage of Council Bill 120771, a three‑year interim ordinance that temporarily expands what can qualify as required street‑level uses in parts of downtown, South Lake Union and Uptown to encourage occupancy of vacant storefronts and second‑floor commercial spaces.

The measure matters because downtown activation is a stated council goal and vacant storefronts limit pedestrian traffic and perception of safety, committee members and business groups said during public comment. The committee approved two amendments: one extending the interim authority along the length of Westlake Avenue between Mercer and Denny, and a second requiring semiannual written reports from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) on the number, location, and type of interim uses permitted, with the first report due Dec. 31, 2025.

Supporters framed the bill as a pragmatic step to bring foot traffic and economic activity back to the downtown core. Kira Lisakatos, Downtown Seattle Association, told the committee, “Expanding allowable street level uses to include arts, institutional, and office spaces will invigorate downtown streetscapes, attract pedestrian traffic, and reduce vacancies.” Lily Hayward, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, said the measure “will enable more small businesses to capitalize upon vacant commercial space, generating economic activity and improving the perceptions and reality of public safety.”

Central staff and SDCI staff described the ordinance as temporary and geographically targeted. Under the adopted amendment, the ordinance’s interim provisions would remain in effect for three years unless the council acts to extend them. Councilmember Rivera, sponsor of the reporting amendment, said the semiannual reporting will allow the council to evaluate whether interim uses are activating space without creating overconcentrations that could preclude future pedestrian‑oriented businesses.

Committee votes were unanimous. The committee adopted Amendment 1 (Westlake extension) and Amendment 2 (reporting) and then voted to recommend passage of the bill as amended. The committee clerk recorded votes of Councilmember Moore (Aye), Councilmember Rink (Yes), Councilmember Rivera (Aye) and Chair Mark Solomon (Aye). The committee will forward the recommendation to the full council for final action.

SDCI staff said the department can assemble the requested reporting with modest staff time and noted the report should identify floor area used for interim purposes and whether that floor area would otherwise be chargeable for purposes such as MHA (Mandatory Housing Affordability) fees. Rivera said the semiannual reports will help the council decide whether to extend or adjust the temporary program after seeing how the market responds.

The committee also discussed allowed uses such as research‑and‑development tenants. Rivera and Councilmember Moore said they had discussed potential concerns about wet labs; Rivera said the geographic scope is limited to areas where such uses already occur, and she did not bring additional risk‑mitigation restrictions at this time. The committee’s recommendation will be sent to the full council.