By Brent Carson on Posted in EnvironmentalOn April 27th, EPA and the Corps issued new draft guidance for determining whether there is federal Clean Water Act jurisdiction over various streams, wetlands, lakes and ponds. There is a 60 day comment period before the guidance is finalized and effective. Previously issued federal agency guidance technically remains in effect, but the agencies appear … Continue Reading
By Katie F. Cote, AICP on Posted in Land Use,MunicipalSeattle’s City Council unanimously approved a pilot program that will enliven downtown lots left vacant after the real estate bust. The City hopes to replace parking lots with public art, mobile food vending, retail kiosks, tree nurseries, community gardens, or any other similar use that enlivens the area for pedestrians. Is this Seattle’s first step toward … Continue Reading
By Cristina L. Jorgenson on Posted in Real EstateLast week, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed into law the Foreclosure Fairness Act of 2011, a bill that gives homeowners working with housing counselors or attorneys the right to third-party mediation of foreclosures. The Act is intended to help homeowners obtain loan modifications necessary to avoid foreclosure. Washington is the third state to adopt a foreclosure-mediation … Continue Reading
By Katie F. Cote, AICP on Posted in Development,Growth Management Act,Land Use,Land Use Planning,Real EstateCottage communities are gaining popularity across the country for those wanting less space and more convenience without losing access to a yard. Touted as anti-sprawl and as more sustainable than other forms of single family housing, Seattle-based architect Ross Chapin has compared cottages to the Mini Cooper: “smart, sensual, well-engineered and reliable.” Successful cottage developments in urban areas … Continue Reading
By Cristina L. Jorgenson on Posted in Development,Real EstateA struggling economy has made the issue of co-tenancy clauses in leases more important than ever for both landlords and tenants. With the vacancy rate for strip malls at a national average of 10.9%, the country’s highest level in 20 years, co-tenancy clauses have proven to be a problematic concession for landlords and a valuable … Continue Reading
By Duncan M. Greene on Posted in Development,Growth Management Act,Land Use,Land Use Planning,MunicipalThe City of Issaquah recently announced a complex agreement involving a transfer of development rights (TDR) transaction that will preserve more than 140 acres of forested land in and around the City, including the entire Park Pointe area at the base of Tiger Mountain. Several years ago, a developer had proposed to build hundreds of … Continue Reading
