Seattle puts Design Review on the map

We’ve got big news for those looking for an easier way to participate in development project reviews in their neighborhood.

Today, the Seattle Department of Planning and Development (DPD) unveiled an online map application, Shaping Seattle: Buildings. By simply clicking on any blue dot on the map, a user can see aspects of a project that requires or has gone through a Design Review, including an illustration and the design proposal itself, a timeline of community meetings and decisions, and how to comment on the project.

“Our new map is an interactive opportunity to learn more about what is being built in Seattle, and in your neighborhood,” says Mayor Ed Murray. “It is a great step forward in keeping communities more informed and involved in shaping the growth of our city.”

Whether it’s in Ballard other neighborhoods, this mobile-friendly map makes it easier for users to add their comments to proposed projects. DPD believes this tool can foster a more transparent Design Review process that values public outreach.

The new DPD map improves features originally seen in a similar development map called Seattle In Progress. The private technologist Ethan Phelps-Goodman who released his creation, Seattle In Progress, eight months ago says he is continuing to refine his tool and add to it. For additional information on that project, read the November report by GeekWire here.

While Goodman’s map allows users to see development projects in their area, DPD’s new map gives additional access to the Design Review process, offering a foundation for other enhanced features to be revealed in the near future.

Similar to their hope for user-involvement on development proposals, DPD invites users to give feedback on the map itself. Visit the Shaping Seattle: Buildings map at http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/shapingseattle.