Mayor Bruce Harrell has signed new legislation aimed at streamlining the permitting process for the Sound Transit light rail expansion to Ballard and West Seattle, a move city leaders say will help deliver transit faster to Seattle neighborhoods.
At a signing event last week, Harrell was joined by King County Executive Shannon Braddock and transportation leaders to mark the formal adoption of the legislation, which was unanimously approved by City Council last month.
The legislation updates Seattle’s land use code to simplify and expedite permitting for both the Ballard and West Seattle Link Extensions. One of the key outcomes: cutting permitting times in half—from an average of 240 days to 120.
“Voters overwhelmingly approved the Sound Transit 3 expansion in 2016, and we have an obligation to deliver light rail on time and within budget,” said Mayor Harrell. “This legislation to reduce permitting time is an important step forward.”
The changes also align with an Executive Order Harrell issued earlier this year, part of his broader plan to speed up light rail delivery. The revised code includes improvements such as more efficient appeals processes, better accessibility for people walking and biking, and new standards for tree and vegetation management. The City has also expanded staffing and created a four-year work plan to support the effort.
Councilmember Dan Strauss, who represents District 6 and serves on the Sound Transit Board, emphasized the importance of moving quickly: “From Ballard to West Seattle and beyond, we need to build light rail faster. That’s what this legislation is all about—cutting red tape and delivering results. It’s about getting ourselves out of our own way and on track to fulfilling the promises made to voters.”
The Ballard Link Extension will add 7.7 miles of light rail and nine new stations between Ballard and Downtown, including a second transit tunnel and a Salmon Bay crossing. It’s projected to open by 2039.
Photo: Sound Transit