Seattle is considering a set of zoning changes that would allow more housing in parts of Ballard and Crown Hill, including along the 15th Avenue NW corridor.
The proposal is part of the city’s “Centers and Corridors” legislation, which was transmitted to the Seattle City Council in January 2026. The legislation is intended to implement the recently updated Comprehensive Plan by increasing housing capacity in designated areas across the city.
In Northwest Seattle, the plan identifies areas such as Crown Hill and portions of Ballard for changes that would allow a broader range of housing types, including apartments and condominiums.
Maps included in the proposal show a new or expanded “Neighborhood Center” near the intersection of 15th Avenue NW and Holman Road NW in Crown Hill. These centers are described as areas within residential neighborhoods that can accommodate a mix of moderate-density housing near existing commercial districts and frequent transit.
Within these centers, zoning would allow mixed-use development, including residential, retail, and other services. Surrounding areas are proposed to shift to lowrise zones that allow multifamily buildings of varying heights.
The proposal also targets frequent transit corridors, such as 15th Avenue NW between NW 65th St and NW 77th St, for additional housing capacity. Along these routes, zoning changes would support increased residential density and mixed-use development.
Another area of Ballard proposed for new Neighborhood Commercial zoning is East Ballard, where the plan suggests changes on NW 65th St between 7th and 8th Avenues NW.
The legislation includes updates to several zoning categories, including lowrise and midrise designations, which would allow multifamily development ranging from approximately three to eight stories depending on the zone.
According to the proposal, the changes are intended to accommodate more housing in areas with access to transit, jobs, and services, while expanding opportunities for apartments and other multifamily housing types.
The proposal is currently under consideration by the Seattle City Council.
Photo: Google Image Capture, Sept 2025