Zoning Commission Minutes, 1920-1925

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Seattle (Wash.). Zoning Commission
Title
Zoning Commission Minutes
Dates
1920-1925 (inclusive)
Quantity
.2 cubic foot, (1 box)
Collection Number
1651-01
Summary
Proceedings of meetings of the Zoning Commission, 1920-1925. Minutes discuss zoning and classification of districts and properties.
Repository
Seattle Municipal Archives
Seattle Municipal Archives
Office of the City Clerk
City of Seattle
PO Box 94728
98124-4728
Seattle, WA
Telephone: 2062337807
Fax: 2063869025
archives@seattle.gov
Access Restrictions

Records are open to the public.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Historical NoteReturn to Top

The Zoning Commission was established in 1920 to survey the City, divide it into districts or zones, and recommend land use in those areas. The City Engineer, Superintendent of Buildings, one Parks Trustee, and six individuals appointed by the Mayor comprised the Commission membership. In 1923, the Commission presented a draft ordinance to City Council which became the City's first Zoning Code. Commission activities were superseded by creation of the City Planning Commission in 1924. Although inactive, the Commission was not abolished until 1936.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The Zoning Commission minutes consist of proceedings of regular and special meetings. Minutes contain information on members present, petitions and letters from Seattle citizens or citizens' groups, resolutions of the Commission, and reports of special committees. Classification of properties or districts (into such categories as Business, Residence, or Manufacturing), as well as building height limits and suggested amendments to zoning code, are discussed in the minutes.

The early minutes include reports from other cities regarding zoning used by Seattle as the city began the process of establishing zoning districts. Harland Bartholomew, City Plan Engineer of St. Louis, visited Seattle to assist the Zoning Commission; many of his reports and communications are discussed in the minutes. Also of interest are the minutes relating to controversy regarding packing houses in the Beacon Hill neighborhood; the late 1920 and early 1921 minutes discuss the issue at length.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

[Item and date], Zoning Commission Minutes, Record Series 1651-01. Box [number], Folder [number]. Seattle Municipal Archives.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

Minutes are arranged chronologically.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.

Zoning Commission Minutes, 1920-1925Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/1
Zoning Commission Minutes (March - June)
1920
1/2
Zoning Commission Minutes (July - November)
1920
1/3
Zoning Commission Minutes (December)
1920
1/4
Zoning Commission Minutes (January - February)
1921
1/5
Zoning Commission Minutes (March - May)
1921
1/6
Zoning Commission Minutes (June - December)
1921
1/7
Zoning Commission Minutes (January - June)
1922
1/8
Zoning Commission Minutes (July - December)
1922
1/9
Zoning Commission Minutes
1923
1/10
Zoning Commission Minutes
1924
1/11
Zoning Commission Minutes (January - February)
1925

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • City planning--Washington (State)--Seattle
  • Packing-houses--Washington (State)--Seattle
  • Zoning--Washington (State)--Seattle

Geographical Names

  • Seattle (Wash.)--Politics and government

Form or Genre Terms

  • Minutes