Historical Note
The City Planning Commission was created in 1924 to prepare plans and
gather data for urban planning and the physical development of the City, to
advise City Council on current problems and long range planning, and to
participate in administration and revision of the City's Zoning Ordinance. A
Zoning Commission was created in 1920 to develop the City's first Zoning Code
which was adopted in 1923.
The Planning Commission initially was comprised of 25 members, but in
1930, membership nine. Prior to 1946, funding for the Commission cam from the
Engineering Department. A City Charter amendment in 1946 created and
independent nine-member commission with fiscal autonomy. The Commission was
given authority to hire employees as needed to carry out its planning and
advisory functions. A Director of Planning was appointed in 1948 and,
subsequently, work began on creation of the City's first Comprehensive Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1957. The Planning Commission also
administered the Board of Adjustment which was created with adoption of the
Comprehensive Plan.
The Planning Commission, along with the Urban Renewal Program, was
absorbed by the Department of Community Development when the latter was
established in 1969. In 1992, DCD was abolished and the Planning Commission
became a self-contained entity. As an independent body, it advises Mayor, City
Council, and City departments on planning policies and physical development
plans and projects. It has 15 members who are Seattle residents and includes an
engineer or architect, urban planner, ethnic minority members, and citizens
active in neighborhood affairs.
John Spaeth was appointed as the full time director of planning in 1948.
Spaeth hired a planning staff and worked with business leaders, neighborhood
organizations, and civic groups to garner support for the idea of a
Comprehensive Plan. In developing the Plan, Spaeth and his staff created the
City's first neighborhood plans for those post-World War II areas that were
expanding at a rapid rate. He also focused on planning for the Central Business
District. Following development of the Comprehensive Plan, the City adopted a
new Zoning Code based on the Plan. Spaeth retired from City service in 1971.
Content Description
The records reflect an incomplete set of Planning Director Files of John
Spaeth. The bulk of the records relate to the Central Business District study
and the Comprehensive Plan. Population, traffic, transportation are all
included in the background information. A report and background information is
also included on Alki and the recreational needs of the community, including a
study of the natatorium and whether or not it should be replaced. Other files
reflect work on zoning issues, including over-water construction. Of note is an
inventory of civic arts structures.
