Historical Note
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 Commission activities were superseded by creation of the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 Description
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.