Too Close for Comfort

A hubbub regarding Seattle's Cosmpolitan has created a stir. A new, incredibly close development is sprouting up right next to it with the spacing between the two buildings amounting to a mere 18 feet. 18 feet is acutally less than the length of a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban which is 18'6". That's pretty tight.

This issue with the Cosmo isn't the only problem of its kind. It is most likely the first of many. There are proposals out for two more 500 ft towers that also hold a threat to breathing space and views. One of these possible encroachers is destined for the spot behind the now-under construction 31-story Escala and the other, planned as a residential tower of 39 stories, will lay south of the Cristala building.

Take a look at the map at the top of this article. The dotted red line encloses the zone where there is nothing that stops the buildings from being built close to one another. Or maybe it' should be called the zone of "license to smoosh."

The PI article notes that some developers have already thought ahead and are attempting to preserve the views that they have. For example, the developers of the Four Seasons and Harbor Steps jointly purchased the air rights above the Lusty Lady in 2005 in order to keep this space clear.

What can buyers who are afraid of this view obstruction and space squish do? The PI article (read more from link at bottom) offers some tips:

• Ask the developers what they know about nearby proposals and what zoning would allow, and whether they have bought air rights for surrounding lots to protect views and privacy.
• Look up the zoning of surrounding sites and understand what that zoning allows.
  
• Check surrounding addresses for project applications already filed, sign up for the notification lists for those projects so you get notice of any changes and check back regularly to look for new applications on other sites.
  
• Ask city planners about possible upcoming changes to what zoning would allow nearby.
  
• Comment in writing and at design-review hearings about proposed projects.
  
• Hire a land-use lawyer to do all this for you.
  Find information for Seattle by going to seattle.gov/dpd and clicking on "Research" for zoning maps, and "Notices" and "Permits" for information on proposals, or go to the Seattle Department of Planning and Development Public Resource Center, on the 20th floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 Fifth Ave. The center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and can be reached at 206-684-8467.
  
• And remember, it may not be possible to promise nobody ever will be able to build in front of your condo.
  

Read more:
Condo Owners Struggle For Views as Seattle Rises