Seattle – Today, Seattle Mayor and Sound Transit Board Member Bruce Harrell announced new legislation to support the expansion of light rail in Seattle, with a goal of cutting permit review times in half. Revising Seattle’s land use code will lead to better neighborhood transit connections through faster permitting and strengthening the City of Seattle’s (City) partnership with Sound Transit.
“Expanding Seattle’s light rail system is absolutely essential to our city’s future. This is about delivering real, tangible benefits for residents, commuters, and visitors that will help support good transit, affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and economic growth,” said Mayor Harrell. “We are committed to working closely with Sound Transit to minimize delays and ensure this critical project moves forward on time — if not faster. My administration is focused on making demonstrable progress and holding ourselves accountable every step of the way, and we expect Sound Transit to share the same level of urgency and commitment to this transformative effort.”
Building on the Mayor’s Executive Order issued in February 2025, the legislation amends sections of the City’s land use code which haven’t been updated in over 20 years and were not designed for a light rail system that crosses a dozen neighborhoods and 19 different zoning areas. The proposed changes would simplify and streamline station design along the entire West Seattle and Ballard light rail projects by creating consistent standards.
“This legislation, coupled with Citywide coordination with Sound Transit, retains public process and our regulatory authority while shaving critical time off the permit process to help bring needed transit service to our communities sooner,” said Angela Brady, Director of the Office of the Waterfront, Civic Projects, and Sound Transit. “Our One Seattle approach provides a one-stop shop for Sound Transit, and by saving time, they can also save money.”
The revised code was developed with the input of community and business organizations, as well as City advisory boards and commissions. The legislation accomplishes six main goals:
- Develop comprehensive tree and vegetation management plans
- Integrate stations with nearby streets and public spaces
- Establish the Seattle Design Commission as an advisory review body that accepts public comment
- Ensure accessibility for everyone including adequate bicycle and scooter parking
- Create a more efficient appeal process
- Create plans for construction sequencing, staging, and detours to support the movement of people and goods.
“Seattle is committed to creating light rail stations that are not only practical and accessible, but also enhance the communities they serve,” said Councilmember Mark Solomon (District 2), Chair of the Land Use Committee. “By implementing these land use code changes we are taking a proactive approach to managing station design.”
The West Seattle Link Extension will add 4.1 miles of light rail from Downtown Seattle to West Seattle, with four new stations and a bridge over the Duwamish River, currently projected to finish by 2032. The Ballard Link Extension will add 7.7 miles of light rail connecting Downtown Seattle to Ballard, with nine new stations, a second downtown transit tunnel, and a Salmon Bay crossing. It is currently expected to be completed by 2039. New stations on the existing 1-Line at NE 130th Street (Pinehurst) and South Graham Street are projected to open in 2026 and 2031, respectively.
What People Are Saying
Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6), Sound Transit Board Member
“Implementing legislation efficiently is crucial to building the infrastructure our city needs. This legislation is a key step toward streamlining government processes to deliver impactful results. I look forward to collaborating on solutions that not only accelerate progress but also engage the public in creating a more connected, affordable, and climate-resilient Seattle.”
Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1)
“As Chair of the Seattle City Council Transportation Committee and District 1 representative, I’ve been a steadfast advocate for Sound Transit’s light rail extension projects. The West Seattle Link Extension, in particular, is a transformative investment for our neighborhoods—connecting communities, boosting our economy, and enhancing civic engagement. I’ll continue to advocate for transparency, fair compensation for those displaced, and reduced disruption during construction.”
Dow Constantine, Sound Transit CEO
“Our strong partnership with the City is critical to the work of advancing the ST3 projects overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2016. The permitting improvements in this legislation will streamline the process and offer us more certainty as we work to expand the regional transit system to West Seattle and Ballard.”
Nathan Torgelson, Director, Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections
“Our team at the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections have been working diligently for years to improve business practices and develop refined light rail design standards which address community priorities and streamline the permitting process. Permitting will offer public input, consolidated tree management plans, and adequate bike and scooter parking at every station.”
Joseph Roberts, Co-Chair Seattle Bike Advisory Board
“This legislation ensures that every light rail station is equipped with a variety of bike and scooter parking options from day one, supporting seamless last-mile connections and keeping sidewalks clear for those with mobility challenges. Just as importantly, it holds Sound Transit accountable for expanding parking availability in the future if demand grows, ensuring accessible and sustainable transit for years to come.”
Kevin O’Neill, Chair, Seattle Design Commission
“The Seattle Design Commission is ready to assist and advise SDCI and SDOT in their review of light rail transit plans to ensure that stations and key sections of the new railway are responsive to the local environment in which they are proposed.”
Kirk Hovenkotter, Executive Director of Transportation Choices Coalition
“We support Mayor Bruce Harrell’s forward-thinking proposal to expedite the expansion of Seattle’s light rail system. This plan strikes the balance between accelerating much-needed transit infrastructure and maintaining Seattle’s commitment to the environment and inclusive public engagement. A robust light rail system is essential for a sustainable, connected future, and this legislation helps ensure we remain on track to deliver it.”