Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell joined King County Executive Shannon Braddock and transportation leaders to sign new legislation that will streamline the permitting process for Sound Transit expansion to Ballard and West Seattle.
The light rail transit facilities land use code amendments legislation was adopted unanimously by City Council last month. The legislation is part of Mayor Harrell’s overall vision to safely and efficiently deliver light rail in Seattle and builds on an Executive Order issued in February 2025.
“Voters overwhelming approved the Sound Transit 3 expansion in 2016, and we have an obligation to deliver light rail on time and within budget. Seattle is fully committed to taking every available step to partner with Sound Transit and support this work, and this legislation to reduce permitting time is an important step forward,” said Mayor Harrell. “Light rail expansion is a generational investment in our region’s future and the largest transit expansion happening in the country. We cannot – we will not – squander this transformative opportunity and let red tape get in the way of real progress.”
As the Sound Transit Board grapples with the affordability of the ST3 system, there is no greater action that the City of Seattle could take to demonstrate partnership to Sound Transit and help deliver light rail to the communities that overwhelmingly supported ST3 in 2016.
This legislation amends the City’s land use code to simplify and streamline development standards and permit processes for the entirety of the Ballard and West Seattle light rail projects with a goal of cutting the permitting time in half, from the previous average of 240 days down to 120. The revised code develops comprehensive tree and vegetation management plans, improves accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, creates a more efficient appeals process, and will sequence construction to keep people and goods moving.
“Sound Transit and the City of Seattle have taken an important step toward keeping the West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions on track,” said King County Executive Shannon Braddock. “This kind of collaboration benefits the entire region as we work to expand Link light rail.”
This legislation fulfills Mayor Harrell’s Executive Order to streamline ST3 project permitting and delivery, effectively cutting the expected permitting time in half. In addition to developing and passing this legislation, the City has taken steps to improve organization with the new Office of the Waterfront, Civic Projects, and Sound Transit, adding more staff in 2025 and 2026, and creating a four-year work plan to ensure a safe and excellent transit experience.
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 expected to be completed by 2039. 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, projected to finish by 2032. An infill station at South Graham Street will add one new station on the existing 1-Line, projected to open by 2031.
What People Are Saying
Councilmember Mark Solomon (District 2)
“As Chair of the land use committee, I am proud of the work we did to move this legislation forward,” said Councilmember Mark Solomon (District 2). “This bill will help permit Sound Transit’s projects more efficiently than in the past, while maintaining standards for public notice and project awareness. This legislation demonstrates our commitment to light rail expansion by supporting the completion of the West Seattle and Ballard lines, improving mobility, and creating a more connected Seattle.”
Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1)
“As the representative of District 1 and as Chair of the Seattle City Council Transportation Committee, I am in strong support of Sound Transit’s West Seattle Link Extension project. This project plays an important role in connecting our city, increasing economic opportunities, and encouraging civic engagement and cohesion. The recently passed land use code amendment legislation will help usher in this important and transformative infrastructure investment while still supporting my advocacy for transparency, mitigation, and reducing disruptions during construction.”
Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6)
“From Ballard to West Seattle and beyond, we need to build light rail faster. That’s what this legislation is all about – cutting red tape and delivering results. It’s about getting ourselves out of our own way and on track to fulfilling the promises made to voters. This kind of commonsense action is how we build a more affordable, abundant, climate resilient city,” said Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6), Sound Transit Board Member.
Dow Constantine, CEO, Sound Transit
“Today’s Code Amendment legislation is the result of years of coordination between Sound Transit and the City of Seattle with the shared goal of delivering light rail as quickly as possible. We are grateful to have a committed partner in the City of Seattle who understands the importance of streamlining the permitting process to allow us to keep our voter-approved projects on schedule.”
Angela Brady, Director, Office of the Waterfront, Civic Projects, and Sound Transit
“This bill provides a reliable and much faster permitting process for the West Seattle and Ballard Link Extension projects. It represents the City’s One Seattle approach that brought together several key departments, as well as representatives from Sound Transit, to bring this legislation to fruition after years of collaboration and partnership. We look forward to faster delivery of light rail for Seattle residents.”
Adiam Emery, Interim Director, Seattle Department of Transportation
“At SDOT, we are committed to delivering what our voters have asked for—transit solutions that benefit everyone. This legislation represents a monumental step forward in streamlining the process for the Ballard and West Seattle light rail projects. SDOT is proud to help lead this effort, prioritizing efficiency, transparency, and community needs every step of the way.”
Nathan Torgelson, Director, Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections
“With the legislation now approved, our team at the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections is proud to move forward with streamlined permitting and refined light rail design standards—reflecting years of dedicated work and strong community input. These changes will deliver a more efficient process while preserving public engagement, coordinated tree and construction management, and robust bike and scooter parking at every station.”
Erin Goodman, Executive Director, SODO BIA
“Light rail expansion will better connect the region with the economic opportunities in SODO, providing transportation for thousands of workers and visitors throughout the region. With over 1200 businesses and tens of thousands of jobs, SODO is a vibrant district that will bear the brunt of expansion construction. We appreciate this legislation because it will deliver the light rail faster, provide certainty around construction impacts, and keep people and goods moving. The SODO Business Improvement Area and its businesses looks forward to continuing to partner with the City on mitigation strategies.”
Kirk Hovenkotter, Executive Director, Transportation Choices Coalition
“This legislation gives the term ‘Seattle Process’ a new meaning. It will speed up light rail construction in Seattle, delivering on what transit riders have been clamoring for. This legislation is Seattle’s commitment to work with Sound Transit to get light rail done sooner. Transit riders need this. Every extra day we plan or permit, that means another grinding commute for our nurses, teachers, and grocery workers. This legislation will shave hundreds of days off that process. Building big things is hard. It’s a challenge that cities across the country are facing. Constructing light rail is like putting the plumbing into a house that’s already built. But our climate and our commuters urgently need more sustainable, reliable, and equitable transportation. Seattle leaders are showing the nation our commitment to building big things faster in our city. We commend Mayor Harrell, Land Use Chair Solomon, and the Council for their leadership on cutting red tape and speeding up light rail.”