John D. Spaeth Records

Series

Identifier: 1650-02

Scope and Contents note

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.

Dates

Creation: 1950-1969

Creator

Seattle (Wash.). Dept. of Community Development (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access note

Records are open to the public.

Biographical Note

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.

Historical Note

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The City Planning Commission was created by ordinance in 1924 and was first included in the City Charter in 1946. The Commission's role was to prepare plans and gather data for the development of the City, to advise City Council on current problems and long range planning, and to participate in administration of the City's Zoning Ordinance. It was provided with the authority to hire as needed to carry out its planning and advisory functions. However, the Planning Commission's decisions needed to be passed by ordinance before they became effective.

Between 1924 and 1974, the Commission's membership was changed periodically by ordinance. It varied in size from 9 to 25 members. The composition of the Commission also varied but always consisted of a percentage of the following: Mayoral appointees, ex-officio members from various government departments, as well as representatives elected by various government agencies.

With the creation of the Department of Community Development in 1969, the Commission became a part of the Department of Community Development. For the purpose of having a more broad-based membership, in 1974 the Commission membership was changed to be comprised of 15 Seattle citizens, appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council. If at all possible, the citizens would come from different neighborhoods and a variety of disciplines would be represented.

Due to reorganizations in city government, the Planning Commission became a part of the Office of Policy Planning in 1974 then was returned to the Department of Community Development in 1979. In 1980, an independent office of the Planning Commission was established. The Planning Commission would no longer review site-specific land use applications and permits. Its city planning functions were transferred to the Department of Community Development.

Full Extent

1 Cubic Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Files of Seattle's Director of Planning, John Spaeth, mainly covering the Central Business District study and Comprehensive Plan.

Related Archival Materials note

Researchers should also consult the Documents Index, the records of Assistant Planning Director Robert Hintz, and the records of Donald Monson on the Central Business District Study.